ירמיהו, פרק מ״ד, פסוק י״ז

The people openly and stubbornly defend their idol worship, relying on a twisted view of history. They firmly believe that foreign rituals are the true source of their past safety, abundance, and prosperity. Driven by this belief, they declare a firm intention to follow through on the vows [ביאור שטיינזלץ] and commitments [מצודת דוד] they made to continue these practices. Specifically, their rituals involve burning incense and pouring liquid offerings to an entity known as the Queen of Heaven [מצודת דוד].

Commentators offer different explanations for the identity of this entity, stemming from the specific spelling of the title in the Hebrew text. Some suggest the term relates to craft or work, meaning the people are worshipping the stars, which are simply the handiwork of God [רד״ק, מנחת שי]. Others connect the title to royalty, arguing that it refers to a large star that rules over the rest like a king, namely the sun [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון].

From a cultural perspective, this was likely a goddess associated with agricultural fertility and abundance, similar to Canaanite deities. This folk religion was primarily led by women, with men offering passive support. It did not demand elaborate idols or massive sacrifices, but rather small, simple offerings. The people may not have even viewed these actions as a complete rejection of God. Instead, they likely treated the rituals as a superstition or a secondary practice added to their worship, meant to bring good luck [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The core of their defense rests on their historical memory. They argue that in earlier times, when their ancestors and leaders actively engaged in these rituals, the nation enjoyed plenty of food, wealth, and all good things [מצודת דוד]. They recall an era of total peace [רד״ק]. By giving full credit for their past success to this idol worship, they conclude that as long as they maintained these rituals, no disaster ever struck them [ביאור שטיינזלץ].