Text: Jeremiah 7:9
OT Text Referred to: Exodus 20:16
Subject: false witness cited in temple sermon
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): None
Anchor Text: Exod 20 — The Decalogue
Significance: Exodus 20:16 prohibits bearing false witness (עֵד שָׁקֶר, ed shaqer), and Jeremiah 7:9 includes "swear falsely" (הִשָּׁבֵעַ לַשֶּׁקֶר, hishshavea lashsheqer) among the Decalogue violations committed by those who seek refuge in the temple. Both texts use the root שׁ-ק-ר (sh-q-r, "falsehood/deception") to describe the offense. Jeremiah's rhetorical question—"Will you... swear falsely... and then come and stand before Me in this house?"—exposes the absurdity of invoking God's protection while violating the very commandments that define the covenant relationship. The ninth commandment's prohibition becomes evidence in the prophet's case against Jerusalem.