Jeremiah 23:13
And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.
Jeremiah 23:13 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah highlights the prophet's observation of the false prophets in Samaria who led the people of Israel astray by prophesying in the name of Baal. The term "folly" here refers to the foolishness and deceitfulness of these prophets who claimed to speak on behalf of God but were actually promoting the worship of false idols. By following these misleading prophets, the Israelites deviated from the true path of righteousness and fell into idolatry. This verse serves as a warning against false prophets and the dangers of being led astray by those who do not speak the truth. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and staying faithful to the teachings of the true God to avoid being deceived by those who seek to mislead.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of the verse in Amos 2:11, it becomes evident that the prophet Amos is denouncing the false prophets of Samaria for misleading the people of Israel. The word "folly" here refers to the foolishness of these prophets who were prophesying in the name of Baal, a pagan deity, instead of the one true God of Israel. By following these false prophets and their teachings, the people of Israel were led astray from the path of righteousness. This verse serves as a warning against false prophets and the dangers of listening to misleading teachings that do not align with the word of God.
Jeremiah 23:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.
World English Bible
I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.
Douay-Rheims
And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria: they prophesied in Baal and deceived my people Israel.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I haue seene foolishnesse in the prophets of Samaria, that prophecied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to erre.