Astonishing and wonderful things have been done in the land.
שַׁמָּה֙ וְשַׁ֣עֲרוּרָ֔ה נִהְיְתָ֖ה בָּאָֽרֶץ׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Awful and distressing events have taken place. Consider the sin that permeates all aspects of life. Some engage in wrongdoing, while others commend their actions. Thus, Paul rebukes not only those who commit evil acts but also those who approve of them (Romans 1:32).
A wondrous and extraordinary event has taken place on earth. The prophets have spoken deceit and the priests have condoned it, while my people have embraced such falsehoods. What shall you do in the days to come? As I mentioned earlier, I intended to approach the leaders and converse with them; perhaps they have come to understand the ways of the Lord. Yet, behold, they too have not only forsaken the path but have also broken the yoke and shattered the chains. Now he illustrates who these leaders are—namely, the prophets and priests, some of whom foretell what is to come, while others, grounded in the law, dictate what should be done. And indeed, he notes that those who have proclaimed deceit have been praised by the priests.
Furthermore, to indicate that even those misled by such deceptions are culpable, it is stated, “And My people loved such.” It once belonged to me, but once it embraced such things, it was no longer mine. What will they do when the final hour of judgment arrives or during the trials of captivity? Thus, it is astonishing and remarkable that not one among the rulers or the people has been found who thinks correctly.
When we encounter an unexpected act of injustice, it is common to express our shock and dismay, to feel a deep sense of repulsion at the very thought. In such moments, the Lord reveals the underlying reasons for these occurrences:
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS