The period before the destruction of the temple; the iniquity and hypocrisy of the Jews
Chapter 8 begins a new prophecy, which comprises several distinct revelations, and extends to the close of chapter 19 (from the eighth to the end of the eleventh being connected). Judah still existed at Jerusalem, although many of them had already been carried into captivity with Jehoiakim. It was not till five years later that the temple was destroyed. It is the state of things at Jerusalem which is judged in these chapters. The elders of Judah presented themselves before the prophet, and Jehovah took this opportunity to show him all the enormities that would bring down judgment on the people. In the prophecy of the preceding year God, by the mouth of the prophet, had threatened Israel with the giving up of His sanctuary to the profane (ch. 7:20-22). Here Jehovah exhibits in detail the cause of this judgment. The glory of Jehovah appeared to the prophet, and he was taken in the visions of God to Jerusalem, and there in the courts and the chambers, and in the gates, he was shown every form of hateful and defiling idolatry practiced in Jehovah’s own house by the elders and others of Israel. If we compare the history of Jeremiah, and the outward profession that was made-the pretension that the law should not perish from the priest, we shall understand the excessive iniquity of the Jews and their hypocrisy.