Jeremiah 2:8

⁶ They did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives?’

⁷ I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and bounty, but you came and defiled My land, and made My inheritance detestable.

The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The experts in the law no longer knew Me, and the leaders rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and followed useless idols.

⁹ Therefore, I will contend with you again, declares the LORD, and I will bring a case against your children’s children.

¹⁰ Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and take a look; send to Kedar and consider carefully; see if there has ever been anything like this:

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The experts in the law no longer knew Me, and the leaders rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and followed useless idols.
KJV: 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.
WEB: The priests didn’t say, ‘Where is the LORD?’ and those who handle the law didn’t know me. The rulers also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal and followed things that do not profit.
ASV: The priests said not, Where is Jehovah? and they that handle the law knew me not: the rulers also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.
DARBY: The priests said not, Where is Jehovah? and they that handled the law knew me not; and the shepherds transgressed against me; and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after [things that] do not profit.
BLB: The priests did not say, ‘Where [is] YHWH?’ And those handling the law did not know Me; and the rulers transgressed against Me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after [things] not profitable.

ÅB: Prestene sa ikke: Hvor er Herren? Og de som syslet med loven, kjente meg ikke, og hyrdene falt fra meg, og profetene spådde ved Ba'al og fulgte dem som ikke kan hjelpe[^2].
OTB: Prestene sa ikke: 'Hvor er Herren?' De som håndterer loven kjente meg ikke; herskerne gjorde opprør mot meg, og profetene profeterte ved Baal, og fulgte ting som ikke er til nytte.
B1930: Prestene sa ikke: Hvor er Herren? Og de som syslet med loven, kjente mig ikke, og hyrdene falt fra mig, og profetene spådde ved Ba'al og fulgte dem som ikke kan hjelpe. / < d.e. avgudene.>

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

Habakkuk 2:18
What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.
Read in context
Jeremiah 10:21
For the shepherds have become senseless; they do not seek the LORD. Therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered.
Read in context
Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?
Read in context
2 Corinthians 4:2
Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Read in context
Romans 2:17–24
Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;
Read in context
Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.
Read in context
Isaiah 30:5
everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They cannot be of help; they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.”
Read in context
Isaiah 29:10
For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers.
Read in context