Jeremiah 5:30

²⁹Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this? ³⁰A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land. ³¹The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?

Sermons

God's Preliminary Judgments?

Art Katz

Summary

In Jeremiah 5:30, the prophet laments the widespread corruption and deceit among the people of Judah. He describes a shocking scenario where dishonesty and wickedness have become the norm, even among the religious leaders and prophets. This verse serves as a warning against hypocrisy and the dangers of straying from God's ways. Jeremiah's words highlight the importance of genuine repentance and returning to a life of righteousness and truth.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

(Jer 23:14; Hos 6:10).

John Gill Bible Commentary

The prophets prophesied falsely,.... That the people would have peace and prosperity, and not be carried captive into Babylon, as Jeremiah and other true prophets of the Lord had predicted: and the priests bear rule by their means; or rather "the princes"; for the word signifies princes as well as priests, and to the former government more properly belongs; and so Jarchi interprets it of the judges of the people, and their exactors; these governed the people according to the words of the false prophets, as the same writer explains it; they were "under" their influence and direction, they went after them, as the phrase is sometimes used; see Ch1 25:2 or, as Kimchi understands it, the priests received gifts by their hands to pervert judgment, and they declined doing justice, according to their will. The Targum is, "the priests helped upon their hands;'' took the false prophets, as it were, and carried them in their hands. Some render it, "the priests remove, or depart by their means" (h); through their false prophesies they departed from the law, and the worship of God and his ordinances, from attending to them, and performing them in the manner appointed; in the whole it denotes great friendship, unity, and agreement between the priests, or princes, and the false prophets; they agreed together to keep the people in awe and in bondage; and what was of all the most surprising is what follows: and my people love to have it so; both that the prophets prophesy smooth things to them, though false; and that the princes should govern as they directed: and what will ye do in the end thereof? that these evils will bring unto; namely, the destruction of the city and nation. The meaning is, what will become of them at last? or what would they do, when this wicked government would come to an end, and they should be taken and carried captive by the Chaldeans? which would be their case; and how would they like that, who love to have things as they were, which would bring on their ruin? (h) So R. Sol. Urbin. Ohel Moed, for. 62. I. Next: Jeremiah Chapter 6