Every
man has become brutish and without knowledge; every goldsmith is disappointed by his engraved image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, a work of delusion: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.
Jeremiah 10:14-15
Jeremiah 10 [10.] But Yahweh is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembles, and the nations are not able to withstand his indignation. You shall say this to them: The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens. He has made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding has he stretched out the heavens: when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes lightnings for the rain, and brings the wind out of his treasuries. Every man has become brutish and without knowledge; every goldsmith is disappointed by his engraved image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.
Jeremiah 10 [15.] They are vanity, a work of delusion: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. The portion of Jacob is not like these; for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance: Yahweh of Armies is his name. Gather up your wares out of the land, you who live under siege. For Yahweh says, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this time, and will distress them, that they may feel it. Woe is me because of my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is my grief, and I must bear it.
Meaning:
These verses highlight the futility of idol worship, contrasting the living God with the lifeless idols crafted by human hands. They serve as a stark reminder of the emptiness and deception of idolatry.
Prophet and Audience: Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, ministered to the people of Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness to God.
Themes: The book of Jeremiah addresses themes of warning, repentance, and hope, focusing on God’s justice and mercy.
- Overview:
Verses 1-13: God speaks through Jeremiah, contrasting the true God with the false gods made by human hands.
Verses 14-15: These verses underscore the foolishness and futility of idol worship, emphasizing the emptiness of idols compared to the living God.
Significance
- The Folly of Idolatry:
Dull-Heartedness and Ignorance: The phrase “dull-hearted, without knowledge” paints a picture of ignorance and spiritual blindness. Those who worship idols lack understanding and insight, failing to recognize the true God.
Falsehood of Idols: The goldsmith’s shame and the molten image’s falsehood highlight the inherent deceit and emptiness of idols. These images, despite their craftsmanship, lack life and truth.
- Contrast Between the Living God and Lifeless Idols:
No Breath in Them: The statement “there is no breath in them” emphasizes the lifelessness of idols. In contrast, the living God is the source of all life and breath (Genesis 2:7; Acts 17:25).
Vanity and Delusion: Idols are described as “vanity, a work of delusion,” highlighting their emptiness and the deception they represent. They are created by humans and have no power or reality beyond what people attribute to them.
Theological Significance
- God’s Sovereignty and Power:
Supreme Over All: The verses affirm the sovereignty and power of the true God over all creation. While idols are mere works of human hands, God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
Living and Active: Unlike idols, God is alive, present, and active in the world. He is not bound by human limitations or confined to physical images.
- Judgment on Idolatry:
Visitation and Perishing: The “time of their visitation” refers to the judgment that will come upon those who trust in idols. The idols will perish, and their worshippers will face the consequences of their folly.
Biblical Warnings: Throughout Scripture, there are numerous warnings against idolatry. For instance, Isaiah 44:9-20 also critiques the foolishness of idol worship, emphasizing the absurdity of making gods from materials that cannot save.
Practical Applications
- Guarding Against Idolatry:
Heart Examination: Regularly examine our hearts and lives for any idols that might be competing with God. Idolatry can take many forms, such as wealth, status, relationships, or even our own desires.
Prioritizing God: Make intentional choices to prioritize God above all else. This includes time in prayer, studying Scripture, and engaging in practices that deepen our relationship with Him.
- Witnessing to the Truth:
Sharing the Gospel: Use these verses to witness to others about the futility of idolatry and the reality of the living God. Share the hope and life found in Jesus Christ, who offers true salvation and purpose.
Living Testimony: Live in a way that reflects the power and love of the living God. Our lives can be a powerful testimony to the difference between knowing the true God and following empty idols.
Cross-References:
Isaiah 44:9-20: "All who make graven images are vanity, and their delectable things are of no profit. They are their own witnesses; they neither see nor know, that they may be ashamed. Who has fashioned a god, or molded a graven image that is profitable for nothing?" This passage echoes Jeremiah’s message, illustrating the foolishness of idol worship and the inability of idols to save or bring true value.
Psalm 115:4-8: "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not. Eyes they have, but they see not. They have ears, but they hear not. Noses they have, but they smell not. They have hands, but they handle not. Feet they have, but they walk not. Neither do they speak through their throat. Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them." This psalm provides a vivid description of the lifelessness of idols and the folly of trusting in them.
Acts 17:29: "Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the Divine Being is like gold, silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s devising." Paul’s sermon at the Areopagus in Athens reinforces the idea that God cannot be represented by man-made images. He calls people to repentance and to seek the true God.
Conclusion: Jeremiah 10:14-15 serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of idolatry and the incomparable greatness of the true God. It challenges us to evaluate our lives and identify any areas where we might be placing our trust in things that are lifeless and powerless. As we reflect on these verses, may we be encouraged to deepen our relationship with the living God, who alone is worthy of our worship and trust. Let us also be bold in sharing the hope of the true God with those around us, offering them the life and freedom found in Christ.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible