Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 5:31

31 The prophets prophesie falsly, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

Either spreading and dispersing abroad the lies of their Idols, particularly, Baal, chap. 2.8. or venting their lies in the name of the true God, chap. 4.10.

By this means it comes to pass, that the Princes and Priests are encouraged to do all their mischiefs, whether it were in corrupting Judgment by bribes, or countenancing fraud and oppression, and hardening themselves against Gods Threatnings, or whatever else, they were encouraged by the lies of the false prophets, they and the Priests and Princes combining, and setting themselves against the true Prophets of God, chap. 26.8. and thus the Priests in effect take the management of all the affairs into their own hands; so the Heb. take into their hands which intimates the Authority they used in their Ministry.

They are very well pleased with the flatteries, and lies of the false Prophets, not being able to bear the truths, that were delivered them from God, Mic. 2.11.

q. d. Whither do you think these things will tend? You must look for nothing, but utter ruin as the fruit and effect of such doings, Mic. 3.11, 12. when this City, which you look upon to be perpetuated, shall be overthrown, and you utterly perish in its ruine, how miserably will you find your selves to be deluded by your false prophets, and disappointed in your hopes? A sad Aposiopoesis concerning the exterminating of the people by the Chaldaeans.

Marginal references: chap. 14.14. & 23.25, 26. Ezek. 13.6.; Or, take into their hands.