Because of swearing - Rather, because of the curse denounced against sin Jeremiah 11:3. The mourning probably refers to the drought Jeremiah 12:4.The pleasant places - “Pastures.”Their course - Their mode of life.Their force is not right - “Their heroism,” that on which they pride themselves as mighty men, “is not right,” is wrong (see Jeremiah 8:6 note). read more
For both prophet and priest are profane - While by their office they are consecrated to God, they have made themselves common and unholy by their sins. See Jeremiah 3:9 note.Yea, in my house - This may refer to sins such as those of the sons of Eli 1 Samuel 2:22, or that they had defiled the temple by idolatrous rites. read more
Every word denotes the certainty of their fall. “Their path is like slippery places in darkness:” and on this path “they are pushed with violence.” External circumstances assist in urging on to ruin those who choose the path of vice. read more
And I have seen folly ... - Rather, “Also I have seen.” The prophet contrasts the prophets of Samaria with those of Jerusalem. In the conduct of the former God saw folly (literally that which is insipid, as being unsalted). It was stupidity to prophesy by Baal, an idol.In Baal - i. e., in the name of Baal. read more
Rather, “But in the prophets of Jerusalem” etc. Their conduct is more strongly condemned than that of the Baal-priests.They strengthen ... - First by neglecting to warn and rebuke sinners: secondly by the direct influence of their bad example.They are all of them - They have become, “all of them,” i. e., the people of Jerusalem, and not the prophets only. read more
Profaneness - Desecration. read more
Jeremiah 23:9. My heart within me is broken This seems to be the beginning of a new discourse against the false prophets, with whom afterward the priests are joined. The first word of it in the Hebrew, לנבאים , is rendered by the Vulgate, Ad prophetas, To the prophets, as if it were the title of the following prophecy. In this Jeremiah describes the terror and concern which were upon him when he considered the horrible sin of these prophets in pretending a divine mission when they had... read more
Jeremiah 23:10. For the land is full of adulterers Under this term, which properly respects those who violate the marriage-bed, persons offending by any species of uncleanness are comprehended, as also such as by fraud and falsehood circumvented others, and tempted them to join in the commission of those illicit actions which implied breach of faith and duty toward God. Because of swearing the land mourneth By swearing here, it seems, is not only meant false swearing, or perjury, but also... read more
Jeremiah 23:11-12. For both the prophet and the priest are profane The priests, by their formality and hypocrisy, profaned the ordinances of God which they were appointed to administer; and the prophets, by their lies, false doctrine, and corrupt practice, profaned the word of God, which they pretended to deliver. Yea, in my house have I found their wickedness: saith the Lord Even in my temple, where they assemble under a pretence to worship and do me honour, they say and do many things... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 23:9
Because of the prophets - Rather, concerning “the prophets.” These words should come first, as being the title of this portion of the prophecy Jeremiah 23:9-40. read more