Jeremiah 2:8
The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jeremiah's era witnessed catastrophic leadership failure at every level. Priests like those descended from Eli's house at Anathoth had compromised covenant worship for generations. The high priesthood under Manasseh tolerated and even participated in idolatry in the Jerusalem temple itself (2 Kings 21:4-7). Torah teachers (scribes and Levites) either didn't understand or didn't apply covenant requirements to confront sin and injustice. Political leaders ("pastors"/"shepherds")—including kings like Jehoiakim and princes who influenced policy—pursued alliances with Egypt and Babylon rather than trusting God, oppressed the poor, and tolerated injustice (Jeremiah 22:13-17). False prophets like Hananiah and those mentioned in Jeremiah 23 and 28 promised peace and prosperity while contradicting God's actual word through Jeremiah. Archaeological evidence from this period shows syncretistic practices even among religious officials—inscriptions combining Yahweh worship with Asherah veneration, suggesting religious leadership itself was compromised. Jesus later confronted similar leadership corruption among Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 23), and Paul warned that false teachers would arise even within the church (Acts 20:29-30, 2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does corruption among spiritual leaders exponentially increase the damage compared to individual sin, and what responsibility do leaders bear?
- What are signs that religious professionals might be "handling the law" or "prophesying" without actually knowing God personally?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God specifies those who failed to seek Him: 'The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.' Four leadership categories are indicted. First, priests who should have taught the people to seek God instead failed to ask "Where is the LORD?" themselves. Second, "they that handle the law" (tophsei hatorah, תֹּפְשֵׂי הַתּוֹרָה)—those responsible for teaching and interpreting Torah—"knew me not" (lo yeda'uni, לֹא יְדָעוּנִי), lacking personal relationship with God despite professional religious duties. Third, "pastors" (ro'im, רֹעִים, literally "shepherds")—political and spiritual leaders—"transgressed against me" (pash'u bi, פָּשְׁעוּ בִי), meaning rebelled or broke covenant. Fourth, prophets "prophesied by Baal" (beniv'u nibe'u, בַבַּעַל נִבְּאוּ)—claiming divine inspiration while actually serving false gods. The phrase "walked after things that do not profit" (acherei lo-yo'ilu halakhu, אַחֲרֵי לֹא־יוֹעִילוּ הָלָכוּ) describes pursuing worthless idols that cannot save or help. This comprehensive leadership failure—religious, legal, political, and prophetic—explains the nation's corruption. When those responsible for spiritual direction are themselves apostate, the people follow into destruction.