18 But which of them has stood in the council of the Lordto see or to hear his word? Who has listened and heard his word?
18 For who hath stood in the counsel
18 For who among them has stood in the council of the Lord to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened?
18 Have any of these prophets bothered to meet with me, the true God? bothered to take in what I have to say? listened to and then lived out my Word?
18 For who has stood in the counsel of the Lord, And has perceived and heard His word? Who has marked His word and heard it?
18 "Have any of these prophets been in the Lord 's presence to hear what he is really saying? Has even one of them cared enough to listen?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:18
Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9-22
(Read Jeremiah 23:9-22)
The false prophets of Samaria had deluded the Israelites into idolatries; yet the Lord considered the false prophets of Jerusalem as guilty of more horrible wickedness, by which the people were made bold in sin. These false teachers would be compelled to suffer the most bitter part of the Lord's indignation. They made themselves believe that there was no harm in sin, and practised accordingly; then they made others believe so. Those who are resolved to go on in evil ways, will justly be given up to believe strong delusions. But which of them had received any revelation of God, or understood any thing of his word? There was a time coming when they would reflect on their folly and unbelief with remorse. The teaching and example of the true prophets led men to repentance, faith, and righteousness. The false prophets led men to rest in forms and notions, and to be quiet in their sins. Let us take heed that we do not follow unrighteousness.