Jeremiah 10:13

KJV

When he uttereth his voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

KJV (with Strong's)

When he uttereth {H5414} his voice {H6963}, there is a multitude {H1995} of waters {H4325} in the heavens {H8064}, and he causeth the vapours {H5387} to ascend {H5927} from the ends {H7097} of the earth {H776}; he maketh {H6213} lightnings {H1300} with rain {H4306}, and bringeth forth {H3318} the wind {H7307} out of his treasures {H214}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he thunders, the waters in heaven roar, he raises clouds from the ends of the earth, he makes the lightning flash in the rain and brings the wind out from his storehouses.

Berean Standard Bible

When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.

American Standard Version

When he uttereth his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:13 serves as a profound and majestic declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and dynamic control over the cosmos, standing in stark contrast to the lifeless and impotent idols described earlier in the chapter. This verse vividly portrays the Almighty as the ultimate orchestrator of creation, whose very voice commands the elements, bringing forth vast waters in the heavens, causing vapours to ascend from the earth's farthest reaches, fashioning lightnings with rain, and releasing the wind from His boundless divine treasuries. It powerfully underscores His unique identity as the living, active God, whose omnipotence is undeniably and visibly evident in the awe-inspiring phenomena of the natural world, demanding exclusive worship and trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 10:13 is strategically positioned within a powerful prophetic polemic against idolatry, specifically found in [Jeremiah chapter 10](/jeremiah/10 "Jeremiah 10 - The Folly of Idols and the Greatness of God"). The preceding verses (10:1-12) meticulously expose the absurdity and futility of idol worship, ridiculing the craftsmen who fashion gods from inert materials like wood and silver—deities that are immobile, speechless, and utterly devoid of power. Verse 13 then executes a dramatic pivot, presenting the God of Israel as the antithesis of these lifeless creations. It functions as a climactic affirmation of Yahweh's unparalleled power and active engagement with His creation, demonstrating that the true God is not a static carving but the dynamic Creator and Sustainer of the universe, whose omnipotence is visibly displayed in the fundamental forces of nature. This profound contrast is central to Jeremiah's urgent message, compelling Judah to abandon their syncretistic practices and return to the exclusive worship of the living God, who alone is worthy of their devotion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered to the kingdom of Judah during a tumultuous and spiritually compromised period leading up to the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE). This era was marked by significant political instability and a pervasive spiritual decline, as Judah frequently succumbed to the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, particularly those associated with fertility cults and astral worship (e.g., Baal, Asherah, the host of heaven). These pagan deities were often believed to control crucial natural phenomena like rain, thunder, and wind, which were indispensable for agricultural prosperity and survival. By vividly depicting Yahweh's absolute command over these very elements—the hydrological cycle, atmospheric conditions, and meteorological events—Jeremiah directly challenged the efficacy and legitimacy of these false gods. The prophet's message served as a theological assault on the core tenets of pagan religion, asserting that only the God of Israel held true dominion over the cosmos, thereby undermining the rationale for worshipping any lesser deities.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it unequivocally asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, showcasing God's supreme authority over all creation. He is not merely a distant observer but the active commander of the hydrological cycle and atmospheric phenomena, highlighting His boundless power and control over life-sustaining forces. Secondly, it emphasizes God as the **Sole Creator and Sustainer**, contrasting His dynamic, life-giving power with the inertness of man-made idols. Unlike false gods, He brings forth essential rain, powerful lightning, and vital winds, demonstrating His active role in maintaining the natural order. Thirdly, and most critically, it serves as a profound **Contrast with Idolatry**, illustrating the utter impotence of false gods against the backdrop of Yahweh's cosmic might. While idols are "a work of errors" and cannot even move or speak (as seen in [Jeremiah 10:15](/jeremiah/10-15 "Jeremiah 10:15 - The Folly of Idols")), the God of Israel commands the very forces of nature, proving His unique reality and power. Finally, the phrase "When he uttereth his voice" underscores the theme of **God's Powerful Word**, aligning with the biblical understanding that creation itself came into being and is sustained by God's spoken command, as exemplified in [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Creates by His Word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** This term (H6963) refers to a sound or voice, often implying a powerful, authoritative utterance, or even a thunderous sound. In this context, it is not merely an audible sound but a divine decree, an irresistible command that initiates cosmic events. It signifies God's majestic and sovereign word, which is potent enough to bring about the vast phenomena described in the verse. The "voice" of God here is akin to thunder, a manifestation of His overwhelming presence and power, echoing throughout creation and demanding attention.
