Definition: And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 23:13. It's a really important and somewhat sobering verse that speaks about the dangers of false religious practices. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jeremiah is saying that some prophets in Samaria (a region near Israel) were leading people astray with lies and false beliefs. They weren’t actually speaking about God, but instead were trying to appear as if they were. Let's unpack it further: “I have seen folly…” : This is Jeremiah’s observation – he’s witnessed something wrong. “…in the prophets of Samaria” : This refers to a group of prophets who lived in a region called Samaria, which was near Israel at that time. They were known for their religious beliefs and practices. “They prophesied in Baal…” : This is the key part. The prophets were telling people about a god named Baal – a deity worshipped with rituals and sacrifices. They were essentially promoting a false god. “…and caused my people Israel to err.” : This means that their false beliefs led to Israelites straying from God’s true path. They made choices based on these lies, which ultimately brought them into trouble and separation from God. What’s the message? Jeremiah is warning us about the importance of faith in God . It's a reminder that: True faith comes from God: It’s not about following rituals or practices – it’s about trusting in and obeying God’s will. False prophets can be dangerous: They manipulate people with lies, and their actions can lead to spiritual harm. In essence, the verse is a call to stay true to God's word and avoid worshipping false gods. It emphasizes that genuine faith and devotion are far more important than any fleeting or deceptive religious practices. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes? Discuss the historical context of this passage?