Jeremiah 7:22

The passage is of the highest importance in its bearing on the epochs at which the different parts of the Pentateuch were severally composed. It is now held to be made up from elements of very diverse dates. Careful examination has shewn that in Jeremiah's day the "Priestly Code" (P) which emphasizes and elaborates the sacrificial ritual had not been added to the earlier constituents (J and E). It is true indeed that those earlier constituents are not devoid of reference to sacrifice (see Exodus 23:14-19), nor is Deut. either (e.g. Jeremiah 12:5 ff., Jeremiah 16:1 ff.), but (in Peake's words) "there is a very marked difference between the attitude of the earlier Codes and the Priestly Legislation. In the latter the ritual system is of very high importance, and sacrifice fills a prominent place, in the former sacrifice holds a relatively insignificant position." See further on Jeremiah 8:8 as to Jeremiah's view.

In general it may be said that obedience to the moral law always ranked first (cp. Jeremiah 11:4), and sacrifices were, as is here taught, wholly worthless when offered by the immoral. Moreover, the "outward ceremonial of sacrifice is discounted, in view of the danger of dependence on it" (Buchanan Blake, How to read the Prophets, Part I. p. 222). For the relation between prophecy and the ritual law, see further in C. B. Introd. to the Pentateuch, pp. 174 181. The Jews (it may be added) read in their services this portion of the prophets as the Haph tarah(2nd Lesson) in connexion with Leviticus 6-8. (as 1st Lesson), thus supporting the view that sacrifices are but secondary. Cp. for the sentiment of the Jeremiah 7 : 1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:11 ff.; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:22 ff.; Micah 6:6 ff.

in the day i.e. at the period of their history.