Jeremiah 10:1-25
Q.1. Why should Israel not have regard for idols? What makes God worthy of worship? What makes the Lord unique? What will happen to man-made idols? – (Jer.10:1-11)
The nations were terrified of the extreme elements. They attributed these events to their gods (Jer.10:1-5). Israel knew God as the Creator and Upholder of the universe, so could see through such delusion. (Jer.10:3 & 12). The Lord warned them – 2 … Do not learn the way of the nations, and do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens although the nations are terrified by them … 5 … They cannot speak; They must be carried because they cannot walk! Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, nor can they do any good (Jer.10:2 & 5). The prophet pointed Israel to the uniqueness of God, and why He alone is worthy of worship, – 6 There is none like You, O Lord; You are great, and great is Your name in might. 7 Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? Indeed, it is Your due! For among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You (Jer.10:6-7). The idols of the nations will totter and fall, since they are the work of puny men (Jer.10:3-5). By contrast – the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath, the earthquakes and the nations cannot endure His indignation (Jer.10:10). The Idols and gods of men cannot be compared with the living God. They will all perish (Jer.10:11).
Q.2. How great is the God of Israel? Why did God mock the makers of idols? Why did God hold His people responsible for their destruction? What had Israel forgotten? – (Jer.10:12-25)
Jeremiah presented his case for worshiping God. He asserted, – 12 It is He who made the earth by His power, Who established the world by His wisdom; And by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens. 13 When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain and brings out the wind from His storehouses (Jer.10:12-13). As Creator, God reigns supreme over all the fearful elements of nature that terrify the nations. Jeremiah mocked godless men and their idols as stupid, worthless, and without life or breath (Jer.10:14-15). He reminded the people about their special relationship with the Lord – The portion of Jacob is not like these; For the Maker of all is He, and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance; The Lord of hosts is His name (Jer.10:16). Their end was near because they had turned their back on the Lord. Jeremiah was heartbroken to have seen it, and to have to declare the destruction of the temple, and the scattering of the people (Jer.10:19-21). He accepted that God’s wrath was justified but asked the Lord to judge with discretion (Jer.10:23-25). He placed himself under God’s sovereign hand, and acknowledged – 23 I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. 24 Correct me, O Lord, but with justice; not with Your anger or You will bring me to nothing. … (Jer.10:23-24). It is inevitable that the righteous will suffer along with the ungodly, when God pours out His wrath on the earth.