Jeremias 23:14

14 Also in the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen horrible things: as they committed adultery, and walked in lies, and strengthened the hands of many, that they should not return each from his evil way: they are all become to me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrha.

Jeremias 23:14 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 23:14

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible
thing
Or "but", or "so have I seen", &c. as before observed; even in the prophets of Jerusalem, where the temple was, and where the pure worship of God was professed to be observed, and that now, at the present time; as he had formerly seen and observed what was foolish, ridiculous, and impious, in the prophets of the ten tribes, and had punished them for it; so now at this instant he sees that in the prophets of Judea which was enough to make a man's hair stand an end, as the word ^F21 signifies; or, as it may be derived from another root, what was "filthy" ^F23 and obscene; as follows: they commit adultery;
or, "in committing adultery" ^F24; with their neighbours' wives; for this rather than idolatry or spiritual adultery seems to be meant: and walk in lies;
or, "walking in lies" ^F25; constantly speaking lies in their common talk and conversation; so that they were not to be believed in anything they said; which was monstrous; and delivering out false doctrines in the name of the Lord, pretending they received them from him; which was worse than prophesying in the name of Baal: they strengthen also the hands of evil doers, that none doth return
from his wickedness;
they hardened them in sin; partly by their false doctrines, extenuating their sins, putting a false gloss upon them, and promising them peace, though they lived in sin; and partly by their own wicked examples; the people concluding that what the prophets did they might do also; so that they never thought of repentance for their sins, or amendment of their lives; but went on in sin without remorse or reformation; not thinking anything about it, and not seeing any need of it; see ( Ezekiel 13:22 ) ; they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as
Gomorrah;
the prophets were all of them in God's account as the men of Sodom; who were exceeding great sinners before the Lord, daring and impudent in sinning; and the people, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that were led by them into the same wicked sentiments and practices, were like unto Gomorrah; and as they were like to them in sinning, So they would be in punishment; or a like punishment would be inflicted upon the prophets and people of Jerusalem as were upon Sodom and Gomorrah; see ( Isaiah 1:9 Isaiah 1:10 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 (hrwrev) a (rev) , "pilus".
F23 "Turpitudinem", Munster, Montanus.
F24 (Pwan) "adulterando", Junius & Tremellius, Schmidt.
F25 (rqvb Klhw) "et eundo in mendacio", Schmidt; "et ambulando in falsitate", Junius & Tremellius.

Jeremias 23:14 In-Context

12 Therefore let their way be to them slippery and dark: and they shall be tripped up and fall in it: for I will bring evils upon them, in the year of their visitation.

13 And in the prophets of Samaria I have seen lawless deeds; they prophesied by Baal, and led my people Israel astray.

14 Also in the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen horrible things: as they committed adultery, and walked in lies, and strengthened the hands of many, that they should not return each from his evil way: they are all become to me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrha.

15 Therefore thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will feed them with pain, and give them bitter water to drink: for from the prophets of Jerusalem has defilement gone forth all the land.

16 Thus saith the Lord Almighty, Hearken not to the words of the prophets: for they frame a vain vision for themselves; they speak from their own heart, and not from the mouth of the Lord.