Jeremiah 23:13

KJV

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I have seen {H7200} folly {H8604} in the prophets {H5030} of Samaria {H8111}; they prophesied {H5012} in Baal {H1168}, and caused my people {H5971} Israel {H3478} to err {H8582}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I have seen inappropriate conduct in the prophets of Shomron - they prophesied by Ba'al and led my people Isra'el astray.

Berean Standard Bible

“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray.

American Standard Version

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:13 delivers a scathing divine indictment against the prophets of Samaria, the former capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. God declares He has witnessed their "folly," a term signifying moral depravity and spiritual absurdity. Their egregious error was not merely delivering false messages, but actively prophesying "in Baal," thereby attributing divine inspiration to a pagan deity. This direct spiritual treason had devastating consequences, as these false prophets "caused my people Israel to err," leading the nation away from the true worship of Yahweh and into idolatry and disobedience, ultimately contributing to their downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23 is a powerful prophetic oracle primarily directed at the corrupt leadership of Judah, particularly the false prophets and unfaithful shepherds who were misleading God's people. This chapter serves as a severe warning against those who claim to speak for God but instead propagate their own deceptive dreams and visions, leading the nation astray. Verse 13, though specifically mentioning Samaria, functions as a historical precedent and a stark warning to Judah. By recalling the past judgment on the Northern Kingdom for its idolatry and false prophecy, Jeremiah underscores the severity of Judah's own spiritual decline and the inevitability of divine judgment if they do not repent. The subsequent verses in [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - False Prophets and True Shepherds") continue to elaborate on the characteristics and consequences of false prophecy in Judah, indicating that Samaria's past serves as a mirror for Judah's present.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had fallen to the Assyrians in 722 BC due to its persistent idolatry and rebellion against Yahweh. Its spiritual corruption, particularly the widespread worship of Baal, was a significant factor in its demise, as chronicled in [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel"). Baal was a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god, whose worship often involved immoral rituals and child sacrifice, directly violating the Mosaic covenant. Prophets of Baal were common in the region, often clashing with true prophets of Yahweh, as famously depicted in Elijah's confrontation on Mount Carmel in [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal"). Jeremiah, ministering centuries after Samaria's fall, uses this historical example to highlight the enduring danger of syncretism and false religious authority. The cultural context of the ancient Near East saw prophecy as a vital means of divine communication, making the perversion of this role by false prophets particularly heinous.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **Divine Judgment against Idolatry and Falsehood**. God's declaration, "I have seen folly," highlights His perfect discernment and righteous indignation against spiritual deception. Secondly, it underscores the **Responsibility of Spiritual Leadership**. Prophets were meant to be Yahweh's spokesmen, guiding the people in truth and righteousness. Their failure to do so, and indeed their active leading astray, is presented as a grave betrayal. This theme is central to Jeremiah's condemnation of the shepherds and prophets of his own day (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to the Shepherds")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Consequences of Spiritual Deception**. The phrase "caused my people Israel to err" reveals the devastating impact of false teaching, leading a nation away from God's covenant and into destruction, a lesson that Judah desperately needed to heed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Folly (Hebrew, _tiphlâh'_):** This term (H8604) signifies something morally reprehensible, tasteless, absurd, or abominable in God's eyes. It's not merely a lack of wisdom or a mistake, but a perversion of truth and righteousness that deeply offends God. It implies a moral and spiritual depravity, a senseless act of rebellion against divine order.
* **Prophesied (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** The verb (H5012) means "to prophesy," i.e., to speak or sing by inspiration, whether in prediction or simple discourse. Its use here in connection with Baal exposes the profound blasphemy: these individuals used the very act of divine communication, meant for Yahweh, to channel the influence of a pagan deity.
* **Baal (Hebrew, _Baʻal'_):** This word (H1168) refers to a Phoenician deity, a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god. To "prophesy in Baal" means to claim inspiration or authority from Baal, directly contrasting with true prophets who spoke "in the name of the Lord" (Yahweh). It represents the epitome of idolatry and spiritual apostasy.
* **Err (Hebrew, _tâʻâh'_)::** This root (H8582) means to vacillate, reel, or stray, literally or figuratively. It also carries the causative sense of causing someone to go astray, deceive, or lead them out of the way. Here, it explicitly states that the false prophets actively led God's people away from the path of truth and obedience, resulting in spiritual and moral deviation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria;":** This opening clause presents God's direct observation and judgment. The divine "I have seen" emphasizes God's perfect knowledge and discernment, penetrating beyond outward appearances to the true, morally reprehensible nature of the prophets' actions. The "folly" is not mere foolishness but a deep-seated spiritual perversion found specifically among those who claimed to speak for God in Samaria.
* **"they prophesied in Baal,":** This is the core accusation, detailing the nature of their "folly." It was not just that their prophecies were false, but that their source of inspiration was explicitly pagan. To "prophesy in Baal" means they invoked Baal's name, claimed his authority, or channeled his supposed power, directly substituting the true God of Israel with an idol. This was a direct violation of the first commandment.
* **"and caused my people Israel to err.":** This final clause reveals the devastating consequence of their spiritual treason. The false prophets, by their idolatrous practices and deceptive messages, actively led the chosen people of God, "my people Israel," away from the covenant, from righteous living, and into sin and idolatry. Their leadership resulted in spiritual misguidance and national apostasy, ultimately contributing to Israel's downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Indictment** is central, as God Himself declares, "I have seen folly," emphasizing His direct observation and condemnation of the false prophets. The use of "folly" (Hebrew _tiphlâh_) serves as a strong **Metaphor** for moral and spiritual depravity, portraying their actions not merely as mistakes but as something inherently repulsive and absurd in God's sight. There is a stark **Contrast** drawn between true prophecy, which speaks in the name of Yahweh, and the false prophecy that "prophesied in Baal," highlighting the fundamental opposition between divine truth and pagan deception. Furthermore, the phrase "caused my people Israel to err" functions as a powerful statement of **Cause and Effect**, directly linking the prophets' spiritual treason to the nation's spiritual and moral decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:13 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine truth, the dangers of idolatry, and the immense responsibility of spiritual leadership. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His righteous judgment against those who pervert His name and lead His people astray. The verse highlights that spiritual deception is not merely a benign error but a destructive force that actively draws people away from God, resulting in grave consequences. It warns against any teaching or leadership that diverts allegiance from the one true God, whether through overt idolatry or subtle distortions of truth. The historical example of Samaria's fall due to such practices serves as a timeless warning for all generations.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [Ezekiel 13:1-7](/ezekiel/13-1 "Ezekiel 13:1-7 - Prophecy Against False Prophets")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:13 offers a timeless and urgent call for discernment in an age saturated with diverse voices claiming spiritual authority. It compels us to rigorously examine the source and content of any teaching, ensuring that it aligns with the revealed truth of God's Word and genuinely points to Him, not to human wisdom, cultural trends, or even subtle forms of idolatry. We are challenged to cultivate a deep relationship with God and His Scriptures so that we can recognize "folly" when we encounter it, particularly when it masquerades as divine truth. This verse reminds us that spiritual leadership carries an immense weight of responsibility, and those who mislead God's people will face His righteous judgment. For believers, it's a call to be vigilant guardians of truth, protecting ourselves and our communities from deception, and always seeking to lead others towards Christ alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between true and false spiritual messages in my life today?**
* **In what ways might subtle forms of "Baal worship" (e.g., prioritizing success, comfort, or worldly approval over God) creep into modern Christian teaching or personal practice?**
* **What is my responsibility as a believer to test what I hear and to speak truth, especially if I am in a position of spiritual influence?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "prophesy in Baal"?**

