Jeremiah 10:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 10:11
11 Thus 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.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 10 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, righteousness, salvation. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 10:11
11 Thus 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.
Analysis
This verse provides a statement in Aramaic (the international language of that era): 'Thus 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.' The Aramaic switch may be for proclamation to foreign nations or to make the point memorable in the language of exile. The criterion distinguishes true from false gods: did they create? Gods that 'have not made' (la avadu) heaven and earth possess no ultimacy. Their fate: 'perish' (yevadu) from the realm they did not create. Temporal, created 'gods' will be destroyed; only the Creator endures.
Historical Context
This verse's Aramaic language is unique in Jeremiah (though common in Daniel and Ezra). Aramaic was the diplomatic and commercial lingua franca of the Neo-Babylonian and Persian empires. The verse may have been a confessional formula Jews could recite when confronted with pagan worship. Its message is clear in any language: non-creator gods face destruction.
Reflection
- Why might this verse's message be given in Aramaic, the international language of the empire?
- How does the criterion of creation distinguish the true God from all pretenders?
Cross-References
- References God: Zephaniah 2:11
- Creation: Psalms 96:5
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 10:15, 51:18, Isaiah 2:18, Lamentations 3:66, Zechariah 13:2, Revelation 20:2