Jeremiah Chapter 10

The Sovereignty of God

1Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:

2Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

5They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

6Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.

7Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.

8But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.

9Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.

10But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

11Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.

12He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

13When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

14Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

15They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

16The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.

The Coming Destruction

17Gather up thy wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress.

18For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find it so.

19Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.

20My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.

21For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

22Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons.

Jeremiah's Prayer

23O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

24O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

25Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Sovereignty of God

1 Hear the word which Yahweh speaks to you, house of Israel!

2 Thus says Yahweh, “Don’t learn the way of the nations, and don’t be dismayed at the signs of the sky; for the nations are dismayed at them.

3 For the customs of the peoples are vanity; for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the axe.

4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it not move.

5 They are like a palm tree, of turned work, and don’t speak: they must be carried, because they can’t go. Don’t be afraid of them; for they can’t do evil, neither is it in them to do good.”

6 There is none like you, Yahweh; you are great, and your name is great in might.

7 Who should not fear you, King of the nations? For it appertains to you; because among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their royal estate, there is none like you.

8 But they are together brutish and foolish: the instruction of idols! it is but a stock.

9 There is silver beaten into plates, which is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the artificer and of the hands of the goldsmith; blue and purple for their clothing; they are all the work of skillful men.

10 But Yahweh is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembles, and the nations are not able to withstand his indignation.

11 You shall say this to them: The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens.

12 He has made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding has he stretched out the heavens:

13 when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes lightnings for the rain, and brings forth the wind out of his treasuries.

14 Every man has become brutish and without knowledge; every goldsmith is disappointed by his engraved image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

15 They are vanity, a work of delusion: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

16 The portion of Jacob is not like these; for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance: Yahweh of Armies is his name.

The Coming Captivity of Judah

17 Gather up your wares out of the land, you who live under siege.

18 For thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this time, and will distress them, that they may feel it.

19 Woe is me because of my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is my grief, and I must bear it.

20 My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth from me, and they are no more: there is none to spread my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.

21 For the shepherds are become brutish, and have not inquired of Yahweh: therefore they have not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered.

22 The voice of news, behold, it comes, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a dwelling place of jackals.

23 Yahweh, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.

24 Yahweh, correct me, but in measure: not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.

25 Pour out your wrath on the nations that don’t know you, and on the families that don’t call on your name: for they have devoured Jacob, yes, they have devoured him and consumed him, and have laid waste his habitation.

The Sovereignty of God

1 Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. 2 This is what the LORD says:

“Do not learn the ways of the nations

or be terrified by the signs in the heavens,

though the nations themselves are terrified by them.

3 For the customs of the peoples are worthless;

they cut down a tree from the forest;

it is shaped with a chisel

by the hands of a craftsman.

4 They adorn it with silver and gold

and fasten it with hammer and nails,

so that it will not totter.

5 Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch,

their idols cannot speak.

They must be carried

because they cannot walk.

Do not fear them, for they can do no harm,

and neither can they do any good.”

6 There is none like You, O LORD.

You are great, and Your name is mighty in power.

7 Who would not fear You, O King of nations?

This is Your due.

For among all the wise men of the nations,

and in all their kingdoms,

there is none like You.

8 But they are altogether senseless and foolish,

instructed by worthless idols made of wood!

9 Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish,

and gold from Uphaz—

the work of a craftsman

from the hands of a goldsmith.

Their clothes are blue and purple,

all fashioned by skilled workers.

10 But the LORD is the true God;

He is the living God and eternal King.

The earth quakes at His wrath,

and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

11 Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.” a

12 The LORD made the earth by His power;

He established the world by His wisdom

and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.

13 When He thunders,

the waters in the heavens roar;

He causes the clouds to rise

from the ends of the earth.

He generates the lightning with the rain

and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.

14 Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge;

every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols.

For his molten images are a fraud,

and there is no breath in them.

15 They are worthless, a work to be mocked.

In the time of their punishment they will perish.

16 The Portion of Jacob is not like these,

for He is the Maker of all things,

and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance—

the LORD of Hosts is His name.

The Coming Captivity of Judah

17 Gather up your belongings from this land, you who live under siege. 18 For this is what the LORD says:

“Behold, at this time I will sling out

the inhabitants of the land

and bring distress upon them

so that they may be captured.”

19 Woe to me because of my brokenness;

my wound is grievous!

But I said, “This is truly my sickness,

and I must bear it.”

20 My tent is destroyed,

and all its ropes are snapped.

My sons have departed from me

and are no more.

I have no one left to pitch my tent

or set up my curtains.

21 For the shepherds have become senseless;

they do not seek the LORD.

Therefore they have not prospered,

and all their flock is scattered.

22 Listen! The sound of a report is coming—

a great commotion from the land to the north.

The cities of Judah will be made a desolation,

a haunt for jackals. b

23 I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own;

no one who walks directs his own steps.

24 Correct me, O LORD,

but only with justice—

not in Your anger,

or You will bring me to nothing.

25 Pour out Your wrath on the nations

that do not acknowledge You,

and on the families

that do not call on Your name.

For they have devoured Jacob;

they have consumed him and finished him off;

they have devastated his homeland.

Footnotes:

11 a The original text of this verse is in Aramaic.
22 b Or serpents  or dragons

The Sovereignty of God

1Hear ye the word, O house of Israel, That Jehovah hath spoken for you.

2Thus said Jehovah: Unto the way of the nations accustom not yourselves, And by the signs of the heavens be not affrighted, For the nations are affrighted by them.

3For the statutes of the peoples are vanity, For a tree from a forest hath one cut, Work of the hands of an artificer, with an axe,

4With silver and with gold they beautify it, With nails and with hammers they fix it, And it doth not stumble.

5As a palm they are stiff, and they speak not, They are surely borne, for they step not, Be not afraid of them, for they do no evil, Yea, also to do good is not in them.

6Because there is none like Thee, O Jehovah, Great art Thou, and great Thy name in might.

7Who doth not fear Thee, king of the nations? For to Thee it is becoming, For among all the wise of the nations, And in all their kingdom there is none like Thee.

8And in one they are brutish and foolish, An instruction of vanities is the tree itself.

9Spread-out silver from Tarshish is brought, And gold from Uphaz, Work of an artisan, and of the hands of a refiner, Blue and purple is their clothing, Work of the skilful -- all of them.

10And Jehovah is a God of truth, He is a living God, and a king age-during, From His wrath shake doth the earth, And nations endure not His indignation.

11Thus do ye say to them, The gods Who the heavens and earth have not made, They do perish from the earth, And from under these heavens.

12The maker of the earth by His power, The establisher of the world by His wisdom, Who, by His understanding, stretched forth the heavens,

13At the voice He giveth forth, A multitude of waters is in the heavens, And He causeth vapours to come up from the end of the earth, Lightnings for rain He hath made, And bringeth out wind from His treasures.

14Brutish is every man by knowledge, Put to shame is every refiner by a graven image, For false is his molten image. And there is no breath in them.

15Vanity are they, work of erring ones, In the time of their inspection they perish.

16Not like these is the Portion of Jacob, For framer of all things is He, And Israel is the rod of His inheritance, Jehovah of Hosts is His name.

The Coming Destruction

17Gather from the land thy merchandise, O dweller in the bulwark,

18For thus said Jehovah: Lo, I am slinging out the inhabitants of the land at this time, And have been an adversary to them, So that they are found out.

19Woe to me for my breaking, Grievious hath been my smiting, And I said, Only, this is my sickness, and I bear it.

20My tent hath been spoiled, And all my cords have been broken, My sons have gone out from me, and they are not, There is none stretching out any more my tent, And raising up my curtains.

21For the shepherds have become brutish, And Jehovah they have not sought, Therefore they have not acted wisely, And all their flock is scattered.

22A voice of a report, lo, it hath come, Even a great shaking from the north country, To make the cities of Judah a desolation, A habitation of dragons.

Jeremiah's Prayer

23I have known, O Jehovah, that not of man is his way, Not of man the going and establishing of his step.

24Chastise me, O Jehovah, only in judgment, Not in Thine anger, lest Thou make me small.

25Pour out Thy fury on the nations that have not known Thee, And on the families that have not called in Thy name, For they have eaten up Jacob, Yea, they have eaten him up, yea, they consume him, And his habitation they have made desolate!

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Jeremiah 10?

1.1Introduction to Jeremiah 10

1.2Context of Jeremiah 10

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Jeremiah 10 Unique Insights

1.6Jeremiah 10 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Jeremiah 10 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Jeremiah 10 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Jeremiah 10?

