For [according to] the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and [according to] the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to [that] shameful thing, [even] altars to burn incense unto Baal.
For according to the number {H4557} of thy cities {H5892} were thy gods {H430}, O Judah {H3063}; and according to the number {H4557} of the streets {H2351} of Jerusalem {H3389} have ye set up {H7760} altars {H4196} to that shameful thing {H1322}, even altars {H4196} to burn incense {H6999} unto Baal {H1168}.
For you have as many gods, Y'hudah, as you have towns; and you have erected as many altars for sacrificing to that shameful thing, Ba'al, as there are streets in Yerushalayim.
Your gods are indeed as numerous as your cities, O Judah; the altars of shame you have set up—the altars to burn incense to Baal—are as many as the streets of Jerusalem.’
For according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to the shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.
-
Jeremiah 2:28
But where [are] thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for [according to] the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. -
2 Kings 23:13
And the high places that [were] before Jerusalem, which [were] on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile. -
Jeremiah 19:5
They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire [for] burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind: -
Jeremiah 3:1
¶ They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD. -
Jeremiah 3:2
Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness. -
2 Kings 23:4
¶ And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel. -
2 Kings 23:5
And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.
Jeremiah 11:13 vividly portrays the depth of Judah's spiritual apostasy during the prophet Jeremiah's ministry. This verse emphasizes the pervasive nature of their idolatry, illustrating how deeply ingrained the worship of false gods had become in society.
Context
This verse is part of a larger prophetic message from God delivered through Jeremiah, highlighting Judah's breach of the covenant established at Mount Sinai. God had called His people to exclusive worship, but they consistently turned away to serve other deities. Chapter 11 specifically outlines the terms of this covenant and the severe consequences for disobedience, leading to the impending judgment of exile. The passage directly preceding this verse (Jeremiah 11:1-12) details God's righteous anger over their unfaithfulness and His determination to bring judgment upon them for their widespread idolatry. This verse serves as a stark example of the very sin that provoked God's wrath, indicating that the nation's spiritual corruption was not confined to a few individuals but permeated every city and street of Jerusalem, mirroring the warnings found in the Mosaic Law, for instance, in Deuteronomy 28:15.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "that shameful thing" is a significant translation of the Hebrew word bosheth (בֹּשֶׁת). This term literally means "shame" or "disgrace" and is often used as a derogatory substitute for Baal. The Israelites themselves, or the prophets, used this term to emphasize the true nature of Baal worship – it was not glorious or beneficial, but ultimately brought shame and ruin. By calling Baal "the shameful thing," the text underscores the prophet's (and God's) utter contempt for this false deity and the practices associated with its worship, such as burning incense, which was reserved for Yahweh.
Practical Application
While we may not literally set up altars to Baal in our streets today, Jeremiah 11:13 serves as a potent warning against modern forms of idolatry. Anything that takes priority over God in our lives—whether it be money, career, possessions, relationships, pleasure, or even self-image—can become a "god" that demands our worship and attention. This verse calls us to examine our hearts and priorities, ensuring our devotion remains exclusively to the One true God. It reminds us that spiritual compromise and syncretism (mixing Christian faith with worldly values) lead to shame and ultimately separate us from God's blessing, just as it did for Judah. The call remains to live a life of exclusive devotion and true worship.