Reading Plan · Day 226
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Jeremiah 10-12
Day 226
Previously · Day 225 · Jeremiah 7-9
The previous day's reading covered prophecies that showed mercy had run out for Judah and judgment was on its way.
Day 226 Read
Where You Stopped
Jeremiah 10
1Hear ye the word which Jehovah speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:
1Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:
Commentary · verse 1
2thus saith Jehovah, Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the nations are dismayed at them.
3For the customs of the peoples are vanity; for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the axe.
4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
5They are like a palm-tree, of turned work, and speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.
2Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
5They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
Commentary · verses 2-5
The customs (traditions) of man were unprofitable. The idols being worshipped were made by the hands of men. Even though these idols were great in appearance, they were unable to do good: Right and Just.
6There is none like unto thee, O Jehovah; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.
7Who should not fear thee, O King of the nations? for to thee doth it appertain; forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their royal estate, there is none like unto thee.
8But they are together brutish and foolish: the instruction of idols! it is but a stock.
6Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.
7Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.
8But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.
Commentary · verses 6-8
Jehovah was great and mighty but the idols were brutish (stupid) and foolish (without understanding). The instruction of these idols was unprofitable, they were made of trees.
9There is silver beaten into plates, which is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the artificer and of the hands of the goldsmith; blue and purple for their clothing; they are all the work of skilful men.
10But Jehovah is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembleth, and the nations are not able to abide his indignation.
9Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.
10But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.
Commentary · verses 9-10
Jehovah was the true, living, and everlasting God. Idols were short term and the work of man's hands.
11Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens.
12He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding hath he stretched out the heavens.
11Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.
12He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.
Commentary · verses 11-12
God used His power, wisdom (Right HOW), and understanding (Right WHY) when He created the heavens and the earth.
13When he uttereth his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries.
14Every man is become brutish and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his graven image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.
13When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.
14Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.
Commentary · verses 13-14
The context of verse 14 was specific to idols and the men who made them.
15They are vanity, a work of delusion: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.
15They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.
Commentary · verse 15
The idols were unprofitable and the work of delusion. The word "delusion" came from the root word that meant "to deceive, to misuse."
16The portion of Jacob is not like these; for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance: Jehovah of hosts is his name.
17Gather up thy wares out of the land, O thou that abidest in the siege.
16The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.
17Gather up thy wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress.
Commentary · verses 16-17
The people were told to gather what they could in preparation for the exile.
18For thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this time, and will distress them, that they may feel it.
19Woe is me because of my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is my grief, and I must bear it.
18For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find it so.
19Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.
Commentary · verses 18-19
Jeremiah felt compassion on Judah because of God's Words from verse 18.
20My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth from me, and they are not: there is none to spread my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.
21For the shepherds are become brutish, and have not inquired of Jehovah: therefore they have not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered.
20My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.
21For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.
Commentary · verses 20-21
The shepherds (pastors) of God's people had become brutish (stupid). They were not taking direction from God and the result was they did not prosper and their flocks (the Jews) were scattered.
22The voice of tidings, behold, it cometh, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a dwelling-place of jackals.
23O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
24O Jehovah, correct me, but in measure; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.
22Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons.
23O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
24O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.
25Pour out thy wrath upon the nations that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name; for they have devoured Jacob, yea, they have devoured him and consumed him, and have laid waste his habitation.
25Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.
Commentary · verse 25
Jeremiah asked for judgment on Israel's enemies after these enemies had served God's purpose to punish Israel.
Where You Stopped
Jeremiah 11
1The word that came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying, 2Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
Commentary · verses 1-2
Jeremiah continued to speak God's Words to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem, the only Jews that were not in exile.
3and say thou unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel: Cursed be the man that heareth not the words of this covenant,
3And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,
Commentary · verse 3
Cursed was the man that did not hear the words of the Covenant established during the Exodus, the Covenant made on Mount Sinai. This Covenant was renewed with Judah in the days of Josiah and Jeremiah in 2 Kings 23:1-3.
4which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God;
4Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:
Commentary · verse 4
If they obeyed God's commands then He would be their God and they would be His people.
5that I may establish the oath which I sware unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as at this day. Then answered I, and said, Amen, O Jehovah.
6And Jehovah said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.
7For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.
8Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the stubbornness of their evil heart: therefore I brought upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they did them not.
5That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.
6Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.
7For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.
8Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do; but they did them not.
Commentary · verses 5-8
God continually protested to the Israelites of the past to DO His Words and keep their end of the Covenant established on Mount Sinai. However, they did not obey.
9And Jehovah said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
10They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words; and they are gone after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.
11Therefore thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and they shall cry unto me, but I will not hearken unto them.
9And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
10They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.
11Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.
Commentary · verses 9-11
The Jews living during this prophecy had broken the Covenant, just as their fathers did. Therefore, God would bring evil upon them.
12Then shall the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem go and cry unto the gods unto which they offer incense: but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble.
12Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble.
Commentary · verse 12
The Jew's response would be to cry to the gods they made with their own hands.
13For according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to the shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.
13For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.
