Haftarah for Bechukosai

Jeremiah 16:19-17:14

Jeremiah speaks to G-d and says that nations will come from the ends of the Earth, saying that they inherited lies from their ancestors; they will realize that a person cannot make a "god!" Therefore, they will know G-d's power and that He alone is G-d.

Chapter 17

The nation's sin is deeply ingrained, as if written by an iron pen with a diamond point. And where is it "written?" On the people's hearts and on the altars they used to serve idols. Their idols were as dear to them as their own children. Therefore, G-d has made Jerusalem "fair game" for plunder. They will be forced to release the land to make up for all the shemmitos (Sabbatical years) they did not observe, while they serve their enemies in a foreign land.

G-d says that cursed is a person who puts his trust in human beings (Rashi clarifies that this means to work the land during the Sabbatical years, when it is supposed to rest). This causes him to turn away from G-d, Who promised enough produce before shemittah to last for three years. Such a person will be cut off (presumably childless) like a tree standing alone. He will dwell in dry, salty land, not seeing good.

On the other hand, a person who trusts in G-d will be blessed and G-d will be his trust. (This verse is sung as the song "Baruch HaGever.") This person will be like a tree planted by the water, whose leaves will stay green despite any drought.

A person's heart is full of deceit. A person may appear to be good, but G-d can tell what's really going on inside. G-d examines everyone inside and out, and gives them what they truly deserve. Some people claim wealth that they have not truly earned; they will not live to enjoy it.

G-d's "throne" is exalted and He is the source of hope to the Jewish people. Anyone who turns his back on G-d will ultimately regret it. Jeremiah asks G-d to heal him from the insults and injuries he has suffered.

Excerpted from The OU's Nach Yomi