Jeremiah 18:17 — Meaning and Application

Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways {from} the ancient paths, to walk in paths, {in} a way not cast up;

To make their land desolate, {and} a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.

Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words. {with...: or, for the tongue}

Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me.