Introduction to Jeremiah 10

Jeremiah 10 stands as a powerful prophetic discourse that contrasts the majesty of the living God with the futility of idolatry. In this remarkable chapter, we encounter one of the most eloquent denunciations of idol worship in all of Scripture, while simultaneously receiving an exalted vision of יהוה’s incomparable nature. The prophet’s words cut through the spiritual confusion of his day with surgical precision, addressing a people caught between authentic worship of the one true God and the seductive appeal of pagan practices that surrounded them.

Context of Jeremiah 10

This chapter appears at a crucial juncture in Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry, as the threat of Babylonian invasion looms over Judah. It follows directly after the prophet’s heartbreaking lament over the people’s covenant unfaithfulness in chapter 9 and precedes the reminder of covenant curses in chapter 11. The immediate context reveals a prophet desperately trying to shake his people awake to their spiritual peril before it’s too late.

Within the broader biblical narrative, Jeremiah 10 echoes the themes found in Isaiah 44:9-20 and Psalm 115:1-8, forming part of Scripture’s consistent polemic against idolatry. This chapter’s placement within Jeremiah’s prophecies serves as a crucial bridge between the earlier announcements of judgment and the later messages of hope and restoration, demonstrating how יהוה’s supremacy over false gods guarantees both His justice and His mercy.

The chapter also foreshadows themes that would become increasingly important during Israel’s exile in Babylon, where God’s people would face direct confrontation with elaborate idol worship. The wisdom contained here would later strengthen Daniel and his companions as they maintained their faith in a pagan empire.

Ancient Key Word Study

“Customs” (chuqqot חֻקּ֥וֹת): This term in Jeremiah 10:3 specifically refers to established religious practices, carrying the connotation of something carved or engraved, suggesting how deeply ingrained these pagan practices had become in society. The word choice emphasizes the systematic nature of idolatrous worship.
“Worthless” (hevel הֶ֫בֶל): Appearing in verse 3, this word literally means “vapor” or “breath,” powerfully conveying the emptiness and transient nature of idol worship. It’s the same word used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe vanity.
“Skilled craftsman” (חָכָם chacham): Used in verse 9, this term ironically applies the word for “wise man” to those who create idols, highlighting the foolishness of human wisdom divorced from divine truth.
“Work of error” (מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה תַּעְתֻּעִ֖ים ma’aseh ta’tu’im): Found in verse 15, this unique phrase combines “work” with a word suggesting mockery or delusion, emphasizing how idol worship not only fails but actively deceives its practitioners.
“Portion” (חֵלֶק cheleq): In verse 16, this term describes יהוה as Israel’s “portion,” suggesting both inheritance and sustenance, contrasting sharply with the emptiness of idols.
“Creator” (יוֹצֵ֥ר yotzer): Used in verse 16, this participle form emphasizes God’s ongoing creative activity, not just a one-time act of creation.
“Shepherd” (רָעָה ra’ah): Appearing in verse 21, this term carries rich covenant significance, indicting Israel’s leaders for failing in their shepherding responsibilities.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 2‘s phrase “Do not learn the way of the nations” uses the Hebrew word למד (lamad) for “learn” rather than ידע (yada) for “know,” emphasizing active acquisition of pagan practices rather than passive awareness. This choice underscores personal responsibility in avoiding idolatry.
The description of idols in verse 5 as “like a scarecrow in a cucumber field” employs the word תֹּ֫מֶר (tomer) rather than more common words for “statue” or “image,” creating a deliberately mocking image that would resonate with an agricultural society.
Verse 6‘s declaration “There is none like You” uses the construction אֵ֥ין כָּמ֖וֹךָ (ein kamocha) which is more emphatic than alternative phrases, stressing absolute uniqueness rather than mere superiority.
The metaphor in verse 9 listing precious materials uses technical metallurgical terms, suggesting firsthand knowledge of idol manufacture to expose its mundane nature.
Verse 10‘s contrast between the “living God” (אֱלֹהִ֤ים חַיִּים֙) and “dead idols” employs a deliberate play on words that would be particularly potent in Hebrew.
The phrase “gods that did not make the heavens” in verse 11 is uniquely written in Aramaic, possibly as a ready-made response for Jews to use in exile when confronted with idol worshippers.
Verse 16‘s description of God as the “Portion of Jacob” uses covenant language that would resonate deeply with Jewish audiences, reminding them of their special relationship with יהוה.

