But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood! But they are altogether senseless and foolishThis phrase highlights the spiritual and intellectual state of those who turn away from God to follow idols. The Hebrew word for "senseless" is "ba'ar," which can also mean brutish or lacking understanding. This suggests a regression to a more primitive state, devoid of the wisdom that comes from God. "Foolish" is translated from "kesil," often used in Proverbs to describe someone who despises wisdom and instruction. In a historical context, this reflects the Israelites' tendency to adopt the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, despite having the revelation of the one true God. The phrase serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of abandoning divine wisdom for human folly. instructed by worthless idols
The word "instructed" implies that these idols, though lifeless, are perceived as sources of guidance. The Hebrew term "musar" often refers to discipline or correction, which is ironic here, as these idols offer no true wisdom or correction. "Worthless" is translated from "hebel," meaning vapor or breath, symbolizing something transient and insubstantial. This is a powerful metaphor for the futility of idol worship. Historically, the Israelites were surrounded by nations that worshipped idols, and this phrase underscores the absurdity of seeking instruction from objects that have no life or power. It challenges believers to seek guidance from the living God, who alone offers true wisdom and understanding. made of wood
This phrase emphasizes the material composition of the idols, highlighting their earthly and perishable nature. The Hebrew word "ets" simply means wood, a common material for crafting idols in ancient times. This underscores the absurdity of worshipping something that is crafted by human hands from a common, decaying material. Archaeological findings have uncovered numerous wooden idols from ancient Near Eastern cultures, confirming the prevalence of this practice. Theologically, this serves as a reminder of the Creator-creature distinction; God is the eternal Creator, while idols are mere creations of human hands. This calls believers to worship the Creator rather than the creation, aligning with the biblical theme of God's supremacy over all things. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment of Judah and the coming exile. He is the author of the Book of Jeremiah. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was often rebuked by prophets like Jeremiah for its idolatry and disobedience to God. 3. IdolsObjects of worship made by human hands, often representing false gods. In this context, they are described as "worthless" and "made of wood," highlighting their impotence and the folly of worshiping them. 4. FoolishnessThe Hebrew word used here is (ba'ar), which conveys a sense of brutishness or senselessness, emphasizing the irrationality of idol worship. 5. Prophetic RebukeJeremiah's message is a part of his broader prophetic ministry, where he calls out the people of Judah for their spiritual adultery and urges them to return to the worship of the one true God. Teaching Points The Folly of IdolatryIdolatry is not just a physical act but a spiritual misalignment. It represents a turning away from the living God to lifeless objects, which is senseless and foolish. The Call to True WorshipBelievers are called to worship God in spirit and truth, recognizing His sovereignty and rejecting all forms of idolatry, whether physical or metaphorical. Discernment in WorshipChristians must be discerning about what they prioritize and value, ensuring that nothing takes the place of God in their hearts. Cultural IdolsIn today's context, idols may not be wooden statues but can be anything that takes precedence over God, such as money, power, or status. Repentance and ReturnLike the people of Judah, believers are called to repent from idolatry and return to a faithful relationship with God. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our relationship with God, and how can we identify them in our lives? 2. How does understanding the historical context of idol worship in Jeremiah's time help us apply this scripture to our lives today? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains focused on God and not on the "worthless" things of this world? 4. How do the additional scriptures (Isaiah 44, Psalm 115, 1 Corinthians 8) reinforce the message of Jeremiah 10:8? 5. What steps can we take to cultivate a heart of true worship and avoid the pitfalls of idolatry in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 44:9-20This passage also critiques the folly of idol worship, describing the process of making idols and the absurdity of worshiping something crafted by human hands. Psalm 115:4-8These verses contrast the living God with lifeless idols, emphasizing that those who make and trust in idols will become like them. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6Paul discusses the reality that idols are nothing and that there is only one God, reinforcing the message of monotheism and the futility of idol worship. People Jacob, Jeremiah, TarshishPlaces Tarshish, Uphaz, ZionTopics FALSE, Beasts, Brutish, Delusion-their, Discipline, Doctrine, Foolish, Gods, Idol, Idols, Instructed, Instruction, Itself, Senseless, Stock, Stupid, Taught, Teaching, Tree, Vanities, Wood, Wooden, WorthlessDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 10:8 5864 futility
8756 folly, examples
8760 fools, characteristics Jeremiah 10:3-10 5272 craftsmen
8771 idolatry, objections Jeremiah 10:6-8 1150 God, truth of
4552 wood Jeremiah 10:8-9 4363 silver Jeremiah 10:8-10 4345 metalworkers 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 10:8 NIVJeremiah 10:8 NLTJeremiah 10:8 ESVJeremiah 10:8 NASBJeremiah 10:8 KJV
Jeremiah 10:8 Commentaries
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