Jeremiah 23:13 (KJV) says, "And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err."

This verse comes from the book of Jeremiah, which is a prophetic book in the Old Testament of the Bible. The prophet Jeremiah lived during a tumultuous time in Israel's history, as the nation was facing destruction and exile due to their continual disobedience to God. In this verse, Jeremiah condemns the false prophets of Samaria who were leading the people astray with their false messages and teachings.

The context of this verse is essential to understanding its significance. At the time when Jeremiah was speaking, the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The prophet Isaiah focuses on the northern kingdom, also known as Samaria. This kingdom had a long history of turning away from God and worshiping false gods, particularly Baal. The false prophets in Samaria were promoting this idolatrous worship and leading the people into sin and disobedience.

The theme of false prophets and idolatry is prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. The prophet consistently warns the people about the consequences of following false teachings and straying from God's commandments. Jeremiah's message is one of repentance and the need to turn back to God in order to avoid the impending judgment and destruction that looms over the nation.

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The prophets of Samaria represent the pervasiveness of false teaching and deception in the world. Their prophecies were not from God but from the false god Baal, leading the people astray with empty promises and false hope. This serves as a warning to believers to be discerning and cautious about the messages they receive, ensuring that they are rooted in the truth of God's word.

In a broader sense, this verse also speaks to the universal problem of human sinfulness and the allure of false idols. The people of Israel were drawn to the worship of Baal because it offered immediate gratification and worldly pleasures. In doing so, they turned away from the one true God who offered them salvation and true fulfillment. This serves as a cautionary tale for all believers to be vigilant against the temptations of earthly desires and to remain steadfast in their faith in God.

Ultimately, Jeremiah 23:13 serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's truth. It also speaks to the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments and discerning in the face of false teachings. It is a timeless message that continues to resonate with believers today, reminding us to remain steadfast in God's truth and to reject the empty promises of the world.