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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 2 - Verse 5

2:5
Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

Meaning

The verse "Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?" from the Book of Jeremiah is a powerful reminder from God questioning the actions of the Israelites. In this verse, God expresses his confusion and disappointment at how the Israelites have turned away from Him and chased after meaningless things. The verse is a call to self-reflection for the Israelites, as God questions why they have forsaken Him, despite His countless blessings and faithfulness. By asking this question, God is urging the Israelites to examine their hearts and recognize the void that is left when they prioritize worldly pursuits over a relationship with Him. The verse serves as a cautionary message about the consequences of straying from God and the emptiness that comes from pursuing things that do not truly satisfy. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of staying connected to God and seeking His will above all else.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, God is questioning why the Israelites have turned away from Him and followed after worthless idols. The phrase "What iniquity have your fathers found in me" underscores God's confusion at why the previous generations of Israelites had forsaken Him despite His faithfulness to them. The word "iniquity" refers to sin or wickedness, highlighting the seriousness of the Israelites' actions. The repetition of the word "vanity" emphasizes the emptiness and futility of worshiping idols instead of the one true God. The theological interpretation of this verse drives home the point that God is perfect and without fault, and any turning away from Him is baseless and unjustified. This passage serves as a reminder to believers to always remain faithful to God and to guard against the lure of worldly distractions that can lead us astray.

American Standard Version

thus saith Jehovah, What unrighteousness have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?
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