Jeremiah 10:16

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

The portion {H2506} of Jacob {H3290} is not like them: for he is the former {H3335} of all things; and Israel {H3478} is the rod {H7626} of his inheritance {H5159}: The LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} is his name {H8034}.

Ya'akov's portion is not like these, for he is the one who formed all things. Isra'el is the tribe he claims as his heritage; ADONAI-Tzva'ot is his name.

The Portion of Jacob is not like these, for He is the Maker of all things, and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance— the LORD of Hosts is His name.

The portion of Jacob is not like these; for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance: Jehovah of hosts is his name.

Jeremiah 10:16 presents a powerful contrast between the true God of Israel and the lifeless idols described earlier in the chapter. It highlights God's unique nature, His special relationship with His people, and His supreme authority.

Context

This verse concludes a lengthy passage (Jeremiah 10:1-15) where the prophet Jeremiah vehemently condemns the idolatrous practices of the nations and warns Judah against adopting them. He describes pagan idols as mere human craftsmanship—helpless, voiceless, and powerless, in stark opposition to the living, active God. Verse 16 serves as a climactic declaration, asserting the incomparable nature of the God of Jacob, whom Israel serves, thereby reinforcing the futility of worshipping false gods. The "them" refers directly back to the idols and their worshippers detailed in verses like Jeremiah 10:5.

Key Themes

  • God's Uniqueness and Supremacy: The phrase "The portion of Jacob is not like them" immediately sets God apart. He is "the former of all things," emphasizing His role as the sole, sovereign Creator, distinct from any created object or human-made deity. This highlights His incomparable power and eternal existence.
  • God's Special Relationship with Israel: Israel is called "the rod of his inheritance." This metaphor signifies that Israel is God's treasured possession, His chosen people, whom He guides, cares for, and uses as His instrument. It speaks to a covenantal relationship where God has chosen Israel as His own, much like a landowner cherishes his inherited property. This idea is echoed in passages like Deuteronomy 7:6.
  • God's Absolute Authority: The declaration "The LORD of hosts is his name" is a powerful title. Yahweh Sabaoth (Hebrew for "LORD of hosts") signifies God's sovereignty over all heavenly and earthly armies, over all creation, and over all cosmic powers. It underscores His omnipotence and His ability to command and control everything, leaving no room for rival deities.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Former of all things": The Hebrew word for "former" is yotser (יוצר), which means "potter" or "shaper." This term vividly portrays God as the active, intentional Creator who skillfully molds and forms everything, much like a potter shapes clay. This contrasts sharply with the static, unformed nature of idols.
  • "Rod of his inheritance": The Hebrew word `shebet` (שבט) can mean "rod," "staff," "scepter," or "tribe." Coupled with `nachalah` (נחלה), "inheritance," it paints a picture of Israel as God's treasured possession, perhaps even the instrument through which He exercises His dominion or governs. It emphasizes their belonging to Him.
  • "The LORD of hosts": This majestic title, Yahweh Sabaoth (יהוה צבאות), is one of the most profound names for God in the Old Testament. It conveys His vast power, His dominion over all creation, and His leadership of celestial armies, reminding us of His infinite might and glory, as seen in Isaiah 6:3.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 10:16 calls believers today to a renewed understanding of God's incomparable nature. In a world filled with distractions and competing allegiances—whether to wealth, power, status, or even technology—this verse reminds us that only the true God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, is worthy of our worship and trust. It encourages us to reject anything that seeks to usurp His place in our lives and to find our true identity and security in being His "portion," His beloved inheritance. Recognizing Him as the "LORD of hosts" fosters awe, reverence, and confidence in His ultimate control over all circumstances.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 32:9

    For the LORD'S portion [is] his people; Jacob [is] the lot of his inheritance.

  • Jeremiah 32:18

    Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, [is] his name,

  • Jeremiah 31:35

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, [and] the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts [is] his name:

  • Psalms 74:2

    Remember thy congregation, [which] thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, [which] thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

  • Psalms 119:57

    ¶ CHETH. [Thou art] my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.

  • Jeremiah 10:12

    He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

  • Jeremiah 51:19

    The portion of Jacob [is] not like them; for he [is] the former of all things: and [Israel is] the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts [is] his name.

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