Jeremiah 11:12 — Meaning and Application

They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.

Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them. {to escape: Heb. to go forth of}

Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble. {trouble: Heb. evil}

For {according to} the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and {according to} the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to {that} shameful thing, {even} altars to burn incense unto Baal. {shameful...: Heb. shame}

Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear {them} in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble. {trouble: Heb. evil}