Jeremiah 17:1-4
Summary for Jer 17:1-4: 17:1-4 a The families of Judah were committed to Baal worship; once again, the Lord listed the sins that justified their judgment. 17:1 b A stone mason used an iron chisel or a diamond point to permanently inscribe images and texts on stones. Idol worship had so hardened the thoughts, emotions, and will of the people that it seemed impossible for them to change.• In Old Testament times, the corners of ... altars had projections called “horns” (e.g., Exod 27:1-2 c). According to covenant rules, when an animal sacrifice was offered, blood was applied to these horns. How Baal worshipers treated them is unknown.
17:2 d Asherah poles were cut from trees and erected near altars dedicated to Baal, the Canaanite storm god. Asherah was the Canaanite goddess who symbolized the fertility of moist ground that could produce crops. Ritual sex was performed near these altars to cause rain to fall, seeds to sprout, and plants to grow. A tree growing near an altar could also represent this fertility goddess. The people of Judah were so depraved that parents encouraged their children to join them in these rituals.
17:3 e The Lord’s holy mountain was the Temple Mount in Jerusalem; wealth and treasures were stored there.
17:4 f The wonderful possession, the Promised Land, would slip from Judah’s hands when the people were taken as captives to Babylon.
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