Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 17

These verses from the book of Jeremiah are a warning about false prophets who deceive the people by soothing them with false promises of peace and safety. The prophet Jeremiah is warning against those who claim to speak on behalf of the Lord, but instead, they speak lies to those who despise God and follow their own desires. These false prophets are giving people false hope, telling them that they will have peace and no harm will come upon them, even though they are living in disobedience to God's commands. Jeremiah is cautioning the people to be wary of those who speak lies in the name of the Lord and to not be deceived by their comforting words. It serves as a reminder to always seek the truth and follow the true teachings of God, rather than being lured by false promises of peace and security from those who do not truly represent Him.

Within this verse, there is a strong theological aspect to consider. The phrase "that despise me" reveals a sense of rejection or disdain towards God, indicating a lack of reverence and obedience. The individuals referred to here have turned their backs on the Lord and his teachings. The false prophets mentioned are delivering deceitful messages of peace and security to those who are living in rebellion against God, leading them further astray. The notion of "walking after the imagination of his own heart" emphasizes the importance of following God's will rather than succumbing to worldly desires and temptations. The promise of no evil coming upon them serves as a warning against false assurances and encourages individuals to seek righteousness and repentance. Overall, this verse underscores the dangers of false teachings and the importance of staying true to God's word.