The Three Ruling Classes Accused
C. J. Ball, M. A. Jeremiah 2:4-8 Hear you the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel:… 1. The priests, part of whose duty was to "handle the law," i.e., explain the Torah, to instruct the people in the requirements of Jehovah, by oral tradition and out of the sacred law books, gave no sign of spiritual aspiration; like the reprobate sons of Eli, "they knew not Jehovah," that is to say, paid no heed to Him and His will as revealed in the book of the law. 2. The secular authorities, the king and his counsellors, not only sinned thus negatively, but positively revolted against the King of kings, and resisted His will. 3. The prophets went further yet in the path of guilt, apostatising altogether from the God of Israel, and seeking inspiration from the Phoenician Baal, and following worthless idols that could give no help. (C. J. Ball, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Hear ye the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel: WEB: Hear the word of Yahweh, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel!