THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Who possesses the wisdom to grasp these matters and has the words from the Lord to proclaim the reasons behind the earth's devastation, which has been rendered desolate, a wasteland through which no traveler may pass? The Lord explained that it is because they abandoned My statutes, neglected to listen to My voice, and failed to follow My ways, instead pursuing the wickedness of their own hearts and the false deities they learned from their ancestors.
Read more (155 words)
The prophet inquires whether there exist any wise individuals in Jerusalem, those who bear the word of God and can reveal the Lord's intentions, elucidating why Judea has become a barren land, devoid of any who may traverse it following such destruction; he presents the Lord’s reply, articulating the reasons behind this desolation: they forsook His law, disregarded His voice, disobeyed His commandments, and pursued the evil inclinations of their hearts. Thus, we cannot depend on our own desires but must place our trust in the Lord. For ‘the heart is deceitful above all things’ (Jeremiah 17:9), and evil thoughts arise from our hearts (Matthew 15:19). He notes that they followed Baal, the singular idol of Sidon, as well as Baals (Baalim), denoting the plural form. Therefore, we must not emulate the mistakes of our forebears, but rather adhere to the authority of Scripture and the commandments of God, who strengthens and builds us up.