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Jeremiah 10

25 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah 10 denounces idolatry and human foolishness while proclaiming God's supreme power and impending judgment upon the nations.

Summary

In this chapter the prophet condemns the Israelites’ imitation of heathen practices and the worship of false gods fashioned from wood, silver, and gold. He describes how these idols, though impressive, are lifeless and incapable of good or evil, contrasting them with God who created the heavens and the earth and whose power brings forth winds, lightning, and rain. Jeremiah reminds the people that the Lord alone is great, wise, and enduring, and that the nations will ultimately suffer the wrath of a living God. The lament of the nation is expressed through imagery of a ruined tabernacle, broken cords, and scattered flocks, illustrating the consequences of neglecting the Lord. He calls for repentance and warns that the heathen who do not honor God will be punished. The passage concludes with a plea that God’s judgment will be poured out on those who disregard His name and have profaned the land of Jacob.

Outline
  1. 1. Critique of idolatry and human vanity
  2. 2. Praise of God’s creative power and sovereignty
  3. 3. Lament, judgment, and call to repentance
Themes
Idolatry vs. true worshipGod’s sovereign powerHuman judgment and repentance
Keywords
idolatryheathenfalse godsvanityLordcreationjudgmentlamentrepentance
People
LordIsraelJacobKing of Nations
Places
TarshishUphazNorth CountryJudahIsrael
Things
silvergoldwooden idolsgraven imageswindslightningraintabernaclecuffscurtains
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 10:2: Highlights the folly of following heathen ways and the emptiness of idol worship.
  • Jeremiah 10:10: Affirms God as the true living God and eternal king.
  • Jeremiah 10:15: Declares that human wisdom is limited and idols are void of life.
  • Jeremiah 10:18: Depicts impending judgment and distress upon the land.
  • Jeremiah 10:25: Appeals to God to punish those who disregard Him and devastate Jacob’s land.
Questions
  • Why does Jeremiah emphasize the lifelessness of idols?
  • How does the depiction of God's creative power serve as a contrast to human folly?
  • What implications does the lament in verses 18-21 have for the Israelites’ sense of identity?
  • In what ways does Jeremiah call for both judgment and repentance?
  • How does the theme of divine sovereignty manifest throughout the chapter?
Sentiment

negative
The tone is critical of idolatry and warns of impending judgment.