Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 11 - Verse 13

The verse "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" from the book of Jeremiah highlights the extent of idolatry and religious corruption that plagued the city of Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah is denouncing the people of Judah for their proliferation of pagan gods and altars throughout the land. The verse underscores how deeply ingrained idol worship had become in the society, with each city having its own set of gods and altars. The reference to "that shameful thing" and burning incense unto Baal emphasizes the extent to which the people had strayed from their true faith in God. By erecting altars to false gods such as Baal, the people of Judah were engaging in practices that were explicitly forbidden by God. Overall, this verse serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of staying true to one's faith.

In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet is delivering a message from God to the people of Judah. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the severe consequences of Judah's idolatry. By equating the number of cities with the number of gods, the verse emphasizes the widespread spiritual corruption that had taken hold of the nation. The mention of altars in the streets of Jerusalem dedicated to Baal underscores the extent to which the people had turned away from the one true God. The word "shameful thing" can be understood as a powerful indictment of the people's idolatrous practices. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the original Hebrew text to uncover the significance of terms like "gods" and "altars," shedding light on the gravity of Judah's sin and the urgent need for repentance. Overall, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God in all circumstances.