Jeremiah 2:28 — Meaning and Application

As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,

Saying to a stock, Thou {art} my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned {their} back unto me, and not {their} face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. {brought...: or, begotten me} {their back: Heb. the hinder part of the neck}

But where {are} thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for {according to} the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. {trouble: Heb. evil}

Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD.

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.