A Tree Planted by Streams of Water: Understanding Jeremiah 17:7-8
You may be familiar with Jeremiah 17:7-8, which describes a tree planted by streams of water. In this article, we’ll explore the biblical context of this verse, the imagery of the tree by water, and the symbolism of water in scripture.
“They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:8 NLT
Jeremiah 17:7-8 is part of a larger message from the prophet Jeremiah, who was speaking to the people of Judah about their disobedience to God. In this particular passage, Jeremiah is urging the people to trust in God rather than in their own strength or the strength of others. He uses the image of a tree planted by streams of water to illustrate the idea that those who trust in God will prosper, even in difficult times. This message of faith and trust is one that is still relevant today, and can provide comfort and inspiration to those who are struggling.
So, with me being a pastor’s wife and an elementary teacher, I am constantly striving to do my best for my church family and my students (my online students, as well as my church kiddos), but in order for me to continually pour out, I need to be filling myself up all the MORE! That’s why I LOVE this passage where it talks about the roots REACHING DEEP into the water! WHO is that water? Well, it’s the Living Water, Jesus! How do I get filled up with this Living Water? I reach DEEP into His Word to sustain me EACH day!
I’ve been learning more and more about outdoor plants every year 🌱 …THIS year I was focusing on WHAT to plant in my window boxes on the west side of our house, which gets SUPER hot! 🥵 I’ve tried different sorts of flowers every year for the past 7 years since they’ve all been tempremental, 😂 so THIS year I’m trying lavender, since they love the sun and well drained soil. While reading my planting instructions, (because YES, I AM a “rule follower”) I learned something NEW…when you water your plant, don’t just water the roots, but water the surrounding dirt of the entire planter, because that causes the roots to REACH FURTHER FOR THE WATER SOURCE, and in turn will cause the roots AND plant to grow STRONGER!! WOW!!! 😮 🌱 🪴
What if we would just eat food a few times each week? What would happen to us? We would feel depleted, with no strength or energy to function well or SERVE our families…We need to REACH DEEP and nourish our bodies with food that WILL sustain us for healthy living! It’s the same way with our spiritual bodies…we need God’s Word as healthy fuel for our bodies EVERY day, not just a few times a week (going to church on Sunday and even Wednesday is NOT gonna fill you up, I promise!) 💜
(Heads up: 😊 this page includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase on these links, I may receive a small commission as an Amazon Associate at no extra cost to you! I only recommended products that I absolutely LOVE myself! ❤️)
Have you ever read “The Well-Watered Woman” by Gretchen Saffles? A dear friend just gave it to me last week, and I’m literally soaking it up! 😉 🪴
These are SOME of the ways I fill my spiritual self up:
- Listening to Focus on the Family on my local radio station while doing the dishes or laundry! (It IS ok to multitask when getting filled up with Jesus!) 😉 They have TONS of broadcasts about marriage, parenting, single life, teaching, church situations, family struggles, community events, etc…
- Putting praise and worship music on while getting other tasks done around the house. 🎶 (did you know that the enemy HATES when we praise our Creator? And he can’t stand to BE around praise, which means that while you are sweeping the floor, Jesus is sweeping the enemy OUT of your house!) 😂 🧹
- Being STILL and reading about a specific Bible character and how he/she put their faith in Jesus, through the rough and tough stormy times, AND in the good times!
- Reading how Jesus interacted with people in Matthew, Mark, Luke or John…if I want to become more LIKE Him, I have to KNOW how he handled people! ❤️
- Serving others in your church or community, WHEN the Spirit prompts you to do so! When I am serving others, it takes the focus from “me” to “them”!
Key Takeaways
- The tree planted by streams of water is a powerful image of faith and trust in God.
- Water is a common symbol in scripture, representing life, renewal, and purification.
- The message of Jeremiah 17:7-8 is still relevant today, and can provide comfort and inspiration to those who are struggling.
Biblical Context of Jeremiah 17:7-8
In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet delivers messages from God to the people of Judah. In chapter 17, Jeremiah warns the people against trusting in themselves or in other people, instead of trusting in God. He uses the metaphor of a tree to illustrate the difference between those who trust in God and those who do not.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
The image of a tree planted by water is a powerful one. In ancient Israel, water was a precious commodity, and a tree that was planted by a stream would have a reliable source of nourishment, even in times of drought. The idea of a tree that does not fear when heat comes, and remains green even in a dry season, is a powerful metaphor for the person who trusts in God.
