Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;
Because my people have forgotten me, they have burned incense to worthless idols, and these false gods have caused them to stumble and fall away from the good old paths their ancestors walked, making them walk on rough, unpaved roads instead.
God is grieving because His people have abandoned Him for worthless idols, which has led them away from the good life He had planned for them.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah prophesied during the final decades before Judah's exile to Babylon (around 626-586 BC), when the people had turned to worshiping Canaanite gods like Baal and Asherah. The 'ancient paths' refers to the covenant relationship and moral teachings God had established with their forefathers like Abraham, Moses, and David. This spiritual adultery would soon lead to national destruction and exile.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.