The Fallacy of Worshiping Idols
January 3, 2022
Commentary
The prophet concludes his temple message by painting a picture of the broad scope of God’s relationship to the nations (vv. 1-11), to nature (vv. 12-13), and to mankind (vv. 14-25). He brings a charge on the fallacy of worshiping idols. God addressed the house of Israel with a solemn warning. Israel was not to learn the ways of idolatry which was practiced by the nations around her, nor be terrified by signs in the sky (vv. 1-2). Idolatrous practices were worthless because they had no life, therefore, no power to do any good for those who followed them.
The futility of worshiping idols is shown in graphic detail (vv. 3-5). While decorated with silver and gold (v. 4), an idol is still the product of man. It cannot move or speak and can do neither good nor evil. The idol worshiped was a tree cut out of the forest. It was fitted by the workman’s hands and worked into shape. To hide the wood, they covered it with silver and gold, lacquered it and decked it with gold or silver lace or cloth tissue. The idol stands up straight as if it were going to speak, but it is a poor dumb creature that cannot take one step toward your relief. Very fitting is the admonition to, “Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good (v. 5)."
Jeremiah praises the Lord (vv. 6-7, 10).Who would not choose to worship the true and living God, rather than lifeless heathen idols that can do nothing? “…there is none like unto thee, O Lord; thou art great and thy name is great in might” (v. 6). Among all the wisest of the nations, there is no one like unto God. He is great (v. 7). Idols are worthless and anyone who worships them is a fool (vv. 8-9). It is interesting to note that (v. 11) is the only verse in the book of Jeremiah written in Aramaic instead of Hebrew. Aramaic was the trade language of that day. This verse seems to be directed to the pagan idolaters around Israel in a language they would be sure to understand. The message was that their false gods would ultimately perish.
Application
Am I seeking God first in every day? (Matt. 6:33) has a promise for me if I do seek Him.
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.’
Illustration: 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 is my god” (Isa. 44:6-20). – J. Macarther (Source unknown)