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Jeremiah 23:14 (BSB)
And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”” — Jeremiah 23:14
Imagine a scene where people who are supposed to lead and guide others are instead leading them down a dangerous path. In this moment, you see God expressing deep disappointment and anger. He’s highlighting how these prophets are not just ignoring the truth, but actively supporting wrong actions and lies. It’s like watching someone you trust betray you—there’s a mix of heartbreak and frustration. This verse paints a clear picture of how serious the situation is, showing that the people have become so lost that they resemble infamous cities known for their wickedness.
Jeremiah wrote this book, and he was a prophet during a tumultuous time. He included this specific detail to show how deeply troubled he was by the state of the people and their leaders. Jeremiah was passionate about bringing people back to what was right and true, and he wasn’t afraid to call out the leaders who were failing them. His perspective is that of someone who genuinely cares for his community and is heartbroken to see them go astray.
This was written during a time when the nation of Judah was facing great turmoil, around the 7th century BC. The people were caught up in a mix of politics, war, and spiritual confusion. The culture was one where false prophets thrived, leading people away from what was right. This moment is crucial because it shows how, in the midst of societal chaos, the truth is still being ignored. Understanding this backdrop helps you see how urgent and passionate Jeremiah’s words are.
This verse matters today because it calls you to reflect on the influences in your own life. Are there voices that lead you away from what is true and good? It’s a reminder to be careful about whom you trust and to seek out those who encourage you to stand up for what’s right. Just like those in Jeremiah’s time, you can face pressures that pull you in the wrong direction, and this verse urges you to be aware of that and to make choices that align with truth.
This week, take a moment to evaluate the influences around you. Are there people or voices in your life that lead you astray? Consider surrounding yourself with those who inspire you to be your best self. You might also find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on your values—what truly matters to you? Write down one step you can take to reinforce those values, whether it's having a conversation with someone who encourages you positively or setting aside time to think about your goals.
This verse is part of a larger message where the prophet Jeremiah is calling out the leaders of Jerusalem for their corruption. The chapter builds up to this moment by outlining the failures of those in power and the dire consequences for the people. It’s a pivotal point where you sense the urgency of Jeremiah’s warning. What comes next is a promise of hope and restoration, but here, in this moment, you feel the weight of the problem. The prophets’ actions are pushing the community further into darkness, and Jeremiah is desperately trying to shine a light on the truth.
What influences in your life might be leading you away from your values and truth, just like the prophets in this verse?
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