ירמיהו, פרק כ״ג, פסוק י״א

The spiritual foundation of the nation has entirely collapsed, corrupted by the very figures entrusted to guide the people toward goodness. A profound tragedy unfolds as both the prophets and the priests—the ultimate role models from whom everyone is meant to learn [רש״י]—have fallen into deep sin. These leaders were supposed to provide direction, whether through divine prophecy or through the teachings of the Torah [מלבי״ם], but instead, they became completely corrupted.

There are different views regarding who these corrupt leaders actually are. They may be false prophets and priests dedicated to the idol Baal [מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, they might be actual priests from the tribe of Levi alongside scribes who invent lies from their own imaginations [רד״ק]. Regardless of their exact identity, their leadership is marked by wickedness and deceit. Rather than properly rebuking the nation and guiding them back to the right path, these leaders resorted to flattery and favoritism, deliberately avoiding the truth to please the public [מצודת דוד, רד״ק].

The severity of their actions reaches its peak because their wickedness is not hidden away in secret. It takes place right inside God's own house, the Temple, which is the natural setting where priests and prophets spend their time [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their behavior shows a complete lack of fear and respect for God, even as He dwells directly among them [מלבי״ם]. The primary approach among commentators is that this ultimate evil refers to the practice of idolatry within the Temple walls. In a shocking display of betrayal, these leaders sacrificed to and worshipped other gods in God's house, going so far as to erect an idol directly inside the holy sanctuary [רש״י].