Sabbath, January 18 – Jeremiah 10, 11
Study Questions:
1. How does the Lord warn His people against astrology? (Jeremiah 10:2)
2. What does the Lord say about idols? (Jeremiah 10:5)
3. How does He warn about captivity? (Jeremiah 10:22)
4. Who conspired against Jeremiah and why? (Jeremiah 11:21)
Commentary and Reflection:
There has always been an ancient connection between astrology and idolatry. Both are deceptions from the enemy. In idolatry, humanity creates a god in its own image—completely opposite to the Creator, who made humanity in His image. Idolatry is the act of substituting the true God for a lesser one, more comfortable and manageable. It is the deliberate choice to ignore the true God to avoid accountability and obedience to Him.
The Lord warns Judah and the remnant of Israel not to imitate those who engage in such practices.
Jeremiah suffers deeply as he laments what is coming upon Judah. He speaks of Jerusalem’s impending devastation, likening it to a family whose home is destroyed and whose children perish (Jeremiah 10:19-20).
In Jeremiah 10:21, the prophet highlights the disastrous effects of leadership disconnected from God. The Commentary on Jeremiah explains the term “shepherds” as follows:
“Literally, ‘shepherds.’ This expression designates responsible leaders in Israel’s theocracy, both civil and religious (see Jer. 3:15; 10:21; Jer. 22:22; Jer. 25:34–36; 1 Kings 22:17; Isa. 44:28; Zech. 10:3; 11:5).” (SDABC, Jeremiah 2:8)
“Literally, ‘shepherds.’ This expression designates responsible leaders in Israel’s theocracy, both civil and religious (see Jer. 3:15; 10:21; Jer. 22:22; Jer. 25:34–36; 1 Kings 22:17; Isa. 44:28; Zech. 10:3; 11:5).” (SDABC, Jeremiah 2:8)
One of the most well-known and profound verses in this chapter reveals the human condition and our inability to control our destiny amidst spiritual conflict and chaos:
“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)
“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)
Jeremiah intercedes for the people, pleading with God to moderate His punishment. He also calls for divine justice upon the nations that have ravaged God’s people.
Chapter 11 begins with a message from the Lord reminding the people of the covenant, with its blessings and consequences for disobedience.
“Because of the discovery in Josiah’s reign of ‘the book of the law,’ the expression ‘this covenant’ assumes a special meaning here (see 2 Kings 22:8 to 23:8). The portion of Holy Scripture that had for many years been lost was presumably the book of Deuteronomy, or at least a portion of it (see PK 392, 393). The book Deuteronomy contained “the book of covenant” (PK 392). Jeremiah’s instruction called repeated attention to the counsels given in Deuteronomy (PK 411). The covenant itself was the one entered into at Sinai (Jer. 11:4; cf. Ex. 19:5; Lev. 26:12).” (SDABC, Jeremiah 11:2)
The Lord instructs Jeremiah: “Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying: ‘Hear the words of this covenant and do them.’” (Jeremiah 11:6)
Idolatry is flagrant disobedience to God’s law and one way humanity follows “the imagination of its evil heart.” We do the same when we substitute God’s counsel with our reasoning and stubbornly follow our will rather than His commandments.
God presents His case to Jeremiah, declaring that Judah has violated the covenant. This is the reason why judgment and calamity are coming upon the nation. God tells Jeremiah not to pray for them: “So do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble.” (Jeremiah 11:14)
For delivering God’s word, the priests of Anathoth conspired to kill Jeremiah. However, God revealed their plot to him (Jeremiah 11:18).
“Anathoth had been assigned to the priests (Joshua 21:18) and was the home of Jeremiah (Jer. 1:1). The “men of Anathoth” were therefore priests; even more, they were close relatives of Jeremiah (see ch. 12:6). It had been difficult for Jeremiah to realize the depth of Judah’s apostasy (ch. 11:9–11; see on ch. 10:19). Now, God warns Jeremiah of the secret plot on his life (ch. 11:18, 19, 21), and as the prophet learns of their conspiracy against him personally he begins to understand their attitude toward God (v. 20; see chs. 12:1; 17:18).” (SDABC, Jeremiah 11:21)
The Lord’s judgment will be severe against those who conspired against the prophet.
Keep in your heart today Jeremiah’s prayer: “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)
Let us trust in the Almighty God today.
May God grant you a day filled with peace.
Pastor Abel Paulin