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Jeremiah 10:23
Verse
Context
The Coming Captivity of Judah
22Listen! The sound of a report is coming— a great commotion from the land to the north. The cities of Judah will be made a desolation, a haunt for jackals. 23I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. 24Correct me, O LORD, but only with justice— not in Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.
Sermons
Jim Cymbala
Jim Logan
A.W. TozerA.W. Tozer
Anton Bosch
F.B. MeyerSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Despairing of influencing the people, he turns to God. way of man not in himself-- (Pro 16:1; Pro 20:24; Jam 4:13-14). I know, O Jehovah, that the march of the Babylonian conqueror against me (Jeremiah identifying himself with his people) is not at his own discretion, but is overruled by Thee (Isa 10:5-7; compare Jer 10:19). that walketh--when he walketh, that is, sets out in any undertaking. direct . . . steps--to give a prosperous issue to (Psa 73:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself,.... Kimchi and Ben Melech interpret it of that well known man Nebuchadnezzar, whose way was not in himself, and was not master of his own resolutions, but was under the influence and direction of divine Providence: when he set out of Babylon, he thought to have gone against the Ammonites; but when he came to a place where two ways met; the one leading to the children of Ammon, the other to Jerusalem; God changed his mind, and he steered his course to Jerusalem, to chastise Zedekiah for the breach of his oath: but the words seem to have a more general meaning; and the sense to be, that the prophet knew that it was not with him, nor with any of the godly, to escape the judgments that were coming upon them; that they were entirely in the hands of the Lord, to be guided, directed, and disposed of at his pleasure. The words may be accommodated to spiritual things and the affair of salvation; and be rendered thus, "I know, O Lord, that not for man is his way" (d); his own way is not good for him; not his sinful way, for this is opposite to God's way, and a going out of it; it is not according to his word; it is after the course of the world; and it is a dark and crooked way, and leads to, and ends in, destruction and death, if grace prevent not: nor the way of his own righteousness; this is no way of access to God, no way of acceptance with him, no way of justification before him, no way of salvation, no way to heaven, and eternal happiness; that which is the good and right way, the only way of salvation, is not of man, in him, or with him naturally; it is not of his devising and contriving, and much less of his effecting; it is not even within his knowledge; and so far as he knows anything of it, he does not approve of it: but it is of God; the scheme of it is of his forming; it is a work wrought out by Christ; it is a way of salvation revealed in the Gospel; and the thing itself is savingly made known, and applied by the Spirit of God; all which is known and owned when men are spiritually enlightened: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps; as not in natural and civil things, much less in religious ones; a good man is one that "walks", which supposes life and strength, without which there can be no walking; and a progression, a going on in a way; which ways are Christ, and his ordinances the path of doctrine and of duty; yet it is not even in this good man "to direct" and order "his steps" of himself; it is the Lord that must do it, and does; he can take no step aright without him; he is guided by him and his Spirit, both in the path of truth and of obedience; and hence it is that the saints persevere unto the end; see Psa 37:23. (d) "novi, Jehovah, quod non sit homini via ejus", Schmidt; so Vatablus, Cocceius.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:23-25 Jeremiah wanted the Lord to pour out his wrath, not simply on Judah, but on the nations who devoured your people Israel; cp. Isa 26:9-11; Hab 1:17. These other kingdoms had gone so far in their brutality that the countryside was a desolate wilderness. Jer 10:25 is a quotation from Ps 79:6-7.
Jeremiah 10:23
The Coming Captivity of Judah
22Listen! The sound of a report is coming— a great commotion from the land to the north. The cities of Judah will be made a desolation, a haunt for jackals. 23I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. 24Correct me, O LORD, but only with justice— not in Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Knowing and Finding the Will of God
By Jim Cymbala3.5K41:36Will Of GodPRO 3:5ISA 55:8JER 10:23JER 29:11JHN 16:13ACT 10:1ACT 16:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of spreading the word of God to people all around the world. They emphasize the need to translate the message into multiple languages and make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or language. The speaker also highlights the role of prayer and seeking God's guidance in carrying out this mission. They mention that being led by God may not always make sense to the natural mind, but it has a spiritual congruency. Lastly, the speaker shares personal experiences of facing opposition and disagreement when following God's leading, using the example of David's decision to save Kayla.
