False Teachers: Empty Promises

In these verses Jude uses several graphic comparisons to emphasize the enticing allure, and often hidden deceit of false teachers who in the end can never truly deliver.

1. Blemishes at your love feasts: Early Christians would often gather together for fellowship over food.  These feasts could become very hypocritical by showing bias to the rich.  False teachers would capitalize on this situation by sowing discord.  The word “blemishes” in the Greek actually means “hidden reef” A hidden reef was very dangerous to sailors and symbolizes deceit.
2. Shepherds who feed themselves: A shepherd is expected to give priority to the safety and well being of the sheep.  But false teachers take advantage of their flock, and really only care for themselves.
3. Clouds without rain: It must be very frustrating to a farmer who needs rain for his crops to get all excited about the promise of rain from a dark cloud that just passes on by.  This is a good description of the emptiness and disappointment that comes from following false teachers.
4. Uprooted fruit trees: Again one would expect a fruit tree to yield tasty treats but an empty tree that is uprooted not only brings immediate disappointment but gives no hope of future fulfillment.
5. Wild waves: Waves are strong, but uncontrollable and destructive.  Their power is wasted and brings no real benefit.
6. Wandering stars: In the past sailors were able to find their way by using the unmoving positions of certain stars as a reference point. A wandering star is totally useless for this type of navigation.  A sailor who tried to use a wandering star would only end up lost.