In chapter 10 the folly of worshiping idols is outlined, and the judgment to be visited upon it is given in verses 17-22.
Jeremiah speaks of the desolation of Judah as if it were already accomplished. False prophets were insisting that Jerusalem was no longer in danger, and this constituted one of Jeremiah's most difficult problems. Jeremiah was a man of sorrows in the midst of a people inclined to everything vile. He wept day and night at the thought of the frightfully impending retribution. He moved among them, begging, pleading, persuading, threatening, entreating, and imploring that they turn from their wickedness. All was done in vain. He preached to them that Jehovah was the true God, but these people were busy manufacturing idols, as if idols could save them. This gave Jeremiah an occasion to remind them that what they were doing was further aggravation of their already appalling sin against God.
In chapter 10 there is a description of the heathen worshiping a tree which had been cut down and decorated with silver and gold, and fastened with nails and hammers that it would not move. This is a good picture, I believe, of how many of us worship false gods today in the things we possess.
Exodus 20:3 says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Anything we worship, other than Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, is a false god. Chapter 11:3 of Jeremiah tells us, "...cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant." Because of Jeremiah's faithfulness in what God had called him to do, he prophesied to the people. They plotted his death. When you and I take a stand for Jesus Christ, we will not always be accepted by the world. There are times when a Christian has to take a stand in the midst of a world of adversity, and identify with Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, claiming His motivation for doing the things that he is doing.
