John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 23:12

"Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery places in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein; for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith Jehovah." — Jeremiah 23:12 (ASV)

Here he declares to false prophets and unfaithful priests that the Lord’s judgment was near at hand, because they had deceived the people. But he speaks figuratively when he says that their way would be to them as lubricities. By way he understands the means which they thought to be of the best kind, just as elsewhere, in nearly the same sense, what is considered delightful, or what helps to sustain life, is called the table of the wicked (Psalms 69:22).

The meaning then is that when they thought all things were prosperous, as if one were making his way through a plain, they would find themselves on slippery ground. Their way, then, would be to them as lubricities; that is, when they seemed to take safe counsel and so prudently arrange all things that nothing could go wrong for them, their way would become slippery, and that in darkness.

He doubles the evil; for one may stand on slippery ground and yet be able to take care of himself on seeing danger; but when darkness is added to the slippery ground, one who can neither stand nor move can hardly avoid falling, either on this side or that: hence he says, they shall stumble and fall in it.

The reason follows, namely, that the Lord was displeased with them. They could not then escape ruin, for they had to do with God. But as the ungodly derive false confidence from God’s forbearance, so that they dare to glory in their wickedness, he adds, the year of their visitation. Therefore, although God would not immediately put forth his hand to punish them, yet their time was to come; for the year of visitation means the suitable time which God has determined within himself. He indeed defers punishment; but when hypocrites and his despisers have long abused his forbearance, he then suddenly begins to thunder against them; and this is the year of visitation.