Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 10

Verses 1-25

Here begins the third movement in the commissioning of the prophet. In it the sin of idolatry is first dealt with. The prophet revealed the unutterable folly of idolatry in a powerful contrast between idols and Jehovah. He described the vanity of idols. They were the work of the hands of man. They were unable to move, but had to be carried.

In contrast, he declared the majesty of Jehovah. Continuing the contrast, he described the weakness of idols, and the might of the true and living God. The test as between idols and Jehovah he declared to be the test of creation. Gods that had not made the heavens and the earth must perish from the earth and from under the heavens. Jehovah God had made the earth and stretched out the heavens. He, therefore, was the God of power.

Once again, the prophet suggested a contrast, but it is now between the man and idolatry, and the man and Jehovah. The former becomes brutish, while the portion of Jacob is Jehovah Himself. On the sin of idolatry he then pronounced judgment. He next uttered the wail of the people, and ended by a cry of distress to Jehovah in the presence of the destruction of Jacob.