Attitudes on Pride
By Jim Logan1.6K53:38PrideGEN 16:13PRO 3:6PRO 11:2PRO 16:6PRO 16:18PRO 29:23JER 10:23In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of receiving criticism as a leader. They emphasize the importance of not having a critical spirit and being open to feedback. The speaker also mentions a program in their church where children memorize Bible verses. They discuss the concept of making decisions based on the immediate situation versus considering the bigger picture, using the example of visiting the Rose Parade. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the idea of departing from evil and the impact of being aware of God's presence in our lives.
Living by Faith in Future Grace - Lesson 1
By John Piper1.2K1:15:43PSA 34:19JER 10:232TH 2:13JAS 2:17JAS 3:11JN 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving God by leaning on His provision and strength. He references 1 Peter 4:11 to explain that serving God is not like being a slave, but rather it involves depending on and living by the strength that God supplies. The speaker shares his passion for bringing glory to God and experiencing joy in the Christian life. He also mentions how he has seen people deeply moved and impacted by these teachings, particularly when he speaks outside of his church.
The Director of Our Way
By A.W. Tozer0Human LimitationsDivine GuidancePSA 25:4PSA 37:23PSA 119:105PRO 3:5PRO 16:9ISA 30:21ISA 58:11JER 10:23ROM 8:14JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound truth found in Jeremiah 10:23, illustrating that humanity lacks the ability to direct its own steps. He describes man as a traveler navigating a complex journey from an uncertain past to an unknown future, highlighting the futility of relying on oneself for guidance. Tozer contrasts the living God, the King of Eternity, with the vanity of idols, underscoring the necessity of divine direction in our lives. The sermon invites reflection on the importance of seeking God's guidance in our daily paths.
Do You Know Where You Are Going?
By A.W. Tozer0GuidanceHumilityPSA 25:4PSA 119:105PRO 3:5PRO 16:9ISA 30:21ISA 58:11JER 10:23MAT 7:13JHN 14:5ROM 8:14A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of knowing one's destination in life, asserting that the right path is crucial for reaching a desired end. He reflects on the uncertainty of human direction, highlighting that many do not truly know where they are going or how to get there. Tozer points out that acknowledging our ignorance is the first step toward finding hope and guidance from God. He warns against the pride of thinking we know the way, which only leads to darkness. Ultimately, he calls for humility and reliance on divine wisdom to navigate life's journey.
Gps
By Anton Bosch0JOB 34:21PSA 139:2PRO 14:12ISA 30:21JER 10:23JER 18:4Anton Bosch preaches about the concept of God's Positioning System (GPS) in our lives, drawing parallels between the technology of GPS and God's guidance. He emphasizes how God, like a GPS, knows our exact position in life, sees all our steps, and has a perfect plan for our lives even when we are lost or straying. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting in God's directions, following His lead step-by-step, and being attentive to His voice amidst the distractions of the world.
The Month Which He Had Devised
By F.B. Meyer0Divine GuidanceTrusting God's Timing1KI 12:33PSA 37:5PRO 3:5PRO 28:26ECC 3:1ISA 55:8JER 10:23MAT 26:39JHN 5:19ROM 12:2F.B. Meyer emphasizes the dangers of acting on personal expediency, as illustrated by Jeroboam's decision to set up idol-gods to maintain his rule, which ultimately led to his downfall. He warns against devising plans from our own hearts without seeking God's guidance, highlighting that true wisdom lies in waiting for God's timing and following His will. Meyer contrasts Jeroboam's actions with those of Jesus, who consistently sought to align His actions with the Father's will. The sermon calls for believers to make God's will their guiding star and to trust in His divine plan rather than their own understanding.
It Is Not in Man That Walketh to Direct His Steps
By A.B. Simpson0Dependence On GodTransformation in ChristJER 10:23ROM 8:292CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 1:6PHP 1:6COL 1:27HEB 12:22PE 1:31JN 3:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes that through our union with Jesus Christ, we are not only redeemed but also transformed into His likeness. He explains that Christ is the perfect model for humanity, not to be merely imitated but to be reproduced within us, leading to true Christian holiness and divine healing. Simpson acknowledges human failure but encourages believers to accept God's grace and allow Christ to direct their steps, relinquishing both good and bad to fully depend on divine impulses. This transformation is essential for living a life that reflects Christ's character and purpose.
