Jeremiah 23:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To the prophets of Samaria, while some presented offerings to Baal, they in turn brought their gifts to Me.

The prophet and the priest are corrupted... I observed deception in the prophets of Samaria; they spoke lies in the name of Baal and led my people astray. In the prophets of Jerusalem, I witness folly, unfaithfulness, and those who embrace falsehood; they all engage in spiritual unfaithfulness, forming a collective of deceivers... showing loyalty to their companions when faced with hardship.

It seems to me that the prophets from Samaria can be considered true heretics in a sacramental context, along with anyone who promotes deceptive knowledge. Just as those Samarian prophets spoke under the influence of Baal, which represents an idol associated with evil spirits, modern-day heretics—whether within the Church or outside of it—speak in the name of demons, aiming to lead the people of Israel, who once relied on God, into downfall. This is why it is stated, "And in the prophets of Samaria I saw madness; for they have not Him of whom it is said, Christ is the power of God, the wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:24).