Jeremiah was called to deliver this message at the temple gate. The people of Judah believed Jerusalem was their fortress that could not be attacked. It was built on a hill tucked away from the coasts, and more importantly, it was the city where the temple was located (4).

However, God calls their thoughts deceptive. They thought giving burnt offerings and sacrifices accompanying elaborate service was their worship. But they forgot the essential part of God's instruction when he made them into a nation: obeying God's will (22,23). Obeying God meant honoring Him, loving their neighbors, and living an honest life (6,9, Micah 6:8).

They burned incense and gave offerings to foreign idols. They even set up idols in the house of God and practiced the despicable pagan rituals of child sacrifices in the high places (30,31). Their attitude angered God's heart. But they mainly were harming themselves (19). As they turned away from the creator God and turned to useless idols, they were disgracing themselves.


Application: Father, it is a privilege to come to worship and praise your name. Please help me obey you fully so I can worship you properly. Please help me to honor you and find satisfaction in my soul.
One Word: Worship God with obedience to him.