“I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NKJV)

Judah’s downfall is inevitable. Yet the promise is held before them again and again that if only they turn to God, Jerusalem will remain forever (v.v. 24-25).

Baal worship has become so much a part of the people’s everyday lives that God sees it as engraved on their hearts. It is so widely practiced in Judah that it cannot be removed from the land unless the people themselves are removed. Those who ignored God and trust in themselves are likened to a useless stunted bush that tries to grow in barren ground. Those who trust in God are likened to a healthy green tree that flourishes in well-watered fertile soil.

Because of the deceitfulness of the human heart, we may not understand our own actions and motives. Only God knows the hidden attitudes of our hearts, and he treats us accordingly.

Sources:

Halley, Henry H. Halley’s Bible Handbook. ePub Format. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2000.

MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.

Olive Tree Bible Software, 1998-2020.

http://www.biblegateway.com

Published by Pastorbluejeans Unplugged

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