ירמיהו, פרק י״א, פסוק י״ג

The spread of idolatry in Judah and Jerusalem reached a massive scale, with every location adopting its own unique practice. The number of false gods throughout the kingdom grew to match the exact number of cities in Judah. In Jerusalem, the situation was even worse. The residents built altars in every street and marketplace, multiplying their places of worship until there was an altar for every single street in the city.

The prophetic message associates this rampant idolatry with a profound sense of shame. Some understand this as a general term of disgrace for idol worship, perhaps specifically referring to the rituals of Molech [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This label reflects the ultimate humiliation that awaits the worshippers. When trouble strikes, they will cry out to their false gods and face the deep shame of receiving no answer [מצודת דוד].

Another perspective suggests a division between two distinct types of pagan worship. While some worshipped a male deity, others worshipped a female counterpart. This female idol is specifically associated with shame because the rituals dedicated to her involved disgraceful acts and public immodesty [מלבי״ם].