Jeremiah 23:22 - But if they had stood in my council, then they would have caused my people to hear my words, and would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
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What does "Jeremiah 23:22" mean?
Jeremiah 23:22 speaks to the role and responsibility of true prophets in guiding God's people. Let's break it down:
"But if they had stood in my council...": This refers to the false prophets. The "council" here represents God's divine assembly or the place where God reveals His plans, purposes, and will. To "stand in His council" means to be in intimate relationship with God, receiving direct instruction and guidance from Him. True prophets are those who have access to this divine council. The implication is that these false prophets haven't been in God's council.
"...then they would have caused my people to hear my words...": If these prophets had truly been in communion with God, they would be relaying God's words to the people, not their own deceitful messages.
"...and would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.": The ultimate purpose of God's message, delivered through true prophets, is to lead people to repentance and to change their behavior. True prophets would be calling the people to turn away from their wickedness, their immoral actions, and their disobedience to God's law.
In essence, the verse contrasts the behavior of false prophets with the expected behavior of true prophets:
False prophets: Not in touch with God, preaching their own ideas, leading people astray.
True prophets (the hypothetical "they" in the verse): In touch with God, conveying God's message, leading people to repentance and righteous living.
The verse highlights the following key points:
Authenticity is crucial: True prophets are distinguished by their genuine connection to God.
God's word is corrective: God's message is intended to challenge and change people's behavior.
Accountability of spiritual leaders: Those who claim to speak for God have a serious responsibility to convey His true message and lead people in the right direction.
In the context of Jeremiah, the false prophets were telling the people what they wanted to hear, promising peace and prosperity even though they were engaging in idolatry and injustice. Jeremiah, as a true prophet, was warning them of God's impending judgment and calling them to repent. Jeremiah 23:22 underscores the tragedy of false prophecy – how it not only deceives the people but also prevents them from turning away from the destructive path they are on.
Jeremiah 23:22 - But if they had stood in my council, then they would have caused my people to hear my words, and would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
What does "Jeremiah 23:22" mean?
Jeremiah 23:22 speaks to the role and responsibility of true prophets in guiding God's people. Let's break it down:
"But if they had stood in my council...": This refers to the false prophets. The "council" here represents God's divine assembly or the place where God reveals His plans, purposes, and will. To "stand in His council" means to be in intimate relationship with God, receiving direct instruction and guidance from Him. True prophets are those who have access to this divine council. The implication is that these false prophets haven't been in God's council.
"...then they would have caused my people to hear my words...": If these prophets had truly been in communion with God, they would be relaying God's words to the people, not their own deceitful messages.
"...and would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.": The ultimate purpose of God's message, delivered through true prophets, is to lead people to repentance and to change their behavior. True prophets would be calling the people to turn away from their wickedness, their immoral actions, and their disobedience to God's law.
In essence, the verse contrasts the behavior of false prophets with the expected behavior of true prophets:
False prophets: Not in touch with God, preaching their own ideas, leading people astray.
True prophets (the hypothetical "they" in the verse): In touch with God, conveying God's message, leading people to repentance and righteous living.
The verse highlights the following key points:
Authenticity is crucial: True prophets are distinguished by their genuine connection to God.
God's word is corrective: God's message is intended to challenge and change people's behavior.
Accountability of spiritual leaders: Those who claim to speak for God have a serious responsibility to convey His true message and lead people in the right direction.
In the context of Jeremiah, the false prophets were telling the people what they wanted to hear, promising peace and prosperity even though they were engaging in idolatry and injustice. Jeremiah, as a true prophet, was warning them of God's impending judgment and calling them to repent. Jeremiah 23:22 underscores the tragedy of false prophecy – how it not only deceives the people but also prevents them from turning away from the destructive path they are on.