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." Like scarecrows in a cucumber patchThis phrase paints a vivid picture of the idols being as lifeless and ineffective as scarecrows. In the Hebrew context, the word for "scarecrows" (Hebrew: "t'marim") can also mean "palm trees," suggesting something that stands tall but is ultimately lifeless and powerless. The imagery of a "cucumber patch" is significant as it represents a place of growth and life, contrasting with the deadness of the idols. Historically, scarecrows were used to ward off birds, but they had no real power, much like the idols Jeremiah is critiquing. their idols cannot speak
The inability of idols to speak highlights their impotence and contrasts with the living God who speaks to His people. In the ancient Near Eastern context, idols were often crafted with mouths, yet they were mute. This emphasizes the futility of worshiping something that cannot communicate or respond. The Hebrew word for "speak" (דָּבַר, "dabar") is often used in the context of God's powerful and creative word, underscoring the lifelessness of idols. They must be carried because they cannot walk
This phrase underscores the dependency and helplessness of idols. Unlike the living God who is omnipresent and active, these idols require human effort to be moved. The Hebrew verb for "carried" (נָשָׂא, "nasa") often implies a burden, suggesting that idols are a burden rather than a help. This imagery would resonate with the Israelites, who were familiar with the process of carrying idols in religious processions, highlighting the absurdity of worshiping something that cannot move on its own. Do not fear them
This command reassures the Israelites that idols hold no real power or threat. The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, "yare") often implies reverence or awe, which should be reserved for God alone. By instructing the people not to fear idols, Jeremiah is redirecting their reverence towards the one true God. This is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and power over any man-made object. for they can do no harm
The phrase emphasizes the impotence of idols. In the ancient world, people often feared the wrath of gods represented by idols. However, Jeremiah assures the Israelites that these idols are incapable of causing harm. The Hebrew word for "harm" (רָעַע, "ra'a") can also mean "evil" or "trouble," reinforcing the idea that idols are powerless to affect the lives of those who trust in God. and neither can they do any good
This final phrase completes the argument against the efficacy of idols. Not only are they incapable of harm, but they are also unable to provide any benefit or blessing. The Hebrew word for "good" (טוֹב, "tov") is often associated with God's benevolent actions towards His people. By stating that idols can do no good, Jeremiah highlights the futility of relying on them for any form of divine intervention or favor. This serves as a powerful reminder to place trust in God, who alone is the source of all good. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, often warned by prophets like Jeremiah about their idolatry and disobedience to God. 3. IdolsMan-made objects of worship, often representing false gods, which were prevalent in the cultures surrounding Israel and Judah. 4. Cucumber PatchA metaphorical setting used by Jeremiah to illustrate the futility and lifelessness of idols. 5. ScarecrowsUsed as a metaphor to describe the impotence and lifelessness of idols, emphasizing their inability to act or speak. Teaching Points The Futility of IdolatryIdols are powerless and cannot affect our lives positively or negatively. Trust should be placed in God alone. God's SovereigntyUnlike idols, God is active and sovereign over all creation. He is the one who speaks, acts, and intervenes in our lives. Fear NotBelievers are encouraged not to fear idols or false gods, as they hold no real power. Our reverence should be directed towards God. Discernment in WorshipEvaluate what modern "idols" may exist in our lives today—anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. Living FaithOur faith should be in the living God who hears, speaks, and acts, rather than in lifeless objects or concepts. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 10:5 challenge the cultural practices of idol worship in ancient Judah, and what parallels can we draw to modern-day idolatry? 2. In what ways can we identify and remove "idols" in our own lives that may be taking the place of God? 3. How does understanding the impotence of idols enhance our appreciation for the power and sovereignty of God? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our worship and trust are directed solely towards God? 5. How do the teachings in Jeremiah 10:5 connect with the New Testament understanding of idolatry and the worship of the one true God? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 44This chapter also addresses the futility of idol worship, highlighting the contrast between the living God and lifeless idols. Psalm 115This psalm similarly describes the impotence of idols and contrasts them with the power and sovereignty of God. 1 Corinthians 8Paul discusses the nature of idols and the knowledge that there is only one true God, reinforcing the message of Jeremiah. Exodus 20The Ten Commandments include a prohibition against idolatry, underscoring the importance of worshiping the one true God. Acts 17Paul’s speech in Athens addresses the ignorance of idol worship and points to the living God who created all things. People Jacob, Jeremiah, TarshishPlaces Tarshish, Uphaz, ZionTopics Able, Afraid, Borne, Can't, Carried, Cucumber, Cucumbers, Evil, Fear, Field, Garden, Harm, Idols, Lifted, Melon, Needs, Palm, Palm-column, Palm-tree, Patch, Pillar, Plants, Power, Scarecrow, Scarecrows, Speak, Step, Stiff, Surely, Tree, Upright, Voice, Walk, Walking, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 10:5 4450 fruit
5168 muteness
5864 futility
5932 response
5973 unreliability Jeremiah 10:3-5 4333 gold
8748 false religion
8816 ridicule, nature of Jeremiah 10:3-6 1080 God, living Jeremiah 10:3-10 5272 craftsmen
8771 idolatry, objections Jeremiah 10:5-6 1165 God, unique Library May 16. "It is not in Man that Walketh to Direct his Steps" (Jer. x. 23).
