NOTES for Jer 7:1-34
The Jerusalem Temple, with its sacrifices and worship, will not protect Judah from the coming catastrophe, because the people have turned away from God, practice lawlessness, and worship pagan gods. The coexistence in a person of outward piety and inward unfaithfulness to God is perhaps one of the most dangerous things. After all, Christ most sharply rebuked not tax collectors and prostitutes, but pious hypocrites. The only salvation from this is a constant turning toward God, a readiness to hear and carry out His will.