Answer: To "prophesy in Baal" means that the prophets claimed to receive their messages or inspiration from Baal, a pagan Canaanite deity, rather than from Yahweh, the true God of Israel. This was a direct act of idolatry and blasphemy, attributing divine authority to a false god and presenting his supposed messages as truth to God's people. It was a complete perversion of the prophetic office, which was meant to be solely dedicated to speaking the word of the Lord. This stands in stark contrast to true prophets who always spoke "in the name of the Lord" (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - The Prophet Who Presumes to Speak in My Name")).

**Why is Samaria mentioned, given Jeremiah ministered in Judah?**

Answer: Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had fallen to Assyria centuries before Jeremiah's time (722 BC) due to its persistent idolatry and rejection of Yahweh. Jeremiah uses Samaria as a historical example and a stark warning to Judah. By pointing to Samaria's past judgment—which was directly linked to the spiritual corruption of its leaders, including false prophets—Jeremiah underscores the severity of Judah's own current spiritual decline and the inevitable consequences if they do not repent. It serves as a powerful precedent for God's judgment on unfaithful leadership and idolatry, a theme highly relevant to Jeremiah's audience in Judah (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:14](/jeremiah/23-14 "Jeremiah 23:14 - The Folly of Jerusalem's Prophets")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:13, with its severe indictment of false prophets who led Israel astray by prophesying in Baal, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the True Prophet and the embodiment of divine truth. While the prophets of Samaria pointed people to a false god and into error, Jesus is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very revelation of God Himself, who perfectly reveals the Father (e.g., [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")). Unlike those who caused "my people Israel to err," Jesus came to gather His lost sheep (e.g., [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Sheep Without a Shepherd")) and lead them into eternal life, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The "folly" seen in the false prophets is utterly contrasted by the wisdom and righteousness of Christ, who is God's power and God's wisdom (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Ultimately, Jesus fulfills the prophetic office by speaking God's perfect truth, not from a pagan source, but as the Son of God, leading His people not into error, but into reconciliation with God through His atoning sacrifice (e.g., [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Word in His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 9:16

For the leaders of this people cause [them] to err; and [they that are] led of them [are] destroyed.

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.

1 Kings 18:18

And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

1 Kings 18:21

¶ And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Hosea 9:7

¶ The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know [it]: the prophet [is] a fool, the spiritual man [is] mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

Hosea 9:8

The watchman of Ephraim [was] with my God: [but] the prophet [is] a snare of a fowler in all his ways, [and] hatred in the house of his God.

2 Chronicles 33:9

So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, [and] to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.