Those who should have been spiritual leaders among the people, "the ancients of the house of Israel," to the number of seventy, were seen offering incense before the idolatrous representations that had been introduced into hidden chambers within the sacred precincts of the temple court. "The Lord seeth us not," the men of Judah flattered themselves as they engaged in their heathenish practices; "the Lord hath forsaken the earth," they blasphemously declared. Verses 11, 12.

Han så dem, som skulle have været folkets åndelige ledere, "halvfjerdsindstyve af Israels hus ældste", ofre røgelse foran afgudsbilleder, som var blevet anbragt i skjulte kamre inden for tempelgårdens hellige mure. "Herren ser intet," sagde Judas mænd til sig selv, mens de praktiserede deres hedenske skikke; "Herren har forladt landet," sagde de spottende. 11-12. vers.