By contrast, those who trust in themselves or in other people are like a shrub in the desert, according to Jeremiah 17:6. They have no reliable source of nourishment, and they are vulnerable to the heat and the drought.
In the context of the book of Jeremiah, the message is clear: those who trust in God will be blessed and will thrive, even in difficult times. The tree planted by streams of water is a symbol of the abundance and the blessing that comes from trusting in God.
Imagery of the Tree by Water
In Jeremiah 17:7-8, the prophet uses the imagery of a tree planted by streams of water to describe the blessedness of those who trust in the Lord. This image is a powerful metaphor that conveys the idea of strength, nourishment, and growth.
When a tree is planted by a stream of water, it has a constant source of nourishment. The water provides the tree with the necessary nutrients to grow and thrive. In the same way, when you trust in the Lord, you have a constant source of spiritual nourishment. You are able to draw from His wisdom, strength, and love to help you grow and flourish in your faith.
The imagery of the tree by water also conveys the idea of stability. Just as a tree with deep roots is able to withstand strong winds and storms, a person who trusts in the Lord is able to withstand the trials and challenges of life. When you have a strong foundation in your faith, you are able to stand firm and remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
How can I NOT insert the song “Firm Foundation” here!! 😊 ❤️ 🎵
As well as the kid’s song from Cedarmont Kids “I shall not be moved”! 🎶 ❤️ My Wednesday night kiddos continually request songs from Cedarmont Kids, simply because kids are singing TO kids! ❤️
In addition, the image of the tree by water highlights the importance of community. Trees planted by streams of water are often found in groups, creating a beautiful and vibrant ecosystem. Similarly, when you trust in the Lord, you become part of a community of believers who support and encourage one another. You are able to share in each other’s joys and sorrows, and grow together in your faith.
Overall, the imagery of the tree by water is a powerful reminder of the blessings that come from trusting in the Lord. It conveys the ideas of strength, nourishment, growth, stability, and community, all of which are essential for a thriving and fulfilling life of faith.
Symbolism of Water in Scripture: Living Water as a Metaphor
Water is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both physical and spiritual life. In Jeremiah 17:7-8, a tree planted by streams of water is used as a metaphor for a person who trusts in God. The water represents the life-giving power of God, which sustains and nourishes the tree.
Jesus also used water as a metaphor for spiritual life in John 4:14, when he spoke of “living water” that would quench a person’s thirst forever. This living water is the Holy Spirit, who brings new life to believers and sustains them in their faith.
The Righteousness in Jeremiah’s Message
In Jeremiah 17:7-8, the prophet speaks of a tree planted by streams of water, which symbolizes the person who trusts in the Lord. This tree is described as being fruitful and never withering, even in times of drought. The message here is clear: those who trust in God will be blessed and will prosper.
This message of righteousness is echoed throughout Jeremiah’s prophecies. He repeatedly calls on the people of Israel to turn away from their wicked ways and to follow the Lord. He warns them of the consequences of their disobedience, but also offers them hope and the promise of restoration if they repent. (And remember, when you repent, you are doing a 180° turn TOWARDS Jesus, and away from the enemy’s taunting thoughts that “repentance isn’t needed because that is admitting that you are wrong”…guess what…I AM wrong when I sin, and it’s only that time of repentance that brings me toward True Freedom in Jesus, who loves me unconditionally! ❤️
❤️ Simply put: Jesus WANTS me to be free, hence His sacrificial death on the cross for ME…the enemy wants me to be enslaved to him, have NO freedom in God’s Love, and guess what, the enemy didn’t do ANYTHING sacrificial for me!!!! Hmmm, who TRULY loves me?…it’s a question only YOU must answer for yourself! 😉
Jeremiah’s message is just as relevant today as it was in his time. We too are called to trust in God and to live righteous lives. We are called to be like the tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit and never withering, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
So let us heed Jeremiah’s call to righteousness and trust in the Lord. Let us be like the tree planted by streams of water, rooted in God’s love and bearing fruit that will last.
Stay rooted in God’s Love, my friends, and joyfully pass it on! 💜
