Jer 5:31, 7:4 | JFB | STEP | 31. bear rule by their means —literally, "according to their hands," that is, under their guidance ( ). As a sample of the priests lending themselves to the deceits of the false prophets, to gain influence over the people, see . love to have it so — ( ). end thereof —the fatal issue of this sinful course when divine judgments shall come.

Jeremiah 5:31

31. bear rule by their means—literally, "according to their hands," that is, under their guidance (1Ch 25:3). As a sample of the priests lending themselves to the deceits of the false prophets, to gain influence over the people, see Jer 29:24-32.

love to have it so— (Mic 2:11).

end thereof—the fatal issue of this sinful course when divine judgments shall come.

Jeremiah 7:4

4. The Jews falsely thought that because their temple had been chosen by Jehovah as His peculiar dwelling, it could never be destroyed. Men think that ceremonial observances will supersede the need of holiness (Isa 48:2; Mic 3:11). The triple repetition of "the temple of Jehovah" expresses the intense confidence of the Jews (see Jer 22:29; Isa 6:3).

these—the temple buildings which the prophet points to with his finger (Jer 7:2).