Jeremiah 10

1Hear the word that Yahweh speaks to you, house of Israel.

2This is what Yahweh says: Do not learn the way of the nations, and do not be terrified by signs in the heavens, even though the nations are terrified by them.

3For the customs of the peoples are worthless. Someone cuts down a tree from the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.

4They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not totter.

5Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried, because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.

6There is no one like you, Yahweh; you are great, and your name is great in might.

7Who would not fear you, King of the nations? It is your due. For among all the wise of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is no one like you.

8They are all alike senseless and foolish; the instruction of worthless idols is only wood.

9Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz, the work of a craftsman and of a goldsmith’s hands. Their clothing is blue and purple; they are all the work of skilled workers.

10But Yahweh is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his fury.

11This is what you are to say to them: “The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth—these will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.”

12He made the earth by his power; he established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding he stretched out the heavens.

13When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes the clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

14Every human being is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idol, for his cast images are a lie, and there is no breath in them.

15They are worthless, a work of mockery; at the time of their punishment they will perish.

16The Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the one who formed all things, and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance; Yahweh of Armies is his name.

17Gather up your bundle from the ground, you who live under siege.

18For this is what Yahweh says: This time I am going to sling out the inhabitants of the land, and I will bring distress on them so that they may feel it.

19Woe to me because of my injury! My wound is incurable. But I said, “This is my sickness, and I must bear it.”

20My tent is destroyed, and all my tent cords are snapped. My children have gone from me and are no more. There is no one left to pitch my tent again or to set up my curtains.

21For the shepherds are senseless and have not sought Yahweh. So they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered.

22Listen! A report is coming—a great commotion from the land of the north, to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a haunt of jackals.

23I know, Yahweh, that a person’s way is not in his own control; it is not in anyone who walks to direct his own steps.

24Correct me, Yahweh, but with justice, not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing.

25Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not know you, and on the clans that do not call on your name. For they have devoured Jacob; they have devoured him and consumed him and laid waste his homeland.