Jeremiah 17:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 17:2
2 Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 17 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, obedience, hope. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 17:2
2 Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.
Analysis
This verse reveals the tragic intergenerational transmission of idolatry. The children's remembrance of "altars and groves" (asherim, אֲשֵׁרִים—wooden poles representing the Canaanite goddess Asherah) demonstrates how false worship becomes culturally embedded. The parents' compromise has shaped their children's spiritual formation, creating cycles of covenant unfaithfulness.
The locations specified—"by the green trees upon the high hills"—reference classic sites of Canaanite fertility cult worship that Israel was commanded to destroy (Deut 12:2-3). Instead of eliminating these pagan shrines, Judah adopted them, blending Yahweh worship with nature-based polytheism. This syncretism violated the first and second commandments, provoking God's covenant wrath.
Theologically, this passage emphasizes the covenantal principle that God visits "the iniquity of the fathers upon the children" (Ex 20:5)—not arbitrary punishment, but the natural consequence of sin's social transmission. Parents who compromise their faith inevitably shape their children's spiritual trajectory. This underscores the Reformed emphasis on covenant nurture, catechesis, and the vital importance of maintaining doctrinal purity for future generations.
Historical Context
High places (bamot) were elevated worship sites pre-dating Israel's settlement in Canaan. Though sometimes used for legitimate Yahweh worship before the temple's construction, they became associated with idolatrous practices. The "groves" or Asherah poles represented the consort of Baal in Canaanite religion. Despite repeated warnings from prophets and occasional reforms, these sites persisted throughout Judah's history, demonstrating the tenacity of cultural syncretism and the human tendency toward idolatry.
Reflection
- What spiritual compromises might we be transmitting to the next generation through our worship practices and priorities?
- How does this warning about children remembering their parents' idolatry inform our approach to family discipleship?
- In what ways do modern Christians create 'high places'—locations or practices where worship of God is mixed with worldly values?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Jeremiah 7:18, 2 Chronicles 33:3, Isaiah 17:8
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 2:20, Judges 3:7, 2 Chronicles 24:18, Isaiah 1:29