What is the meaning of Jeremiah 6:13? From the least of them to the greatest • God sweeps His gaze across the entire population and levels the same charge at everyone—no one is exempt. This echoes Psalm 14:2–3, where “all have turned aside.” • Rank, age, education, or social standing do not shield anyone from accountability (Romans 2:11). • The Lord exposes a culture-wide moral collapse, much like in 2 Kings 17:7-17 where the whole nation followed corrupt practices. All are greedy for gain • The heart of the indictment is covetousness: people are driven by profit rather than by love of God or neighbor (Exodus 20:17; 1 Timothy 6:10). • In Isaiah 56:11 leaders are called “shepherds with no discernment; all turn to their own way, each one for his own gain.” Jeremiah echoes that same spirit here. • The literal sense underscores that unchecked greed is not a private vice; it becomes a public pandemic that erodes justice (Proverbs 15:27). From prophet to priest • The very offices meant to guard truth and mediate between God and His people have joined the rebellion (Malachi 2:7-8). • Prophets were supposed to speak God’s word (Jeremiah 1:7), and priests to teach His law (Leviticus 10:11), yet both are now compromised. • This mirrors Ezekiel 34:2-4, where shepherds feed themselves instead of the flock, showing that spiritual leadership sets the tone for societal health. All practice deceit • Deception replaces truth as the operating system of the nation (Jeremiah 9:5). • When leaders lie, people follow suit (Micah 3:11). Truth is displaced, and the people cannot discern the path of life (John 8:44 vs. John 14:6). • Sin is never static; greed births deceit, and deceit sustains greed, creating a vicious cycle (James 1:15). summary Jeremiah 6:13 exposes a society where every layer—from commoner to clergy—is infected with greed and dishonesty. The verse warns that when covetous desire rules the heart, truth collapses, leadership fails, and judgment becomes inevitable. God’s standard is clear, His assessment is comprehensive, and His call is for wholehearted repentance and integrity grounded in His unchanging Word. |
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