Of all the people of Israel, the prophets and priests had the most guilt. Through their example they led the people into wickedness. The prophets preached false messages of peace (Jeremiah 6:13–15) and the priests violated God’s law (Ezekiel 22:26). Together the prophets and priests were also guilty of corruption and violence against innocent people (Hosea 6:9; Jeremiah 26:7–24). Thus the people’s leaders led them to their downfall. This is often still the case in the church today.
13 This was for the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed in the midst of her the blood of the righteous.