What consequences does God declare for false prophets in Jeremiah 23:15? Setting the Stage False prophets in Jeremiah’s day weren’t just mistaken teachers; they were willfully deceiving God’s people, claiming to speak for the LORD while promoting rebellion and moral decay (Jeremiah 23:14). Against that backdrop, God issues a direct verdict in verse 15. The Verse under the Microscope “Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: ‘I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.’” (Jeremiah 23:15) Stated Consequences God spells out two vivid punishments: • Wormwood as food – an herb notorious for its intense bitterness (cf. Lamentations 3:15). It symbolizes deep anguish and the reversal of any comfort these prophets had promised. • Poisoned water as drink – a picture of deadly judgment, not mere discomfort (cf. Jeremiah 9:15). Why Such Severe Judgment? • Their messages spread “ungodliness… throughout the land.” False teaching doesn’t remain private; it reshapes an entire culture. • By claiming divine authority, they misrepresented God, a direct violation of His command not to take His name in vain (Exodus 20:7). • They offered the people a dangerous sense of security—“peace” when judgment was near (Jeremiah 23:17). God’s response fits the crime: what they falsely promised (safety, blessing) is replaced by bitter, life-threatening judgment. Echoes Across Scripture • Deuteronomy 29:18–20 warns that anyone who leads others into idolatry will taste “the curses written in this book.” • Revelation 8:11 describes a star named Wormwood turning waters bitter—imagery that traces back to Jeremiah’s prophecy of poisoned water. • Galatians 1:8–9 underscores the principle: anyone preaching a different gospel is “accursed.” Takeaway for Today God does not overlook spiritual deception. He defends His truth and protects His people by bringing bitter, even deadly consequences on those who distort His word. The unwavering message: handle God’s revelation with holy reverence, because to proclaim His Word falsely invites His severe judgment. |
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