Jer 2:5 | JFB | STEP | 5. iniquity-- wrong done to them ( ; ; compare ). walked after vanity-- contrasted with "walkest after me in the wilderness" ( ): then I was their guide in the barren desert; now they take idols as their guides. vanity ... vain-- An idol is not only vain (impotent and empty), but vanity itself. Its worshippers acquire its character, becoming vain as it is ( ; ). A people's character never rises above that of its gods, which are its "better nature" [Bacon] ( ; ).

‏ Jeremiah 2:5

5. iniquity--wrong done to them (Is 5:4; Mi 6:3; compare De 32:4).

walked after vanity--contrasted with "walkest after me in the wilderness" (Jr 2:2): then I was their guide in the barren desert; now they take idols as their guides.

vanity ... vain--An idol is not only vain (impotent and empty), but vanity itself. Its worshippers acquire its character, becoming vain as it is (De 7:26; Psa 115:8). A people's character never rises above that of its gods, which are its "better nature" [Bacon] (2Ki 17:15; Jon 2:8).