Jeremiah 10

Jeremiah 10:2

DIsmayed] that is to say, Do not worship the stars through a vain superstition, which is but a false and irregular religious fear, vers. 5. Others refer this to Astrologers prognosticks, concerning accidents which are meerly casuall, and absolutely depending upon Gods will, and can no way be caused nor signified by the celestiall bodies, as men have falsly given rules for it: to which God doth sometimes give way, and suffereth them to fall out right, onely to punish their curiositie.

Jeremiah 10:3

The customs] namely, their customs and ordinances concerning Religion, as may be observed more evidently in the adoration of idols, which have no other essence but their corruptible matter, nor no othe forme but that which ma at his pleasure giveth them.

Jeremiah 10:5

Upright] these idols are framed high and straight.

Jeremiah 10:8

The stock] the idol doth imprint in man false opinions concerning God, and concerning his essence and service, and vaine passions and hopes, through which a man becomes sencelesse and stupd, like to his idol.

Jeremiah 10:9

Uphaz] the name of a place, whereof there is no certainty.

Jeremiah 10:11

Thus] this verse is written in the Caldaick tongue, which seemeth to have been done to put the Jewes in minde, and as it were in their mouthes, that they should shortly be carried away captives to Babylon. A kinde of formulary in detestation of idolatry, whereof they should see frequent examples in Babylon.

Jeremiah 10:13

Rain] see upon Psal. 135. 7.

Jeremiah 10:14

Every man] that is to say, Idolatry hath taken such deep root in the minds of men, by reason of their admiring the art of carving Is confounded] the Italian, is become infamous;that is to say, execrable, using his art by the means of idolatry, which is a spirituall fornication and infamy, Jeremiah 3:24. Others translate it, ashamed, finding himselfe at the lst deluded of the hope which he had fixed upon his idol, as Isa. 42. 17. and 44. 11. and 45. 16.

Jeremiah 10:15

In the time] for when God shall punish the idolatrous Nations their idols shall also perish. He hath a relation to victorious Pagans, who id break or carry into captivity the idols of those Nations which they had conquered, Isaiah 46:1.

Jeremiah 10:16

The portion] namely, the true everlasting God, who hath given himself to his people particularly, having forsaken all other nations, see Deuteronomy 29:26. Psal. 16. 5. and 119. 57.

Jeremiah 10:17

Inhabitant] a prophesie of the ruine of the Countrey, and captivity of the people. The meaning is, Let the people that are in Jerusalem save themselves and their goods if they can, though the place be strong both by nature and art, for there commeth an enemie whom no power will be able to withstand, Jeremiah 6:1. Ezekiel 12:3.

Jeremiah 10:19

But I said] that is to say, I did not think the ruine would have been so extream, I presumed that I might have escaped with some small losse.

Jeremiah 10:20

My tabernacle] the Italian, my tents; that is to say, I was heretofore the fruitfull pasture of the Lords flocks, with their tents, stalls, and sheep-coats, which were the particular congregations of the Elect; now every thing lieth waste through the negligence and fault of the shepherds, that is to say, The Governours as well Politicke as Ecclesiasticall.

Jeremiah 10:23

I know] the Prophets words in the Churches name: the meaning is, I know that this enterprise of the Chaldeans, as well as all other humane enterprises, lieth in thy hands, and the issue thereof is as thou pleasest: thou canst moderate it, limit it, and direct it according to thy wisdom and pleasure. Wherefore, Lord, doe not give them the reins, to let them execute their wicked wils to the uttermost, and give them at last their just punishment to their utter ruine.