Open English Translation JER Chapter 10

10 Listen to the message that Yahweh is telling you all, you Israelis. 2 This is what Yahweh says:

Don’t imitate the ways of other nations,

and don’t be dismayed by signs in the skies,

just because those other nations are,

3 because the customs of those groups of people are worthless.

Yes, they cut down a tree from a forest,

and a craftsman does his handywork with his tools,

4 then they overlay it with gold and silver.

They use hammer and nails to securely fasten it

so that it won’t topple over.

5 Those idols are like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,

not being able to speak.

What’s more, they have to be carried because they can’t walk.

Don’t be afraid of them because they can’t harm anyone,

but at the same time, there’s no good in them either.

6 There’s no one like you, Yahweh.

You’re powerful and have a reputation for your strength.

7 Who wouldn’t respect and obey you, king of the nations

because that’s what you deserve?[ref]

Yes, among all the wise people of the word,

and among all their kingdoms,

there’s no one like you.

8 Those ‘wise’ people are both stupid and foolish all at once—

instructed by an idol that’s just a piece of wood.

9 They brought hpræfammered silver from Tarshish and gold from Ufaz—

≈ the work of a craftsman and from the hands of the refiners.

Then they put violet and purple clothing on them—

all the work of skillful people.

10 However, Yahweh is the true god.

≈ He is the living god and permanent king.

When he’s angry, the earth shakes,

and the nations can’t endure his indignation.

11 You need to tell them this:

The gods that didn’t make the heavens and earth

will perish from the earth and from under these skies.

12 Yahweh made the earth using his power.

≈ He established the world by his wisdom,

≈ and with his understanding, he stretched out the skies.

13 When he projects his voice, there’s a rush of waters in the skies,

≈ and he brings clouds up from the ends of the earth.

He made lightning for the rain,

≈ and sends out wind from his storehouse.

14 Every person has become stupid from knowledge.

Every metalworker is put to shame by idols

because his molten image is a deception and there’s no life in them.

15 They’re worthless—a work of mockery.

They’ll perish at the time for their punishment.

16 Yakov’s (Jacob’s) inheritance isn’t like that

because he’s the one who made everything,

and the Israelis are his inheritance.

His name is Commander-in-chief Yahweh.