From Resonate Apologetics
Jeremiah 10
False Gods Contrasted with the Creator
1 Hear the word that the LORD has spoken to you, house of Israel.
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2 This is what the LORD says: Do not learn the way of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, although the nations are terrified by them,
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3 for the customs of the peoples are worthless. Someone cuts down a tree from the forest; it is worked by the hands of a craftsman with a chisel.
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4 He decorates it with silver and gold. It is fastened with hammer and nails, so it won't totter.
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5 Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them for they can do no harm - and they cannot do any good.
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Study Notes
Theme: True vs. False Boasting
The contrast in vv. 23-24 is striking — three things the world values (wisdom, strength, wealth) versus the one thing God values: knowing Him. Paul picks this up directly in 1 Corinthians 1:31.
The connection between vv. 23-24 and vv. 25-26 is the theme of externals vs. internals. Just as boasting in wisdom/might/riches is external, so is physical circumcision without heart change. God looks past the outward marker to the inward reality.
Key cross-reference chain:
- Jeremiah 9:23-24 → 1 Corinthians 1:31 → 2 Corinthians 10:17
- Jeremiah 9:26 "uncircumcised in heart" → Deuteronomy 10:16 → Romans 2:28-29 → Acts 7:51
