Jeremiah 10:13

13 When He thunders,[a] the waters in the heavens are in turmoil,[b] and He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain and brings the wind from His storehouses.[c]

Jeremiah 10:13 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 10:13

When he uttereth his voice
Declares his will and pleasure, issues out his commands; or when he thunders, for thunder is his voice, ( Job 37:2-5 ) ( 40:9 ) : there is a multitude of waters in the heavens;
they are covered with clouds, and these clouds full of water; which is brought about by the following means: and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth;
from the north and south, as Kimchi observes from the philosophers; or from all parts of the earth, the most distant, and particularly from the sea, the border of the earth, from whence clouds arise, being exhaled by the sun; see ( 1 Kings 18:43 1 Kings 18:44 ) . He maketh lightnings with rain;
which very often go together, and the one makes way for the other, ( Job 28:26 ) , though they are so opposite one to another: and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures;
the caverns of the earth, or his fists, in which he holds it, ( Proverbs 30:4 ) and lets its loose at his pleasure; he has plenty of it in reserve; he is Lord over it; he sends it forth when he pleases, and it fulfils his will and his word.

Jeremiah 10:13 In-Context

11 You are to say this to them: The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth and from under these heavens.
12 He made the earth by His power, established the world by His wisdom, and spread out the heavens by His understanding.
13 When He thunders, the waters in the heavens are in turmoil, and He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain and brings the wind from His storehouses.
14 Everyone is stupid and ignorant. Every goldsmith is put to shame by [his] carved image, for his cast images are a lie; there is no breath in them.
15 They are worthless, a work to be mocked. At the time of their punishment they will be destroyed.

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Lit At His giving of the voice
  • [b]. Jr 5:22; 31:35
  • [c]. Jb 38:25-30,34-38; Ps 135:7
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