Jeremiah 16:20

Context

Jeremiah 16:20 is part of a larger section (Jeremiah 16-17) where the prophet Jeremiah delivers stern warnings to the people of Judah concerning their persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. This chapter vividly describes the impending judgment, including famine, sword, and pestilence, and the eventual exile to Babylon, as a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness. The verse immediately precedes a significant prophecy where God declares that "the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth" (Jeremiah 16:19), recognizing the futility of their fathers' inherited lies (idols).

Key Themes

• The Futility of Idolatry: The verse poses a rhetorical question, highlighting the absolute absurdity and powerlessness of man-made gods. It underscores that anything created by human hands cannot possess divine power or authority.
• The Uniqueness of God: By contrasting human-made "gods" with the implied reality of the one true God, the verse reinforces the biblical declaration that there is no God besides the Lord. False deities are inherently "no gods."
• Human Folly and Blindness: It speaks to the profound spiritual blindness of humanity to create objects of worship from inanimate materials and then ascribe divine qualities to them. This act is presented as illogical and self-defeating.
• Divine Sovereignty: Implicit in the verse is God's ultimate sovereignty and power, which stands in stark contrast to the impotence of idols. Only the true God can deliver, bless, or judge.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "Shall a man make gods unto himself" (Ha-ya'aseh 'adam 'elohim lo) emphasizes the human agency in creating these false deities. The word for "gods" ('elohim) is the same word used for the one true God, but here it is applied to idols to highlight the stark contrast: these are merely creations of man, and thus "they [are] no gods." The rhetorical question serves to expose the logical fallacy and spiritual emptiness of such practices, as echoed in other prophetic books like Isaiah 44:17-20, which vividly describes the process of idol-making and its inherent foolishness.

Practical Application

While ancient Israel struggled with physical idols of wood and stone, the principle of Jeremiah 16:20 remains profoundly relevant today. Modern idolatry often takes more subtle forms, such as placing ultimate trust, devotion, or hope in things other than God. This could include:

• Wealth and Possessions: Believing that financial security or material abundance will bring ultimate satisfaction or salvation.
• Power and Status: Seeking control or recognition as the ultimate purpose of life.
• Self-Worship: Elevating one's own desires, opinions, or achievements above God's will.
• Relationships: Expecting another person to fulfill needs that only God can meet.
• Technology or Comfort: Allowing digital distractions or the pursuit of ease to consume our time and focus, displacing spiritual priorities.

The verse challenges us to examine our hearts and ask: What do we truly worship? What do we look to for security, identity, or purpose? Anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives, no matter how good in itself, becomes a "god" we have made for ourselves, and ultimately, it is "no god" at all, offering no lasting peace or salvation. This calls believers to turn from idols to serve the living and true God.

Reflection

Jeremiah 16:20 serves as a timeless reminder of the profound difference between the Creator and the created. It urges us to recognize the futility of seeking life, meaning, or salvation in anything apart from the one true God, who alone is worthy of all worship and devotion. His power is absolute, His love is eternal, and His promises are true, unlike any "god" fashioned by human hands or desires.