Jeremiah 10

2 the signs of heaven. Uncommon phenomena, such as eclipses, or comets, which men have usually regarded with alarm: cp. Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene 3; Act II, Scene 2.

3 of the people. Rather, “of the peoples”—the heathen nations.

5. They are upright as the palm tree. Rather, “like a palm tree of turnery work” (see R.V.); a mere carved pillar, stiff and lifeless. Luther translates, “Säulen” (pillars).

6 [Forasmuch as]. These words are not in the Hebrew. The verse begins with the emphatic exclamation, “There is none at all like unto Thee, O Jehovah.”

7. O King of nations. R.V., “O King of the nations”: not the tutelary God of Israel only.

8. The stock is a doctrine of vanities. Or, “The wood itself is a teacher of vanities”: and therefore its votaries can only be foolish: cp. R.V.

9. Tarshish. See note on 1 Kings x. 22.

Uphaz. Uphaz is supposed by some to be the same as Ophir: see 1 Kings ix. 28. But others regard it as a different name, signifying “gold coast”: cp. Dan. x. 5. There is no certainty on the subject.

11. Thus shall ye say unto them, etc. This verse is in Chaldee or Aramaic, a dialect which Jeremiah uses nowhere else. It is found, however, in the oldest versions; and it is supposed to be intended for the Jewish exiles as a reply to the Chaldean idolaters by whom they were to be surrounded.

14. Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge. This may mean, “Every one is too brutish to know” (R.V. marg.); i.e., to know the true God.

Every founder is confounded by the graven image. Rather, as R.V., “Every goldsmith is put to shame by [his] graven image”—“put to shame,” because after all his skill and labour, it is nothing more!

15 errors. Mockeries; delusions (see R.V., and marg.).

their visitation. i.e., for testing and judgement.

16 the rod. Probably, “the tribe,” as R.V.

17 wares. “Packages,” or “bundles”; the few things which captives might be permitted to carry with them. “Gather” [and take them] “out of the land.”

the fortress. That is, the besieged fortress, or city.

18 at this once. “At this time” (R.V.).

that they may find it so. “That they may feel it” (R.V.), i.e., distress; or, “that they may find out by experience.”

19. Woe is me, etc.! The cry of Zion in her desolation.

21 they shall not prosper, etc. Rather, as R.V., “they have not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered.”

22 the noise of the bruit. That is, “the voice of a rumour,” i.e., of the approaching enemy: see R.V. For “a den of dragons,” read “a dwelling-place of jackals.”

23. It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Therefore Zion is encouraged to pray that her correction may be “in measure” (“in judgement,” ver. 24).