Jeremiah 10

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‹ Chapter 9 Jeremiah — All Chapters Chapter 11 ›

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." 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. 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. 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.

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What Is This Chapter About?

Theme: Idolatry and the Living God

Jeremiah chapter 10 contrasts the false idols of the nations with the one true living God, emphasizing the foolishness of idolatry and the greatness of the Lord. The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and encourages trust in the true God. It also looks forward to a time when God will judge the idols and establish His own kingdom.

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Key Verse

Christ in This Chapter

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Key Words / Phrases

Names of God

Key Verse

Jeremiah 10:6 "Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might."

This verse is central to the chapter because it highlights the uniqueness and greatness of the one true God, contrasting Him with the false idols of the nations. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, encouraging trust and worship.

Key Words in Jeremiah 10

"idols"

The chapter condemns the worship of idols, highlighting their foolishness and the dangers of idolatry.

"the living God"

The passage emphasizes the uniqueness and greatness of the one true living God, contrasting Him with the false idols of the nations.

"creation"

The chapter highlights God's creative power, emphasizing that He is the Maker of all things.

"judgment"

The passage looks forward to a time when God will judge the idols and establish His own kingdom, warning against the dangers of idolatry and encouraging trust in the true God.

Christ in This Chapter

Although Jeremiah 10 does not directly mention Christ, it looks forward to a time when God will establish His kingdom, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The chapter's emphasis on the one true God and the foolishness of idolatry points to the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to the Father (John 14:6). The passage also highlights God's creative power, which is seen in Christ, the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:15-17). As Jeremiah 10:23 says, "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps," which is fulfilled in Christ, who directs our steps and gives us wisdom. (John 1:1 · Colossians 1:15-17)

Names of Deity

Names and pronouns referring to God are marked throughout the text.

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‹ Chapter 9 Jeremiah — All Chapters Chapter 11 ›

Study Notes — Jeremiah 10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary
Context for the Chapter
Heart Application
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Voices from the Church
Outline for Preaching
Core Doctrines
Lessons from Jeremiah 10
Themes from Jeremiah 10
Questions for Meditation
Detailed Chapter Outline
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Cross References
Sermons on Jeremiah 10
Matthew Henry Commentary
What Do You Notice?

Chapter Summary

Jeremiah 10 begins by condemning the customs of the nations, particularly their idolatrous practices, highlighting the foolishness of worshiping man-made idols (Jeremiah 10:1-5). The chapter then turns to praise the one true God, who is the Creator of the universe and the Judge of all nations (Jeremiah 10:6-7, 10, 12-13). The passage warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing that those who make idols will be put to shame (Jeremiah 10:14-15, 8-9). It concludes by looking forward to a time when God will judge the idols and establish His own kingdom, calling on His people to wait for Him and trust in His deliverance (Jeremiah 10:23-25).

Context for the Chapter

Jeremiah 10 is part of the book of Jeremiah, which is a collection of prophecies and sermons given by the prophet Jeremiah to the nation of Judah. The chapter is situated in the context of the Babylonian exile, when the nation of Judah was facing judgment and destruction for their idolatry and disobedience. The passage looks forward to a time when God will restore His people and establish His kingdom, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to trust in the one true living God, warning against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizing the importance of waiting for God's deliverance. It calls us to examine our own hearts and lives, asking if we are putting our trust in idols or in the true God. As we reflect on this passage, may we be encouraged to worship the one true God and to trust in His sovereignty and power.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the foolishness of idolatry and the greatness of the one true God. It warns against worshiping man-made idols and encourages trust in the true God. As Jeremiah 10:6 says, "Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might." The chapter looks forward to a time when God will judge the idols and establish His kingdom, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Voices from the Church

“The idols of the heathen are nothing but the figments of their own imagination, and the gods they worship are but the creations of their own fancy.”
— Charles Spurgeon

“The true God is the only God, and all other gods are but idols, which are not worthy of our worship or trust.”
— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

