Text: Jeremiah 7:9
OT Text Referred to: Deuteronomy 5:17-20
Subject: Righteousness and justice
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Longitudinal Theme
Significance: Deuteronomy 5:17-20 prohibits murder, adultery, theft, and false witness in successive commandments, and Jeremiah 7:9 catalogs violations of these same commandments in rapid succession: "Will you steal (הֲגָנֹב, haganob), murder (רָצֹחַ, ratzoach), commit adultery (נָאֹף, na'of), and swear falsely (הִשָּׁבֵעַ לַשֶּׁקֶר, hishavea' lashaqer)?" The prophet's list follows the Decalogue's order almost exactly, creating an unmistakable indictment: Judah is systematically breaking the core ethical commands while claiming the temple's protection. Jeremiah then adds "burn incense to Baal and follow other gods" (violating commandments 1-2), completing a comprehensive Decalogue-based prosecution that leaves Judah without defense.