The Chosen Key Word in this Chapter is “Customs” it comes from the Hebrew Word “chuqqah” which means “customs, statutes.”
Jeremiah contrasts the living God with lifeless idols while pleading for God’s correction rather than anger. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Chapter Reviews, I am Chris and this is Jeremiah 10.
Jeremiah urges the house of Israel to hear the word which the Lord speaks to them, urging them not to learn the way of the heathen, nor be dismayed at the signs of heaven, since the heathen are dismayed at them, for the “customs,” “chuqqah” in Hebrew, of the people are vain, since one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe, decking it with silver and gold, fastening it with nails and hammers, that it not move.
Jeremiah describes these idols as upright as the palm tree, but speak not, being borne, since they cannot go, contrasting this with the Lord, who is the true God, the living God, and an everlasting King, at His wrath the earth trembling, and the nations not being able to abide His indignation, declaring, “The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens,” yet describing how He has made the earth by His power, established the world by His wisdom, and stretched out the heavens by His discretion.
Jeremiah laments the destruction that has come, his tabernacle being spoiled, and all his cords being broken, his children going forth from him, and they are not, there being none to stretch forth his tent any more, describing how the pastors have become brutish, and have not sought the Lord, therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered, acknowledging, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps,” pleading, “O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing,” closing with a prayer that God’s fury be poured out upon the heathen who know Him not, and upon the families that call not on His name.
Jeremiah’s satirical description of idols, upright like scarecrows, needing to be carried because they cannot walk, exposes their fundamental powerlessness compared to the living God who made the heavens and earth by His own wisdom and power. His humble acknowledgment, the way of man is not in himself, combined with his plea for correction with justice rather than anger, models genuine submission that welcomes God’s discipline while still honestly requesting it be tempered with mercy.
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