Jeremiah 10 2

Jeremiah 10:2 kjv

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Jeremiah 10:2 nkjv

Thus says the LORD: "Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.

Jeremiah 10:2 niv

This is what the LORD says: "Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them.

Jeremiah 10:2 esv

Thus says the LORD: "Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them,

Jeremiah 10:2 nlt

This is what the LORD says: "Do not act like the other nations,
who try to read their future in the stars.
Do not be afraid of their predictions,
even though other nations are terrified by them.

Jeremiah 10 verses

Jeremiah 10 2 Meaning

Jeremiah 10:2 commands God's people not to adopt the customs, practices, and fears of pagan nations. Specifically, it warns against being terrified by celestial phenomena—solar eclipses, comets, or movements of stars—which were widely interpreted as omens by surrounding cultures. This instruction highlights the Lord's absolute sovereignty over creation and serves as a call to distinguish Israel's faith in the true God from the idolatrous astrolatry and superstition prevalent among the Gentiles, who attributed divine power to heavenly bodies and lived in dread of their perceived messages.

Jeremiah 10 2 Context

Jeremiah chapter 10 is a sharp polemic against idolatry and the false gods worshipped by the surrounding nations, contrasting their worthlessness with the living and true God of Israel. Verse 2 specifically targets the pagan practice of astrology and the fear derived from observing celestial phenomena, which was a deeply ingrained custom in Babylonian and Assyrian cultures—empires that significantly influenced or threatened Judah. The prophet delivers God's command to His people as they face the looming threat of exile, cautioning them not to adopt these foreign, idolatrous customs as a means of seeking security or understanding their future, but to trust solely in the Lord who created the heavens and controls all things. This passage is a direct call for Israel to maintain its distinct identity and devotion to the one true God amidst a polytheistic world.

Jeremiah 10 2 Word analysis

• Thus says the LORD: (_koh ʾamar YHWH_): This standard prophetic formula establishes the divine authority of the message. It is not Jeremiah's opinion but God's direct word, making the ensuing instruction an absolute command.
• Learn not (_ʾal tilmadu_): The negative imperative is strong, meaning "do not learn" or "do not become accustomed to." It implies a conscious avoidance of absorbing foreign customs.
• the way (_derekh_): This term denotes a path, manner, custom, or conduct. Here it signifies the entire system of beliefs, practices, and lifestyle of the nations.
• of the nations (_ha-goyim_): Refers to the Gentile peoples surrounding Israel, characterized by their polytheism and idolatrous practices. Israel was meant to be distinct.
• nor be dismayed (_wə-ʾal tēḥattu_): A strong warning against being terrified, broken, or demoralized. It describes an emotional state of fear and anxiety, typically from a perceived threat. This highlights the pagan response to celestial signs.
• at the signs (_mê-ʾotot_): The Hebrew word _ʾotot_ means signs, omens, or portents. In this context, it refers specifically to unusual celestial events like eclipses, comets, or meteor showers.
• of the heavens (_ha-šamayim_): Refers to the visible sky and all celestial bodies within it (sun, moon, stars). Pagans believed these held divine power or conveyed messages from gods.
• because the nations (_kī ha-goyim_): The conjunction "because" or "for" explains the rationale behind the command – Israel must not mimic the superstitious reactions of these other peoples.
• are dismayed (_yeḥattū_): Reiterates the emotional state of fear and terror that the pagan nations exhibited in response to celestial events, underscoring their superstitious dependence on them.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• Learn not the way of the nations: This phrase encapsulates the broader prohibition against adopting the entire cultural, religious, and ethical framework of pagan societies. It is a call for religious and moral separation, reminding Israel of its unique covenant relationship with God.
• nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens: This focuses on a specific aspect of pagan "ways"—astrology and omens derived from celestial observation. It directly challenges the widespread ancient belief that heavenly phenomena are deterministic or divine messages dictating human affairs, leading to fear or propitiation.
• because the nations are dismayed at them: This provides the clear contrast and rationale. The Lord emphasizes that such fear and superstition are characteristic of nations that do not know Him. Israel, knowing the true Creator, has no reason to fear His creation. The nations' fear stems from their polytheistic worldview, which attributes power to many gods, including heavenly bodies.

Jeremiah 10 2 Bonus section

The concept of "signs in the heavens" later appears in both Old and New Testaments with varied connotations, yet distinct from the pagan fear warned against here. While God uses celestial signs to mark seasons (Gen 1:14) or signify His intervention (Joel 2:30-31, Mt 24:29, Acts 2:19), these are distinct from superstitious omens that provoke terror. God’s signs point to His power or redemptive plan, never encouraging astrolatry or fear of creation. This passage underlines the principle that understanding the true nature and source of phenomena is key to distinguishing divine revelation from pagan superstition. The universe is not an independent or unpredictable source of power, but rather an ordered creation entirely subject to its Creator.

Jeremiah 10 2 Commentary

Jeremiah 10:2 is a foundational declaration of monotheistic distinction. It directly addresses the pervasive influence of ancient Near Eastern astrolatry, where celestial phenomena were viewed as divine portents dictating fate and instilling widespread terror. The verse mandates a radical counter-cultural stance for Israel: do not emulate the religious customs and fearful superstitions of other nations. God, as the sole Creator of the heavens (Gen 1:1, Ps 8:3, Neh 9:6), is infinitely superior to any celestial body. Therefore, His people are not to be intimidated or guided by what He Himself created, but are to find their security and wisdom in Him alone. This instruction fosters a clear boundary, separating true worship from idolatry, trust in the Almighty from superstitious dread, and unique covenant identity from assimilation into pagan practices. It serves as a timeless reminder that fear, when directed at created things instead of reverence for the Creator, indicates a departure from true faith.