Who’s to Blame? – The Story of Careless Pastors and Corrupt Leaders! (Jeremiah 10)

Scripture reading – Jeremiah 10 

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

Beware of the Ways of the Heathen (Jeremiah 10:1-2)

Our study of Jeremiah’s prophecies continues with our Scripture reading from Jeremiah 10. Assuming that Jeremiah was continuing his message “in the gate of the LORD’s house” (Jeremiah 7:2), we begin our study with the prophet announcing to those who came to the Temple:

“Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 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” (Jeremiah 10:1-2).

Like all the other pagan nations during Jeremiah’s time, Babylon was superstitious and fearful. The Chaldeans (i.e., Babylonians) depended on “the signs of the heaven” for wisdom and guidance; however, Jeremiah warned his people not to follow their neighbors’ foolish ways!

Jeremiah Mocked the Idols That Men Worship (Jeremiah 10:3-5)

The prophet described the foolishness of men who worship idols made by their own hands. He explained how men cut down a tree, take the trunk, and then carve and shape it into an image they worship (Jeremiah 10:3). Such men decorate their idols, covering the wood with silver and gold, and use hammers and nails to fasten the parts together (Jeremiah 10:4).

Drawing on the foolishness of idols, Jeremiah mocked those who worshipped powerless gods that could neither speak nor move on their own (Jeremiah 10:5a). Such idols must be carried around by those foolish enough to worship them “because they cannot go” (i.e., move; Jeremiah 10:5). Therefore, Jeremiah argued that God’s people have no reason to fear idols, for they can do neither evil nor good (Jeremiah 10:5c).

There is None Like the God of Heaven. (Jeremiah 10:6-13)

Contrasting the “brutish and foolish” (stupid and senseless) men who worship idols made by “cunning men” who covered their gods with gold and silver (Jeremiah 10:8-9), Jeremiah recalled all that the God of Israel had revealed about Himself to His people (Jeremiah 10:6-7, 10-13). 

Lifting his eyes to heaven, Jeremiah worshipped the LORD and declared that the LORD is not a God among many; He is great, mighty, and the Sovereign of the nations (Jeremiah 10:6-7a). He is superior, and “there is none like unto [Him]” (Jeremiah 10:7b). The LORD is faithful, living, and eternal. He is a just and righteous judge (Jeremiah 10:10).

The heathen worship powerless idols that have created nothing and will accomplish nothing (Jeremiah 10:11). However, the God of the Scriptures is the Creator, for “He hath made the earth by his power, He hath established the world by his wisdom, And hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion” (Jeremiah 10:12). By His wisdom, He sustains and understands the vastness of the heavens (Jeremiah 10:12). He is the God of nature, and by His voice, the waters move and complete their cycle (evaporation, rain, lightning, and wind, Jeremiah 10:13). 

What is Man? (Jeremiah 10:14-15)

What is the natural man without God? He is “brutish in his knowledge” (a foolish, senseless being, Jeremiah 10:14a). He resembles the idols he makes, vain and delusional (Jeremiah 10:15a). Such men, on the day of God’s judgment, will perish along with their gods (Jeremiah 10:15b).

God’s Covenant People (Jeremiah 10:16-18)

Unlike the heathen, who are without knowledge and spiritually depraved when left to themselves, the LORD chose Israel for His inheritance (Jeremiah 10:16). The God of Jacob is not like man-made idols. The LORD “is the former [Creator; framer; maker] of all things” (Jeremiah 10:16a). He chose Israel as the “rod [the symbol of a tribe or people] of His inheritance” (Jeremiah 10:16b). Who is God? “The LORD of hosts is His name” (Jeremiah 10:16c), for He is the LORD of all!

Though the LORD chose Israel, they broke their covenant with Him, and He withdrew His blessings and protection. Therefore, Jeremiah declared, “Gather up thy wares” (pack up your belongings), inhabitants of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 10:17). The people of Judah, like Israel before them, were to be expelled from the land and afflicted (Jeremiah 10:18).

A Faithful, Sorrowful Prophet (Jeremiah 10:19-20)

Though Jeremiah served as God’s prophet for 40 years, Judah refused to heed his warnings and spurned his invitations to turn from their sins to the LORD. Yet, the prophet felt the anguish of His people and cried, “Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: But I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it” (Jeremiah 10:19).

Jeremiah loved the LORD and cared deeply for his nation, but the people were his sorrow. He cried out for Jerusalem, foretelling the destruction of the “tabernacle” and predicting that no one would come to Judah’s rescue (Jeremiah 10:20). 

The Case Against Derelict Pastors (Jeremiah 10:21-22)

“For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord: Therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.” (Jeremiah 10:21)

Judah would face judgment; however, this was not due to Jeremiah’s failure. The people rejected him as God’s prophet, even though he faithfully served and proclaimed the Word of the LORD.

Jeremiah stated that the pastors (Judah’s religious and political leaders) failed the nation. They had become “brutish,” foolish, and a morally corrupt group who had “not sought the LORD” (Jeremiah 10:21a). Jeremiah prophesied that the pastors and their followers would not receive the blessing of the LORD and would be scattered among the heathen-like sheep lost in the wilderness (Jeremiah 10:21b).

Closing thoughts –

Jeremiah predicted Nebuchadnezzar’s army would come, destroy the cities, and turn them into a haven for “a den of dragons” (jackals; wild beasts, Jeremiah 10:22c). 

Then, Jeremiah did the one thing you and I can do when we see the frightening state of our nation and world… He prayed (Jeremiah 10:23-25). He admitted that the natural man is foolish and finds no wisdom or direction within himself (Jeremiah 10:23). He prayed for God’s grace and mercy, saying, “O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; Not in thine anger” (Jeremiah 10:24). He then asked the LORD to remember how the heathen mistreated His people and to pour out His wrath upon those men who had not known or called upon Him (Jeremiah 10:25).

Friend, let us draw inspiration from Jeremiah’s life and follow his example. He mourned for Judah’s sins and urged his neighbors to turn away from their wickedness and seek the LORD. He longed for the LORD to correct His people and show them mercy and grace (Jeremiah 10:23-24). He begged the LORD to pour out His wrath on Judah’s enemies (Jeremiah 10:25). 

Copyright © 2026 – Travis D. Smith 

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