Jer 10:24 | KingComments | STEP | Jeremiah, who here makes himself one with the people, expresses that he knows that it is not man who determines his own way, but the LORD ( ; ; ; ). Man is totally dependent on Him, even if he resists Him. Whoever comes to that understanding and accepts it has found the way back to Him. The result is rest for the soul and trust in Him, while also acknowledging that punishment is deserved. The realization that God leads and governs all things brings about surrender to Him. It is not meant to eliminate responsibility, but to see that everything is in His hand. He determines the course of events and not man in his rebellion against God’s will. Just as a captain casts his anchor not inside the ship but outside the ship, so man must not expect his salvation from himself but from the Lord. He must not learn the way of men without God ( ), but he must learn to walk the way of the Lord. With the acknowledgment of God’s righteous actions also comes the question of punishment or discipline or correction ( ). Again, Jeremiah makes himself one with the people. The question is not asked in pride. It is a question asked in the awareness that if we get what we deserve, there will be nothing left of us. Then we will be at the foundation of grace and we will be able to see His correction as an evidence of grace. If it is about total judgment, it must be on people who do not know God and do not call upon Him, and who have abused His people ( ). If judgment is already so severe on those who are close to Him, how severe must it be on those who reject Him ( ; cf. ).

‏ Jeremiah 10:24

Prayer for the People

Jeremiah, who here makes himself one with the people, expresses that he knows that it is not man who determines his own way, but the LORD (Jer 10:23; Pro 20:24; Psa 37:23; Pro 16:9). Man is totally dependent on Him, even if he resists Him. Whoever comes to that understanding and accepts it has found the way back to Him. The result is rest for the soul and trust in Him, while also acknowledging that punishment is deserved.

The realization that God leads and governs all things brings about surrender to Him. It is not meant to eliminate responsibility, but to see that everything is in His hand. He determines the course of events and not man in his rebellion against God’s will. Just as a captain casts his anchor not inside the ship but outside the ship, so man must not expect his salvation from himself but from the Lord. He must not learn the way of men without God (Jer 10:2), but he must learn to walk the way of the Lord.

With the acknowledgment of God’s righteous actions also comes the question of punishment or discipline or correction (Jer 10:24). Again, Jeremiah makes himself one with the people. The question is not asked in pride. It is a question asked in the awareness that if we get what we deserve, there will be nothing left of us. Then we will be at the foundation of grace and we will be able to see His correction as an evidence of grace.

If it is about total judgment, it must be on people who do not know God and do not call upon Him, and who have abused His people (Jer 10:25). If judgment is already so severe on those who are close to Him, how severe must it be on those who reject Him (Pro 11:31; cf. 1Pet 4:17).