Jeremiah 5:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And my people found such things appealing. Consider the wickedness widespread among those in authority. Should they not have submitted to their leaders and heeded their instructors? Rather, it was essential for them to stand firm. It was not merely out of obligation that this was revealed; they were drawn to it. They were not misled, for their disobedience stemmed not from fear of authority but from their own desires. What will you do when the end comes? When the opportunity for repentance has slipped away, when all chances for correction have vanished, and when all hope for transformation has dissipated?

A remarkable and wondrous event has transpired upon the earth. The prophets have spoken deceitfully, and the priests have celebrated these falsehoods, while my people have eagerly embraced such things. What will you do henceforth? As I previously mentioned, I intended to approach the dignitaries and converse with them; perhaps they have come to understand the path of the Lord. Yet, behold, they too have broken the yoke and shattered the bonds. Now, he illustrates who these dignitaries are; namely, the prophets and priests, some of whom predict the future while others, in accordance with the law, decide what should be done. And lo, he observes that although these individuals uttered false prophecies, the priests esteemed them.

Your prophets proclaimed injustice, that is, they spoke untruths, and the priests acted in agreement, which is indicated by their gestures. My people cherished such behavior, demonstrating a collective approval of wrongdoing. What will you do in the end times, when judgment is to befall them? This is conveyed in the subsequent words.