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to make a noise or tumult," this word (H1995) denotes a great quantity, abundance, or a vast crowd. When applied to "waters in the heavens," it conveys the immense, overwhelming volume of water at God's disposal, not just a few clouds, but an immeasurable reserve. This emphasizes the sheer scale of God's control and the limitless nature of His resources, contrasting sharply with any finite human or idolatrous power. It speaks to the inexhaustible supply of divine provision.
* **Treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** This word (H214) signifies a depository, storehouse, or treasury. The imagery of God bringing forth wind "out of his treasures" suggests that the elements of nature are not random or chaotic but are meticulously stored and dispensed by God according to His will. It implies a divine reserve, a vast repository of natural forces under His complete and sovereign control, from which He releases them with deliberate purpose and precision. This concept reinforces His ownership and mastery over all creation, highlighting His intentionality and wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When he uttereth his voice":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the supreme, active agent, whose powerful and authoritative word is the catalyst for all subsequent cosmic events. It suggests an instantaneous and irresistible command, highlighting the direct, personal, and effortless nature of His control over creation. It implies divine speech as creative power.
* **"[there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens":** Upon God's command, an immense quantity of water appears in the sky. This refers to the vast reservoirs of rain clouds, emphasizing the sheer scale and abundance of resources under God's dominion, ready to be unleashed at His will. It speaks to the immeasurable scope of His power and provision.
* **"and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth":** This describes a crucial part of the hydrological cycle, where God actively causes moisture to rise from the entire earth, forming clouds. It showcases His intricate and continuous involvement in the natural processes that sustain life, demonstrating His meticulous design and ongoing management of the planet's climate and ecosystems.
* **"he maketh lightnings with rain":** God is depicted as the direct producer and orchestrator of both lightning and rain, often occurring together in powerful storms. This highlights His control over dramatic and awe-inspiring natural phenomena, which were often attributed to pagan storm gods in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Here, it is Yahweh alone who orchestrates these powerful and life-giving, yet potentially destructive, displays.
* **"and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures":** This final clause reinforces God's complete sovereignty over the wind, portraying it not as an arbitrary or chaotic force but as something stored in His divine "treasuries." This imagery suggests that God has vast, inexhaustible reserves of wind, which He releases with intentionality and purpose, further emphasizing His absolute control and ownership over every element of the natural world, from the gentle breeze to the destructive tempest.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message and underscore God's unparalleled power. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human-like actions, specifically "uttereth his voice" and "bringeth forth." This device makes God's power more relatable and immediate, emphasizing His active, personal engagement with creation rather than portraying Him as a distant, abstract force. **Vivid Imagery** is employed throughout the verse, painting a clear and awe-inspiring picture of cosmic power: "multitude of waters in the heavens," "vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth," "lightnings with rain," and "wind out of his treasures." This sensory language creates a powerful mental landscape that evokes wonder and reverence at God's dominion over the natural world. The phrase "multitude of waters" also borders on **Hyperbole**, suggesting an immeasurable quantity that underscores the boundless nature of God's resources and His capacity for provision. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a profound **Contrast** with the preceding descriptions of lifeless, man-made idols, highlighting the dynamic, living, and active nature of the true God against the inertness and impotence of fabricated deities. Finally, the concept of "treasures" for the wind can be seen as a powerful **Metaphor**, representing God's vast, controlled, and inexhaustible reserves of natural forces, implying not literal physical storage but His complete ownership, wisdom, and intentional deployment of these elements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 10:13 profoundly articulates the foundational biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over creation, a truth that stands in direct opposition to any form of idolatry, ancient or modern. It reveals a God who is not merely transcendent, dwelling far above His creation, but immanently involved in the intricate workings of the natural world, actively orchestrating its most powerful and life-sustaining elements. This divine control over weather patterns, from the ascent of vapours to the descent of rain and the movement of wind, underscores His unique status as the Sustainer of life and the ultimate source of all provision. The passage invites humanity to recognize and revere the one true God, whose power is demonstrated in the very fabric of the cosmos, rather than placing trust in fabricated deities, the fleeting forces of human ingenuity, or the perceived autonomy of natural processes. It calls for a return to exclusive worship of the Creator.

