19 But am I the one they are provoking? declares the Lord. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?
19 Do they provoke me to anger? saith the Lord: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?
19 Is it I whom they provoke? declares the Lord. Is it not themselves, to their own shame?
19 "But is it me they're hurting?" God's Decree! "Aren't they just hurting themselves? Exposing themselves shamefully? Making themselves ridiculous?
19 Do they provoke Me to anger?" says the Lord. "Do they not provoke themselves, to the shame of their own faces?"
19 Am I the one they are hurting?" asks the Lord . "Most of all, they hurt themselves, to their own shame."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 7:19
Commentary on Jeremiah 7:17-20
(Read Jeremiah 7:17-20)
The Jews took pride in showing zeal for their idols. Let us learn to be earnest in the service of our God, even from this bad example. Let us think it an honour to be employed in any work for God. Let us be as diligent ourselves, and as careful to teach our children the truths of God, as many are to teach the mysteries of iniquity. The direct tendency of this sin is malice against God, but it will hurt themselves. And they shall find there is no escaping. God's wrath is fire unquenchable.