Jeremiah 17:5

Cursed. Realizing that much of the trouble experienced by his nation was caused by its alliances with Assyria and Egypt, which indicated a transference of their trust for safety and peace from the Lord to the “arm” of man, the prophet, with spirited abruptness, denounces those responsible for this deceptive confidence.

Be the man. The Hebrew word for “man” here is geber, “a young, vigorous man” (see on Ps. 34:8).

Trusteth in man. The Hebrew word for “man” here is ’adam, “man [in the generic sense],” that is, “a person,” “one belonging to the human race.” Here “man” signifies one who is merely a human being, thus aptly signifying that the nations upon whom the Israelites relied for help were after all but human, having the weaknesses common to all mankind. The prophet’s message has significance for our day. How easy it is for men to seek human sources of help and guidance rather than to rely upon what God has promised!