"It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. x. 23). United to Jesus Christ as your Redeemer, you are accepted in the Beloved. He does not merely take my place as a man and settle my debts. He does that and more. He comes to give a perfect ideal of what a man should be. He is the model man, not for us to copy, for that would only bring discouragement and utter failure; but He will come and copy Himself in us. If Christ lives in me, I am another Christ. I am not like Him, but I have the …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Possessing and Possessed
'The portion of Jacob is not like them--for He is the former of all things: and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance. The Lord of Hosts is His name.'--JER. x. 16, R.V. Here we have set forth a reciprocal possession. We possess God, He possesses us. We are His inheritance, He is our portion. I am His; He is mine. This mutual ownership is the very living centre of all religion. Without it there is no relation of any depth between God and us. How much profounder such a conception is than the shallow …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture An Instructive Truth
"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."--Jeremiah 10:23. This declaration follows after Jeremiah's lamentation over the Lord's ancient people, who were about to be carried captive into Babylon. The prophet speaks of a fact that was well known to him. It is always well, brethren, to know the truth, and to know it so certainly that you are able to remember it just when you most need it. There are some people, who are very much like …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 50: 1904 Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God
Timothy Dwight was born at Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1752. He graduated from Yale in 1769, served as chaplain in the army during the Revolutionary War and was chosen president of his university in 1795. He died, after holding that office for twelve years, in 1817. Lyman Beecher, who attributed his conversion to him, says: "He was of noble form, with a noble head and body, and had one of the sweetest smiles that ever you saw. When I heard him preach on 'the harvest is passed, the summer is ended, …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3 Of the Exercises of a Religious Man
The life of a Christian ought to be adorned with all virtues, that he may be inwardly what he outwardly appeareth unto men. And verily it should be yet better within than without, for God is a discerner of our heart, Whom we must reverence with all our hearts wheresoever we are, and walk pure in His presence as do the angels. We ought daily to renew our vows, and to kindle our hearts to zeal, as if each day were the first day of our conversion, and to say, "Help me, O God, in my good resolutions, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Of Hiding Our Grace under the Guard of Humility
"My Son, it is better and safer for thee to hide the grace of devotion, and not to lift thyself up on high, nor to speak much thereof, nor to value it greatly; but rather to despise thyself, and to fear as though this grace were given to one unworthy thereof. Nor must thou depend too much upon this feeling, for it can very quickly be turned into its opposite. Think when thou art in a state of grace how miserable and poor thou art wont to be without grace. Nor is there advance in spiritual life …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ A Wise Desire
I remember once going to a chapel where this happened to be the text, and the good man who occupied the pulpit was more than a little of an Arminian. Therefore, when he commenced, he said, "This passage refers entirely to our temporal inheritance. It has nothing whatever to do with our everlasting destiny: for," said he, "We do not want Christ to choose for us in the matter of heaven or hell. It is so plain and easy that every man who has a grain of common sense will choose heaven; and any person …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855 "And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his Commandments. "
1 John ii. 3.--"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." This age pretends to much knowledge beyond former ages, knowledge, I say, not only in other natural arts and sciences, but especially in religion. Whether there be any great advancement in other knowledge, and improvement of that which was, to a further extent and clearness, I cannot judge, but I believe there is not much of it in this nation, nor do we so much pretend to it. But, we talk of the enlargements of …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the Law of Our God, Ye People of Gomorrah,"
Isaiah i. 10, 11, &c.--"Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom, give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah," &c. It is strange to think what mercy is mixed with the most wrath like strokes and threatenings. There is no prophet whose office and commission is only for judgment, nay, to speak the truth, it is mercy that premises threatenings. The entering of the law, both in the commands and curses, is to make sin abound, that grace may superabound, so that both rods and threatenings …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety "For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die; but if Ye through the Spirit do Mortify the Deeds of the Body, Ye Shall Live.
Rom. viii. s 13, 14.--"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." The life and being of many things consists in union,--separate them, and they remain not the same, or they lose their virtue. It is much more thus in Christianity, the power and life of it consists in the union of these things that God hath conjoined, so that if any man pretend to …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Creation
Q-7: WHAT ARE THE DECREES OF GOD? A: The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatsoever shall come to pass. I have already spoken something concerning the decrees of God under the attribute of his immutability. God is unchangeable in his essence, and he-is unchangeable in his decrees; his counsel shall stand. He decrees the issue of all things, and carries them on to their accomplishment by his providence; I …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity God's Sovereignty and Prayer
"If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us" (1 John 5:14). Throughout this book it has been our chief aim to exalt the Creator and abase the creature. The well-nigh universal tendency now, is to magnify man and dishonour and degrade God. On every hand it will be found that, when spiritual things are under discussion, the human side and element is pressed and stressed, and the Divine side, if not altogether ignored, is relegated to the background. This holds true of very much of the …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 10:5 NIVJeremiah 10:5 NLTJeremiah 10:5 ESVJeremiah 10:5 NASBJeremiah 10:5 KJV
Jeremiah 10:5 Commentaries
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