Jeremiah 2:28

28 But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? Let them arise if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble; for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.

Jeremiah 2:28 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 2:28

But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee?
&c.] This is, or would be, the Lord's answer to them, what is become of your gods? why do not you apply to them for help in time of trouble? the gods that you have chosen for yourselves and worshipped; the gods, not that made you, but whom you yourselves have made: let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble;
call upon them to arise, those statues of wood and stone, those lifeless and senseless images; let them rise off their seats, and move out of their places, if they can, and see whether they can save in a time of trouble and distress; for there is enough of them, if numbers will do: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah;
in imitation of the Heathens, who had not only in every country, but in every city and town, a different god, the patron and tutelar deity of the place; see ( 2 Kings 17:29-31 ) . The Septuagint and Arabic versions "add, according to the number of the ways, or streets, of Jerusalem", they sacrificed to Baal; see ( Jeremiah 11:13 ) .

Jeremiah 2:28 In-Context

26 "As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed--they, their kings, their princes, and their priests and their prophets,

27 saying to a stock, `Thou art my father,' and to a stone, `Thou hast brought me forth.' For they have turned their back unto Me, and not their face; but in the time of their trouble they will say, `Arise, and save us!'

28 But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? Let them arise if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble; for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.

29 "Why will ye plead with Me? Ye all have transgressed against Me," saith the LORD.

30 "In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction. Your own sword hath devoured your prophets like a destroying lion.