Dependence Upon God--the Sense of Sin--Doubts
By John Newton0PSA 121:2PRO 3:5JER 10:23LAM 3:22PHP 1:6John Newton reflects on the humbling realization that as humans, we are unable to direct our own steps without God's guidance and support. He acknowledges his constant need to depend on the Lord for even the smallest things, recognizing his tendency towards self-independence. Newton expresses his struggles with faith and the ongoing battle with indwelling sin, yet finds peace in knowing that God will not forsake the work He has started in him. He urges for more earnest prayers for a further outpouring of God's Spirit amidst the growing wickedness and lack of zeal for God and compassion for souls.
Who Is Leading?
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 27:14PRO 3:5ISA 30:21JER 10:23JHN 8:12Charles E. Cowman delivers a sermon on the importance of surrendering to God's guidance, emphasizing the human tendency to want to control our own paths instead of allowing God to lead us. Through powerful poetry by George MacDonald, Cowman illustrates the internal struggle between our desires and God's will, highlighting the need to trust in God's wisdom even when His ways seem challenging or different from what we expect.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Despairing of influencing the people, he turns to God. way of man not in himself-- (Pro 16:1; Pro 20:24; Jam 4:13-14). I know, O Jehovah, that the march of the Babylonian conqueror against me (Jeremiah identifying himself with his people) is not at his own discretion, but is overruled by Thee (Isa 10:5-7; compare Jer 10:19). that walketh--when he walketh, that is, sets out in any undertaking. direct . . . steps--to give a prosperous issue to (Psa 73:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself,.... Kimchi and Ben Melech interpret it of that well known man Nebuchadnezzar, whose way was not in himself, and was not master of his own resolutions, but was under the influence and direction of divine Providence: when he set out of Babylon, he thought to have gone against the Ammonites; but when he came to a place where two ways met; the one leading to the children of Ammon, the other to Jerusalem; God changed his mind, and he steered his course to Jerusalem, to chastise Zedekiah for the breach of his oath: but the words seem to have a more general meaning; and the sense to be, that the prophet knew that it was not with him, nor with any of the godly, to escape the judgments that were coming upon them; that they were entirely in the hands of the Lord, to be guided, directed, and disposed of at his pleasure. The words may be accommodated to spiritual things and the affair of salvation; and be rendered thus, "I know, O Lord, that not for man is his way" (d); his own way is not good for him; not his sinful way, for this is opposite to God's way, and a going out of it; it is not according to his word; it is after the course of the world; and it is a dark and crooked way, and leads to, and ends in, destruction and death, if grace prevent not: nor the way of his own righteousness; this is no way of access to God, no way of acceptance with him, no way of justification before him, no way of salvation, no way to heaven, and eternal happiness; that which is the good and right way, the only way of salvation, is not of man, in him, or with him naturally; it is not of his devising and contriving, and much less of his effecting; it is not even within his knowledge; and so far as he knows anything of it, he does not approve of it: but it is of God; the scheme of it is of his forming; it is a work wrought out by Christ; it is a way of salvation revealed in the Gospel; and the thing itself is savingly made known, and applied by the Spirit of God; all which is known and owned when men are spiritually enlightened: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps; as not in natural and civil things, much less in religious ones; a good man is one that "walks", which supposes life and strength, without which there can be no walking; and a progression, a going on in a way; which ways are Christ, and his ordinances the path of doctrine and of duty; yet it is not even in this good man "to direct" and order "his steps" of himself; it is the Lord that must do it, and does; he can take no step aright without him; he is guided by him and his Spirit, both in the path of truth and of obedience; and hence it is that the saints persevere unto the end; see Psa 37:23. (d) "novi, Jehovah, quod non sit homini via ejus", Schmidt; so Vatablus, Cocceius.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:23-25 Jeremiah wanted the Lord to pour out his wrath, not simply on Judah, but on the nations who devoured your people Israel; cp. Isa 26:9-11; Hab 1:17. These other kingdoms had gone so far in their brutality that the countryside was a desolate wilderness. Jer 10:25 is a quotation from Ps 79:6-7.