Jeremiah 10: The Difference

Idolatry is a profound insult to God.

Think about it: people take the adoration and worship that should be reserved for the Lord of the Universe alone, and instead devote that love to "gods" which are really no gods at all!  Jeremiah is right to point out the idiocy of the people in falling down to worship idols while neglecting their God.  There is an incredible difference in might and wisdom when it comes to idols and the Lord.

Idols are powerless.  They come from inanimate blocks of wood harvested in the forest.  Adorned with lifeless gold and silver, they are propped up and secured only with the help of man.  Jeremiah mocks their limitations: "Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk.  Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor is it in them to do good" (vs 5).

Contrast the idols with one who the people should truly inspire fear - the Lord!  "Who would not fear you, O King of the nations?  For that is your due; among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is no one like you" (vs. 7).  While idols are powerless, God is truly powerful!  "It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens" (vs. 12).  God is credited with rain, mist, lightning, wind, and the forming of all things.

Meanwhile, the idols are "both stupid and foolish; the instruction given by idols is no better than wood!" (vs. 8).  An assembly-line god cannot give the people the wisdom and direction that they need.  "Everyone is stupid and without knowledge; goldsmiths are all put to shame by their idols; for their images are false, and there is no breath in them.  They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish" (vs. 14-15).

"Punishment" is exactly what is coming for the idols and those who worship them.  Jeremiah reveals the verdict: "Thus shall you say to them: The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens" (vs. 11).  That is why we don't continue to see altars to Baal (as well as Zeus, Athena, Thor, etc.)  There is a difference between God and false gods.  The pagan idols pass away to make room for the One who is truly God.