* [Psalm 135:7](/psalms/135-7 "Psalm 135:7 - God's Control Over Nature")
* [Psalm 29:3-9](/psalms/29-3-9 "Psalm 29:3-9 - The Voice of the Lord's Power")
* [Isaiah 40:26](/isaiah/40-26 "Isaiah 40:26 - God's Power in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 10:13 offers a timeless and vital challenge to humanity, urging us to re-evaluate where we place our ultimate trust and allegiance. In a world often consumed by human achievements, technological advancements, or the relentless pursuit of material wealth, this verse redirects our gaze to the true source of all power and authority: the living God who commands the very elements of the universe. It calls us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and reverence for the Creator, recognizing that His hand is actively involved in sustaining the cosmos, from the grandest storm to the gentlest breeze. This understanding fosters deep trust, assuring us that even amidst the chaos of natural disasters, the uncertainties of life, or the seemingly random events of existence, nothing is outside of God's sovereign control. Moreover, it serves as a powerful antidote to modern forms of idolatry, prompting us to examine what truly occupies the throne of our hearts—whether it be career, reputation, comfort, self-reliance, or even scientific progress—and to re-align our worship solely with the One who holds all things in His mighty hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's absolute control over nature (as described in Jeremiah 10:13) impact your sense of security and trust in Him during times of uncertainty or natural disaster?**
* **In what ways might modern society, or even your own life, be prone to "idolatry" by placing ultimate trust or hope in things other than the living God?**
* **How can reflecting on the intricate processes of the hydrological cycle and weather patterns deepen your appreciation for God's wisdom and meticulous design in creation?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of awe, reverence, and worship for God as the Creator and Sustainer of all things?**

### FAQ
**How does Jeremiah 10:13 challenge the religious beliefs prevalent in ancient Judah's time?**

Answer: This verse directly challenges the polytheistic and syncretistic religious beliefs common in ancient Judah, particularly the worship of Baal and other Canaanite storm deities. These pagan gods were believed to control rain, thunder, and wind, which were crucial for agricultural societies. By unequivocally declaring that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the one who "uttereth his voice" to bring a "multitude of waters," causes "vapours to ascend," "maketh lightnings with rain," and "bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures," Jeremiah asserts Yahweh's exclusive and supreme dominion over these vital forces. This directly undermines the claims of false gods and exposes their impotence, compelling Judah to recognize the unique power of their covenant God, as vividly demonstrated in the contest on Mount Carmel in [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 10:13, with its majestic portrayal of God's sovereign power over creation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals Jesus not merely as a prophet or a good teacher, but as the very embodiment of the Creator God, through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). The "voice" of God that commands the elements in Jeremiah is echoed in the authoritative voice of Jesus, who demonstrated absolute dominion over nature during His earthly ministry. He famously calmed a raging storm with a mere word, rebuking the wind and waves, causing them to obey Him instantly ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). This act was a clear manifestation of the Creator's power dwelling in Him, prompting His astonished disciples to wonder, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" ([Mark 4:41](/mark/4-41 "Mark 4:41 - Disciples' Awe at Jesus' Power")). Furthermore, Jesus' ability to multiply bread and fish to feed thousands ([Matthew 14:19-21](/matthew/14-19-21 "Matthew 14:19-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")) and His miraculous walk on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")) further underscore His divine authority over the natural order, revealing Him as the one who holds creation in His "treasures" and sustains it by His power. Thus, the cosmic power attributed to Yahweh in Jeremiah is perfectly revealed and exercised by Jesus, confirming His identity as the living God, worthy of all worship and trust, for "in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 135:7

He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

Job 38:22

Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,

Psalms 18:13

The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail [stones] and coals of fire.

Job 38:34

Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?

Job 38:35

Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we [are]?

Psalms 147:8

Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Exodus 9:23

And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.