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"Do not learn the way of the Gentiles"

Text: Jeremiah 10:2

A WISE WORD OF ADMONITION

The Lord sent many a wise word of admonition to Israel and Judah! From the time of Moses to the present moment, the Lord had not ceased to speak to His people. If only they had listened!

“Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel.
Thus says the LORD:
‘Do not learn the way of the Gentiles;
Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven,
For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.'”
Jeremiah 10:1-2

1. “Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel”

a) This word came from the LORD.

b) The source of instruction was the Lord Himself.

c) The prophets were only His servants.

d) “House of Israel”

i) Though the Northern Kingdom was no more.

ii) Nevertheless, this reference “House of Israel” was used relevantly.

2. “Thus says the LORD: ‘Do not learn the way of the Gentiles'”

a) The Gentiles were the foreign nations.

b) They should have learned from Israel about God.

c) Instead, Israel learned about idolatry from the Gentiles!

d) Israel must cease and desist in this matter!

3. “Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them”

a) One of the “lessons” learned was probably “astrology”.

i) Many nations tried to interpret “the signs of heaven”.

ii) Often, they ended up feeling dismay.

iii) They felt hopeless and helpless at the signs they saw.

b) There was no need for dismay to rule their hearts.

i) The LORD is sovereign over all things.

ii) Faith and prayer were the better option.

iii) Israel had forgotten all it had been taught as they learned from the Gentiles.