Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and [am] a witness, saith the LORD.
Ver. 23. Because they have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives.] As did Eli's sons, 1Sa 2:22 those false prophets also at Jerusalem, Jer 23:14 Hetser, the great Anabaptist in Germany, a who yet died penitently, and as do still the Imailers, an order of religious men among the Turks, b who call them the religious brothers of love, and the Brahmins, successors to the Brachmanni, among the Indians, who are extremely impure and libidinous, claiming the first night's lodging of every bride, &c., having nothing of a man but the voice and shape, and yet these are their priests. c
Even I know, and am a witness, saith the Lord.] Let them carry their villany never so cleanly and closely, with their si non caste, saltem caute, yet I know all, am now an eyewitness, and will be one day a swift witness against them. Utinam animadverterent haec principes, et ille qui non in sede Petri sed in prostibulo Priapi Lampsaceni sedens fornieationes tegit, sancta coniuga vetat, mera sorenia vendit, et Dei oculos claudit, saith one.
a Scultet. Annal.
b Turk. Hist., 477.
c Heyl., Cosmog.