What is the meaning of Jeremiah 23:13? Among the prophets of Samaria Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom after Omri built it (1 Kings 16:24). From Ahab onward, its spiritual leadership slid into open idolatry. • 1 Kings 16:30-33 records Ahab who “did more evil…than all who were before him” and erected an altar for Baal in Samaria. • Elijah’s showdown with “four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal” on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:22) shows how embedded their influence had become. When Jeremiah recalls these prophets, he points to a long-running pattern: leaders who should have spoken for the LORD instead echoed the culture around them. I saw an offensive thing The LORD Himself testifies to what He “saw.” Nothing escaped His notice (Psalm 33:13-15). The word “offensive” underscores moral outrage, not mere disappointment—much like the “abomination” language used of idolatry in Deuteronomy 7:25-26. Earlier in Jeremiah 2:8 the LORD already lamented, “The prophets prophesied by Baal.” He now identifies that sin as an “offensive thing,” revealing His holy intolerance for spiritual compromise. Key takeaways: • God is personally aware of every distortion of His word. • What society may tolerate He calls “offensive.” They prophesied by Baal Instead of seeking revelation from the true God, these prophets drew inspiration from a false god. • Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warned that even if a prophetic sign came true, “you must not listen” if the message led to other gods. • 1 Kings 22:6 shows hundreds of northern prophets assuring King Ahab of victory, yet Micaiah alone carried the LORD’s message. Their “prophecies” were therefore: – Energized by idolatry, not the Spirit of God. – Designed to maintain political favor and popular approval. – Void of true authority, because Baal had no power (Psalm 115:4-8). and led My people Israel astray False prophecy never stays private; it reshapes lives and cultures. • 2 Kings 17:13-18 chronicles how Israel “would not listen” and was finally exiled “from His presence.” • Jeremiah 23:32 repeats the charge: “They lead My people astray with reckless lies.” Consequences included: – Corrupted worship—altars to Baal on every high hill. – Lost moral compass—violence, injustice, and child sacrifice (2 Kings 17:17). – National ruin—Assyria carried Israel into captivity (2 Kings 17:6). God’s ownership—“My people”—amplifies the tragedy. Shepherds were meant to protect the flock (Jeremiah 23:4); instead they scattered it. summary Jeremiah 23:13 exposes a three-fold indictment: corrupt leaders (“prophets of Samaria”), corrupt source (“prophesied by Baal”), and corrupt result (“led My people astray”). The verse reminds us that God sees religious deception, names it offensive, and holds leaders accountable for where they steer His people. Only prophecy grounded in His unchanging word safeguards the flock and honors the Lord who refuses to share His glory with another. |
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