Jeremiah 10 Unique Insights

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This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

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The chapter contains a fascinating linguistic anomaly in verse 11, which appears in Aramaic rather than Hebrew. Ancient Jewish commentators suggest this verse was specifically designed as a response for Jewish exiles to use when pressured to participate in idol worship in Babylon. The Aramaic language would have made it accessible to their Babylonian captors, serving as both a confession of faith and a polemic against idolatry.

The repeated use of tree imagery throughout the chapter connects to ancient Near Eastern concepts of the “cosmic tree” often associated with deity worship. However, Jeremiah subverts this imagery by emphasizing how these trees are cut down and shaped by human hands, effectively demolishing their supposed divine status. This polemic would have been particularly powerful given the prevalence of sacred grove worship in ancient Canaanite religion.

Early rabbinic sources note that the specific sequence of idol creation described in verses 3-5 mirrors actual ancient metallurgical practices, suggesting Jeremiah had intimate knowledge of idol manufacturing processes. This technical accuracy lends weight to his criticism, as he demonstrates how thoroughly mundane and human-dependent the entire process was. The Targum Jonathan elaborates on this, adding details about the specific tools and techniques used, further emphasizing the purely human origin of these false gods.

The phrase “customs of the peoples” in verse 3 uses terminology that elsewhere in Scripture describes God’s own laws, creating a stark contrast between divine instruction and human invention. This wordplay would have been particularly meaningful to Jewish audiences familiar with Torah language.

Jeremiah 10 Connections to Yeshua

The chapter’s emphasis on יהוה as the true and living God powerfully foreshadows Yeshua’s declaration “I am the way, the truth, and the life” in John 14:6. The contrast between lifeless idols and the living God finds its ultimate expression in the incarnation, where God takes on human flesh not through human craftsmanship but through divine miracle.

The warning against learning the “customs of the peoples” takes on new significance in light of Yeshua’s teaching about true worship in John 4:23-24, where He emphasizes worship “in spirit and truth” rather than external forms and traditions. The Messiah’s ministry consistently challenged empty religious practices while establishing authentic relationship with the Father.

Jeremiah 10 Scriptural Echoes

The chapter’s themes resonate throughout Scripture, finding particular harmony with Isaiah 44:9-20, where the prophet similarly mocks the absurdity of idol worship. The description of יהוה as the true God echoes Psalm 96:5 and finds fulfillment in 1 Thessalonians 1:9, where Paul describes conversion as turning from idols to serve the living and true God.

The theme of divine sovereignty over nature connects with Psalm 29 and Job 38, while the warning against pagan customs anticipates Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1. The chapter’s emphasis on God as Creator links to Genesis 1 and finds ultimate expression in Colossians 1:15-20.

Jeremiah 10 Devotional

In our modern context, while we may not bow before wooden or metal statues, the chapter’s warning about false objects of worship remains painfully relevant. We must examine our hearts for the subtle idols of career, status, relationships, or even religious activity that can supplant our devotion to the living God.

The chapter challenges us to consider where we place our trust. Do we, like the nations Jeremiah addressed, find security in human achievements and institutions? Or do we recognize יהוה as the source of our protection and provision? This introspection should lead us to evaluate our priorities and realign them with God’s truth.

Did You Know

The Aramaic verse in Jeremiah 10:11 is one of only two extended Aramaic passages in Jeremiah, suggesting it served a specific diplomatic or evangelistic purpose.
The description of idol decoration in verse 9 mentions “Uphaz,” a location whose exact identity remains mysterious but may be related to the better-known Ophir.
The metallurgical terms used in describing idol creation match archaeological evidence of ancient Near Eastern crafting techniques.
The word for “scarecrow” in verse 5 appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making it a unique term chosen for its vivid imagery.
The phrase “all the wise men of the nations” in verse 7 uses terminology that would later become significant in Daniel’s confrontations with Babylonian wisdom.
The specific sequence of wood selection, cutting, and decorating described in verses 3-4 mirrors actual ancient idol-making procedures documented in archaeological findings.
The reference to “purple and blue” materials in verse 9 indicates expensive dyes made from specific Mediterranean mollusks, highlighting the economic aspects of idol worship.
The chapter’s structure follows an ancient Near Eastern literary pattern called “disputation speech,” common in philosophical and religious debates of the time.
The description of God’s power over nature in verses 12-13 uses technical terms that suggest advanced understanding of ancient meteorology.
The phrase “portion of Jacob” in verse 16 connects to the tribal inheritance system established under Joshua, adding deeper covenant significance to the text.

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