God’s judgment is not just general on the whole world but here we see it focused particularly on God’s own people. God has higher expectation of His people and does not condone sin in their lives.

This sin is serious because instead of worshipping the great God who delivered Israel miraculously from Egypt they are turning instead to give their praise and allegiance to false gods like Baal and Milcom who are just idols.

Some of the people of Judah have turned totally away from the Lord; others have been trying to merge their pagan worship with worship of the Lord.

Believers today do not bow down to the false gods of Baal and Milcom, but there are many other false gods such as money, work, family and hobbies which believers possibly worship alongside the Lord.

A false god is something that competes for our affection and allegiance alongside the Lord. Take time to pray about false gods which might gradually be perturbing into your life.

Priests were particularly singled out for condemnation as they encouraged this false worship. Believers need to turn away from influences which lead them away from wholehearted devotion to God.