The Fallacy of Worshiping Idols
July 16, 2020
Commentary
Jeremiah concluded his temple message by showing God’s authority over the nations, nature, and mankind (vv. 1–13). He warned Israel not to learn the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations or fear the signs of the heavens (vv. 1–2). The customs of idol worship were empty and powerless because idols had no life. They could not help, save, or guide those who trusted and followed them.
Jeremiah described the foolishness of idol worship in vivid detail (vv. 3–5). An idol began as a tree cut from the forest and shaped by human hands. Craftsmen decorated it with silver and gold to make it appear valuable and beautiful. Though it stood upright like a person, it could not speak, move, or act. These idols were powerless to do either good or evil. Therefore, God warned the people, “Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor can they do any good” (v. 5).
In contrast to lifeless idols, Jeremiah praised the greatness of the living God (vv. 6–7, 10). “Inasmuch as there is none like You, O Lord (You are great, and Your name is great in might)” (v. 6). No king, wise man, or nation could compare with Him. The Lord alone is the true and eternal God, worthy of worship and reverence by all people everywhere through all generations. Those who trusted in idols showed their foolishness because the idols themselves were worthless (vv. 8–9).
Jeremiah 10:11 is unique because it was written in Aramaic instead of Hebrew, the common trade language of that time. This message was directed to the pagan idol worshipers around Judah so they could clearly understand God’s warning. The false gods of the nations would perish because they were not the Creator of heaven and earth. Only the Lord reigns forever as the true and living and powerful God.
Application
What am I trusting in more than God today? Am I depending on things that cannot truly help or guide me? Do I fear people or difficult situations more than I fear the Lord? Am I worshiping and honoring God above everything else in my life? Do I truly believe that the Lord alone is the living and powerful God forever?
Jeremiah 10:1–11 (NET)
1 You people of Israel, listen to what the Lord has to say to you.
2 The Lord says: “Do not start following pagan religious practices. Do not be in awe of signs that occur in the sky even though the nations hold them in awe.
3 For the religion of these people is worthless. They cut down a tree in the forest, and a craftsman makes it into an idol with his tools.
4 He decorates it with overlays of silver and gold. He uses hammer and nails to fasten it together so that it will not fall over.
5 Such idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field. They cannot talk. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them because they cannot hurt you. And they do not have any power to help you.”
6 I said, “There is no one like you, Lord. You are great, and you are renowned for your power.
7 Everyone should revere you, O King of all nations, because you deserve to be revered. For there is no one like you among any of the wise people of the nations nor among any of their kings.
8 The people of those nations are both stupid and foolish. Instruction from a wooden idol is worthless!
9 Hammered-out silver is brought from Tarshish and gold is brought from Ufaz to cover those idols. They are the handiwork of carpenters and goldsmiths. They are clothed in blue and purple clothes. They are all made by skillful workers.
10 The Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King. When he shows his anger the earth shakes. None of the nations can stand up to his fury.
11 You people of Israel should tell those nations this: ‘These gods did not make heaven and earth. They will disappear from the earth and from under the heavens.’
This is My God
Quotes: Trusting people, possessions or positions to do for me what only God can do (Jer. 17:5) – B. Gothard. That for which I would give anything and accept nothing in exchange is the most important thing in my life. “Whatever, that i … Continue