Jeremiah 2:8-13

When the leader of a nation rules under deception and deflection we are doomed to destruction. His leading creates fear, anger and chaos.

This is the result of money becoming our god, and a person becoming our idol.

The people had not sought the Lord, nor had the priests, rulers, or prophets. Those who should have known God most intimately did not know Him at all. The rulers transgressed against God and His covenant. The prophets prophesied in the name of Baal rather than God. The only nation whose god was truly God, was at the same time the only nation that exchanged its God for others. God’s people had forsaken (1:16) Him and served worthless deities. God, the fountain of living waters, offered a limitless supply of fresh, life-giving sustenance. Instead the people chose broken cisterns, which were useless for storing water and useless for sustaining life. NKJ Bible.

The leaders are called ro’im (“shepherds”) in Hebrew, using a metaphor for kings or aristocratic rulers common throughout the ancient Near East. Here, the term includes “kings” and “princes”. Faithlife Bible.

Jeremiah 2:8-13

8 The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’

And those who handle the law did not know Me;

The rulers also transgressed against Me;

The prophets prophesied by Baal,

And walked after things that do not profit.

9 “Therefore I will yet bring charges against you,” says the Lord,

“And against your children’s children I will bring charges.

10 For pass beyond the coasts of Cyprus and see,

Send to Kedar and consider diligently,

And see if there has been such a thing.

11 Has a nation changed its gods,

Which are not gods?

But My people have changed their Glory

For what does not profit.

12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this,

And be horribly afraid;

Be very desolate,” says the Lord.

13 “For My people have committed two evils:

They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,

And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.

Exodus 20:5 | you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

Exodus 20:6 | but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Psalm 36:9 | For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

Psalm 106:20 | Thus they changed their gloryInto the image of an ox that eats grass.

Psalm 115:4 | Their idols are silver and gold,The work of men’s hands.