Introduction to Idolatry (Jeremiah 10:1-5) — The chapter begins by condemning the customs of the nations, particularly their idolatrous practices, highlighting the foolishness of worshiping man-made idols.
The Uniqueness of the One True God (Jeremiah 10:6-7, 10, 12-13) — The passage emphasizes the uniqueness and greatness of the one true God, contrasting Him with the false idols of the nations.
The Dangers of Idolatry (Jeremiah 10:8-9, 14-15) — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing that those who make idols will be put to shame.
The Importance of Trust (Jeremiah 10:23-25) — The passage encourages trust in the true God, warning against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizing the importance of waiting for God's deliverance.
Conclusion (Jeremiah 10:24-25) — The chapter concludes by looking forward to a time when God will judge the idols and establish His kingdom, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God: This chapter teaches that God is the sovereign ruler of the universe, who judges the idols and establishes His own kingdom.
The Dangers of Idolatry: The passage warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing that those who make idols will be put to shame.
The Importance of Trust: The chapter encourages trust in the true God, warning against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizing the importance of waiting for God's deliverance.
The Uniqueness of the One True God: The passage emphasizes the uniqueness and greatness of the one true God, contrasting Him with the false idols of the nations.

Lessons from Jeremiah 10

The Importance of Worshiping the One True God — This chapter teaches us the importance of worshiping the one true God, and avoiding the dangers of idolatry.
The Dangers of Idolatry — The passage warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing that those who make idols will be put to shame.
The Uniqueness and Greatness of God — The chapter emphasizes the uniqueness and greatness of the one true God, contrasting Him with the false idols of the nations.
The Importance of Trust and Waiting — The passage encourages trust in the true God, warning against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizing the importance of waiting for God's deliverance.
The Fulfillment of God's Kingdom — The chapter looks forward to a time when God will judge the idols and establish His kingdom, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Themes from Jeremiah 10

Idolatry and the Living God — The chapter contrasts the false idols of the nations with the one true living God, emphasizing the foolishness of idolatry and the greatness of the Lord.
The Sovereignty of God — The passage teaches that God is the sovereign ruler of the universe, who judges the idols and establishes His own kingdom.
The Importance of Trust — The chapter encourages trust in the true God, warning against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizing the importance of waiting for God's deliverance.
The Uniqueness of the One True God — The passage emphasizes the uniqueness and greatness of the one true God, contrasting Him with the false idols of the nations.
The Fulfillment of God's Kingdom — The chapter looks forward to a time when God will judge the idols and establish His kingdom, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Questions for Meditation

What are some modern-day idols that we may be tempted to worship, and how can we avoid them?
How does the uniqueness and greatness of the one true God encourage us to trust in Him?
What are some ways that we can apply the warnings against idolatry in our own lives?
How does the chapter's emphasis on God's creative power and sovereignty encourage us to worship and trust in Him?
What are some ways that we can wait for God's deliverance and trust in His timing?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to Idolatry (Jeremiah 10:1-5)

10:1	The chapter begins by condemning the customs of the nations, particularly their idolatrous practices, highlighting the foolishness of worshiping man-made idols.
10:2	The passage warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing that those who make idols will be put to shame.

2. The Uniqueness of the One True God (Jeremiah 10:6-7, 10, 12-13)

10:6	The passage emphasizes the uniqueness and greatness of the one true God, contrasting Him with the false idols of the nations.
10:7	The chapter highlights God's creative power, emphasizing that He is the Maker of all things.

3. The Dangers of Idolatry (Jeremiah 10:8-9, 14-15)

10:8	The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing that those who make idols will be put to shame.
10:9	The passage emphasizes the foolishness of worshiping man-made idols, highlighting the dangers of idolatry.

4. The Importance of Trust (Jeremiah 10:23-25)

10:23	The chapter encourages trust in the true God, warning against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizing the importance of waiting for God's deliverance.
10:24	The passage looks forward to a time when God will judge the idols and establish His kingdom, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Jeremiah 10?

The main theme of Jeremiah 10 is the foolishness of idolatry and the greatness of the one true God, emphasizing the dangers of idolatry and the importance of trust in the true God (Jeremiah 10:6, 10:23).

How does the chapter relate to the rest of the book of Jeremiah?

Jeremiah 10 is part of the book of Jeremiah, which is a collection of prophecies and sermons given by the prophet Jeremiah to the nation of Judah, warning against idolatry and encouraging trust in the true God (Jeremiah 10:1-5, Jeremiah 10:23-25).

What are some practical applications of this chapter?

This chapter encourages us to trust in the one true living God, warning against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizing the importance of waiting for God's deliverance, and to examine our own hearts and lives to avoid idolatry (Jeremiah 10:6, Jeremiah 10:23).

