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.
Judah, you have as many gods as you have cities, and Jerusalem, you have set up as many altars to that disgraceful idol as you have streets—altars where you burn incense to Baal.
God is confronting Judah for having countless idols and altars to false gods throughout their land, showing how completely they had abandoned him.
📚 Historical Context
This was spoken during the reign of King Josiah or shortly after, when Judah had filled their land with pagan worship sites despite God's commands. Baal was a Canaanite fertility god that the Israelites frequently turned to, setting up altars and high places throughout their cities. The prophet Jeremiah was warning that this widespread idolatry would lead to judgment and exile.
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