Jeremiah 2:5

Behold, thou hast spoken, etc.] RM 'Thou hast spoken thus, but hast done evil things.' As thou couldest] RV 'and hast had thy way.'

The Prophet Sets Forth the Sin of the Nation and Points Out the Inevitable Result (Reign of Josiah, and Probably Before the Reforms of that King: cp. Jeremiah 3:6)

This section furnishes us with the gist of the prophet's testimony during the early years of his ministry, and doubtless represents the commencement of the roll written by Baruch at Jeremiah's dictation. In these five Chapter s he lays before his hearers the grossness of their conduct in deserting Jehovah, and urges repentance and amendment while yet the impending judgment is delayed. For the idolatrous and 'high place' worship of the period see Intro., and cp. Intro, to Hosea.

Vanity] i.e. idols: cp. Jeremiah 10:15.