Jeremiah 10: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 10 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh speaks to the house of Israel, warning them not to learn the ways of the nations or be dismayed by celestial signs (vv. 1-2). He describes the futility of idols, made from trees and decorated with silver and gold, stating that they cannot move or speak (vv.

Key verse

“But Yahweh is the true God. He is the living God, and an everlasting King. At his wrath, the earth trembles. The nations aren’t able to withstand his indignation.”
Jeremiah 10:10 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 10:1–2 Warning Against Idolatry
Jeremiah 10:3–5 The Futility of Idols
Jeremiah 10:6–10 God's Supremacy
Jeremiah 10:11–15 The Fate of False Gods
Jeremiah 10:16–21 Judgment on Israel
Jeremiah 10:22–24 Impending Destruction
Jeremiah 10:25 Call for Justice

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Yahweh instruct Israel not to learn from the nations?
What image is used in vv. 3-4 to describe idol-making?
The phrase 'the portion of Jacob is not like these' in v16: what contrast is Jeremiah making?
In v21, why are the shepherds described as 'brutish' and what is the implication for Israel?
When have you felt like a 'brutish' shepherd due to ignoring God’s guidance?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 10: Proverbs 3, Isaiah 44, Psalm 135.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 11.