Worthless Idols
- 10:2 “do not learn the ways of the [godless] nations” - G.K. Chesterton
observed that the greatest tragedy of war is that the victors emulate
the worst aspects of the vanquished. God had given Judah victor
over many attackers, but instead of being a light, Judah began
following their example instead.
- 10:3,4 “cut down a tree and decorate it” - exactly like a modern
Christmas tree. Is a Christmas tree idolatry? What constitutes an idol?
- 10:11 “the gods that have not made heaven and earth shall perish” -
The existence of the “gods” depends on the heavens [sky] and the earth,
but the existence of the heavens and the earth depends on the Lord.
- 10:14 “no breath in them” - not only in the sense of gas exchange,
but in the sense of Genesis 2:7.
- 10:18 “sling out the inhabitants” - many would be taken captive on
the first and second invasions.
- 10:20 “sons have departed from me” - the captivity separated many
families, and when Jerusalem continued to rebel against both
God and Nebuchadnezzar, they would be separated by death.
Ezekiel 24:15-27
- 10:21 “shepherds have become senseless” - it is not your imagination
that political leaders that reject the word of God become blithering
idiots.
- 10:23 “not in man to direct his own steps” - God was directing the steps
of Nebuchadnezzar. Ezekiel 21:21-22
- 10:25 “for they have devoured Jacob” - he that touches Israel touches
the apple of God’s eye. Although Nebuchadnezzar turned to the Lord,
the nation did not. Just as with Manasseh and Josiah.