Jeremiah 16:20
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Jeremiah 16:20
20 Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 16 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, grace, righteousness. 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 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 16:20
20 Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?
Analysis
This rhetorical question highlights the absurdity of idolatry: 'Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?' The Hebrew verb 'make' (asah, עָשָׂה) emphasizes human manufacture—these 'gods' are human artifacts, not divine beings. The phrase 'unto himself' (lo, לוֹ) underscores the self-serving nature of idolatry—people create deities that conform to their desires rather than submitting to the true God who created them. The concluding phrase 'they are no gods' (lo elohim hemah, לֹא אֱלֹהִים הֵמָּה) is emphatic—literally 'not gods they.' This exposes idolatry's fundamental contradiction: the creature cannot create the Creator; humanity cannot manufacture deity. The verse echoes Isaiah 44:9-20, which mocks idol-makers who use wood for both fire and gods. This principle applies beyond carved images to any human construct—ideology, philosophy, political system, or even religious tradition—that we elevate to ultimate authority in place of God's revealed truth. Paul later develops this in Romans 1:22-25, showing how humanity exchanges God's truth for self-made lies, worshiping creation rather than Creator.
Historical Context
This verse occurs in Jeremiah's prophecy of exile and eventual restoration (chapter 16). The immediate context addresses God's judgment on Judah's idolatry—the very sin this verse exposes. Despite centuries of prophetic warning, Judah persisted in syncretism, blending Yahweh worship with Canaanite Baal worship and other pagan practices. Archaeological excavations in Judah have uncovered numerous figurines and cultic objects from this period, confirming widespread idolatry even among those who formally worshiped at Jerusalem's temple. The irony is profound: Israel had witnessed Egypt's impotent gods at the Exodus, seen Canaanite deities fail to protect their worshipers, observed Assyria's gods unable to save Samaria—yet still manufactured their own false gods. The exile to Babylon would finally cure Israel of this particular sin; post-exilic Judaism never returned to idol worship. Early Christians faced similar temptations in the Roman Empire, where civic religion demanded honoring the emperor and various deities. The apologists used arguments like Jeremiah's—ridiculing the notion that manufactured objects could possess divinity.
Reflection
- In what ways do modern people manufacture "gods unto themselves"—ideologies, success, comfort, political movements—that function as ultimate authorities in place of the true God?
- How does recognizing that we cannot create God (but only respond to His self-revelation) protect us from making Christianity into a religion of our own preferences?
- What practical tests can help us discern whether we are worshiping the God of Scripture or a god of our own imagining?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Jeremiah 2:11, Isaiah 37:19, Galatians 4:8