Top Cross References

	Reference	Connection
1	Jeremiah 10:6 → Psalm 86:8-10	The uniqueness and greatness of the one true God is emphasized in both Jeremiah 10:6 and Psalm 86:8-10, contrasting Him with the false idols of the nations.
2	Jeremiah 10:10 → Isaiah 40:18-20	The chapter's emphasis on God's creative power is also seen in Isaiah 40:18-20, highlighting God's sovereignty and power.
3	Jeremiah 10:12-13 → Job 38:4-7	The passage's emphasis on God's creative power and sovereignty is also seen in Job 38:4-7, emphasizing God's wisdom and power.
4	Jeremiah 10:14-15 → Psalm 115:1-8	The chapter's warning against idolatry is also seen in Psalm 115:1-8, emphasizing the dangers of idolatry and the importance of trust in the true God.
5	Jeremiah 10:23 → Proverbs 3:5-6	The passage's emphasis on trust in the true God is also seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, encouraging trust in God's sovereignty and power.
6	Jeremiah 10:24-25 → Romans 11:25-27	The chapter's look forward to a time when God will judge the idols and establish His kingdom is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 11:25-27.
7	Jeremiah 10:6 → John 1:1-3	The uniqueness and greatness of the one true God is also seen in John 1:1-3, emphasizing God's sovereignty and power.
8	Jeremiah 10:10 → Colossians 1:15-17	The chapter's emphasis on God's creative power is also seen in Colossians 1:15-17, highlighting God's sovereignty and power.
9	Jeremiah 10:12-13 → Hebrews 1:1-3	The passage's emphasis on God's creative power and sovereignty is also seen in Hebrews 1:1-3, emphasizing God's wisdom and power.
10	Jeremiah 10:23 → 1 Peter 1:3-5	The chapter's emphasis on trust in the true God is also seen in 1 Peter 1:3-5, encouraging trust in God's sovereignty and power.

Sermons on Jeremiah 10

	Sermon	Description
	Attributes of God (Series 2): The Infinite Wisdom of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God, in His wisdom, has allowed the world to be under occupation by foreign soldiers. The preacher uses the book of Romans to explain tha
	The Effects of Seeing the Glory of God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of God showing his glory to Moses. The revelation of God's glory was not for aesthetic purposes or personal bragging rights, but
	Knowing and Finding the Will of God by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of spreading the word of God to people all around the world. They emphasize the need to translate the message into multiple lan
	(Through the Bible) Lamentations by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being double-minded and unstable in one's ways, as mentioned in the book of James. He emphasizes that God does not speak both
	The History of Rock - Part 2 by Alan Ives	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of maintaining a natural and normal approach to music in worship. He compares the excitement and thrill of extra musical notes
	Attitudes on Pride by Jim Logan	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of receiving criticism as a leader. They emphasize the importance of not having a critical spirit and being open to feedback. The sp
	Guidelines to Freedom Part 3 - What's in a Name by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not divorcing praise and worship from the proclamation of truth. He believes that it is the truth that gives substance to o
	Living by Faith in Future Grace - Lesson 1 by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving God by leaning on His provision and strength. He references 1 Peter 4:11 to explain that serving God is not like be
	Unreached Peoples: The Drokpa People of the Himalayas by Paul Hattaway	This sermon delves into the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Drogpa people, who live in a fruitful yet isolated area, practicing ancient customs and idol worship. Despite the
	Correction and Reproof by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not trying to force others into salvation but instead praying for them and showing kindness and meekness. The speaker also

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 10

In this chapter, we see the foolishness of idolatry and the greatness of the one true God. The nations are warned against their idolatrous practices, and the people of God are encouraged to trust in Him. The chapter emphasizes God's creative power and sovereignty, highlighting His wisdom and power. As Matthew Henry says, 'The idols of the heathen are nothing but the figments of their own imagination, and the gods they worship are but the creations of their own fancy.' The passage looks forward to a time when God will judge the idols and establish His kingdom, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. May we be encouraged to worship the one true God and to trust in His sovereignty and power. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Foolishness of Idolatry

The chapter highlights the foolishness of worshiping man-made idols, emphasizing the dangers of idolatry and the uniqueness of the one true God.

God's Creative Power

The passage emphasizes God's creative power, highlighting that He is the Maker of all things and the Judge of all nations.

The Importance of Trust

The chapter encourages trust in the true God, warning against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizing the importance of waiting for God's deliverance.