What is the meaning of Jeremiah 23:14? And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing Jeremiah reports God’s own appraisal of the spiritual leaders in the city He chose for His name. The shock is not merely that sin exists, but that those entrusted with teaching truth are the ones corrupted (Jeremiah 5:31; Ezekiel 22:25). • God is personally observing: “I have seen,” underscoring His omniscience (Hebrews 4:13). • The charge targets prophets—those expected to model holiness (James 3:1). • A “horrible thing” signals something detestable, akin to the abominations condemned in Leviticus 18:29. The lesson: visible religious position never exempts anyone from accountability. They commit adultery and walk in lies “Adultery” is both literal immorality (Exodus 20:14) and spiritual unfaithfulness—running after other gods (Hosea 4:1–2). “Walk in lies” paints a lifestyle of deceit, not a slip. • Personal sin: illicit relationships, broken covenants (2 Peter 2:14). • Doctrinal distortion: proclaiming “peace” when judgment looms (Jeremiah 6:14). • Habitual pattern: they “walk” in lies, making falsehood their daily path (Psalm 58:3). Truth-twisting teachers mislead many; Revelation 2:20 shows how unchecked immorality and deception infiltrate a congregation. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness Instead of confronting sin, these prophets embolden it (Ezekiel 13:22). • Affirming wrong: calling evil good (Isaiah 5:20). • Silencing conviction: discouraging repentance by promising safety (Micah 3:11). • Sharing guilt: approving sin makes one party to it (Romans 1:32). Consequently, “no one turns”—revival stalls when leaders pamper rebellion (Malachi 2:17). They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah Sodom and Gomorrah stand as Scripture’s benchmark for entrenched wickedness meeting sudden judgment (Genesis 19:24–25). • Total corruption: “all” are infected, echoing Isaiah 1:10. • Imminent disaster: the comparison signals looming destruction (Luke 17:29–30). • Example for later generations: God “condemned the cities… as an example” (2 Peter 2:6). Jerusalem’s privileged status will not shield it when sin mirrors Sodom’s defiance. summary Jeremiah 23:14 exposes religious leaders whose personal sin, deceptive teaching, and tolerance of evil invite the same fate that befell Sodom. God sees, names, and judges hypocrisy. Genuine prophets call people to repentance; false ones soothe consciences while fueling rebellion. The passage warns every generation to honor God’s truth, confront sin, and seek the mercy that averts judgment. |
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