Jeremiah 10

< Back to Jeremiah Index

TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Futility of Idolatry

While we identified chapter 7 and the first part of chapter 8 as Jeremiah’s “Temple Sermon,” the whole sub-unit of chapters 7-10 could be considered as Jeremiah’s “_________ __________,” because the content of all four of these chapters was probably given about the same time in the temple area of Jerusalem.
One verse in this chapter was written in Aramaic which was the common language or trade language of that day. Identify the verse and give two possibilities as to the reason it may have been written in Aramaic.
List the reasons Jeremiah mentions to point out the futility of idolatry. Also cite the portion of Scripture in Isaiah which affirms this truth.
In verse 16 of chapter 8 it was noted that “The snorting of His horses was heard from Dan” indicated the nearness of the Babylonian army and the impending invasion of Judah. In this chapter, what indication is given by Jeremiah that the armies had now reached Jerusalem?
In Jeremiah’s day, the making and worshipping of carved images was the main focus of the idolatry of the Jewish people. List forms of idolatry that might be found among Christians today.

The four chapters, 7-10, could be considered as Jeremiah’s Temple Address.
Verse 11. Some say that this verse is the summary of a letter Jeremiah sent to Jewish captives who were already in Babylon where Aramaic was spoken. Others say the verse is in Aramaic because Jeremiah directed this verse to the pagan idolaters surrounding Jerusalem.
Jeremiah gives these reasons: Idols are nothing but wood and stone – they are man- made. Idols have to be nailed down so they won’t fall over. Idols have to be carried because they cannot walk. Idols are like scarecrows. Read Isaiah 44:9-20.
Verse 22 reads, “Behold, the noise of the report has come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, a den of jackals.”
Consider those things for which some people have such a fascination: the extreme devotion to certain sports or sporting events; the “worship” of popular stars and their films or their music; the “selling of soul” for monetary gain. You may be able to identify many more.

Consider the ramifications of allowing the sin of idolatry to take its place in the lives of believers – lives are ruined, families become dysfunctional or destroyed, and many opportunities to serve the Lord are lost. We must remember that anything that comes between us and the Lord as to priorities is idolatry!

Are you willing to pray for course correction? Are you willing to acknowledge your need for help as Jeremiah did (verse 23) in order to walk in the right direction? Will the fear of making drastic changes in your lifestyle keep you from allowing God to direct your walk? Be willing to pray for course correction!