Commentary · verse 13
The amount of gods and altars were comparable to the number of cities in Judah and streets in Jerusalem, respectively.
14Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me because of their trouble.
14Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.
Commentary · verse 14
God would not hear prayers regarding the people receiving judgment during this time. The reason was the trouble the people caused. Again, prayers were answered relative to Justice. These people were on the wrong side of Justice and God would not be able to move for them without being unjust, and God couldn't be unjust.
15What hath my beloved to do in my house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.
16Jehovah called thy name, A green olive-tree, fair with goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.
15What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.
16The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.
Commentary · verses 15-16
The "green olive-tree" symbolized Judah being broken and judged.
17For Jehovah of hosts, who planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, because of the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have wrought for themselves in provoking me to anger by offering incense unto Baal.
18And Jehovah gave me knowledge of it, and I knew it: then thou showedst me their doings.
19But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.
17For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal.
18And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings.
19But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.
Commentary · verses 17-19
The Jews began plotting against Jeremiah because of the words he was proclaiming to them. Did they think if no one was saying these words that the judgment would stop?
20But, O Jehovah of hosts, who judgest righteously, who triest the heart and the mind, I shall see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
20But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
Commentary · verse 20
Jeremiah had given the injustice against him to God. Jeremiah must have had an understanding of Justice being equaled out in the long term.
21Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Thou shalt not prophesy in the name of Jehovah, that thou die not by our hand;
21Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:
Commentary · verse 21
The men who sought Jeremiah's life were from Anathoth. Anathoth was a city that was allotted to the priest and was located about three miles from Jerusalem. This was Jeremiah's birthplace.
22therefore thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine; 23and there shall be no remnant unto them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.
22Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine:
23And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.
Where You Stopped
Jeremiah 12
1Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, when I contend with thee; yet would I reason the cause with thee: wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they at ease that deal very treacherously?
1Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?
2Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root; they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their heart.
2Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.
Commentary · verse 2
The wicked produced fruit only in the short term. Did Jeremiah understand this?
3But thou, O Jehovah, knowest me; thou seest me, and triest my heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.
3But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.
Commentary · verse 3
Jeremiah was asking for God's Justice against the wicked.
4How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of the whole country wither? for the wickedness of them that dwell therein, the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our latter end.
4How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.
Commentary · verse 4
Jeremiah wanted to know how long wickedness would prosper. Next, God's answer…
5If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and though in a land of peace thou art secure, yet how wilt thou do in the pride of the Jordan?
6For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; even they have cried aloud after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.
5If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
6For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.
Commentary · verses 5-6
God reminded Jeremiah that even his own people were a source of the wickedness Jeremiah was experiencing.
7I have forsaken my house, I have cast off my heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies.
8My heritage is become unto me as a lion in the forest: she hath uttered her voice against me; therefore I have hated her.
7I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies.
8Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.
Commentary · verses 7-8
God forsook His own people in response to their wickedness. God's own people's actions and words were against Him and therefore, He hated them. Remember, hate meant "love less."
9Is my heritage unto me as a speckled bird of prey? are the birds of prey against her round about? go ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, bring them to devour.
10Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
9Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.
10Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
Commentary · verses 9-10
Shepherds (pastors) destroyed God's vineyard. God's vineyard was the Israelites/believers.
11They have made it a desolation; it mourneth unto me, being desolate; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.
12Destroyers are come upon all the bare heights in the wilderness; for the sword of Jehovah devoureth from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh hath peace.
11They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.
12The spoilers are come upon all high places through the wilderness: for the sword of the LORD shall devour from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh shall have peace.
Commentary · verses 11-12
The destroyers were the Babylonians.
13They have sown wheat, and have reaped thorns; they have put themselves to pain, and profit nothing: and ye shall be ashamed of your fruits, because of the fierce anger of Jehovah.
13They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
Commentary · verse 13
The destroyers would have no profit.
Doctrines on this passage
14Thus saith Jehovah against all mine evil neighbors, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit: Behold, I will pluck them up from off their land, and will pluck up the house of Judah from among them.
14Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.
Commentary · verse 14
God would cast away the people who had done evil against the inheritance of the Israelites, including the Israelites who did evil. Was this an answer to Jeremiah's request of Jeremiah 10:25? - "Pour out thy wrath upon the nations that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have devoured Jacob, yea, they have devoured him and consumed him, and have laid waste his habitation."
15And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them up, I will return and have compassion on them; and I will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.
15And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.
Commentary · verse 15
After this judgment, God would return the people to their land.
16And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, As Jehovah liveth; even as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built up in the midst of my people.
17But if they will not hear, then will I pluck up that nation, plucking up and destroying it, saith Jehovah.
16And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
17But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.
Commentary · verses 16-17
Even strangers of Israel would be built up if they learned the ways of God's people, and swore by God's Name that He lived.
Commentary · verse 17
This day's reading covered God's explanation to Jeremiah for the judgment that was about to come.
Although this was directed towards the "house of Israel," Jeremiah was speaking specifically to Judah since it had been more than ninety-three years since the ten tribes of Israel were destroyed/taken captive.