This chapter discusses Jeremiah 10, which condemns idolatry and contrasts it with God as "the portion of Jacob" and "the former of all things." It notes a Chaldee verse for the heathen and concludes with Jeremiah's prayer acknowledging man's inability to direct his own steps and asking for correction with judgment, not anger.
Ironside's Notes
Of the 10th chapter I need say little. It is much like the 44th of Isaiah. It gives us the Lord's condemnation of idolatry, and contrasts with the stocks and stones, to which His people had turned, Him who is "the portion of Jacob, " "the former of all things," (Jeremiah 10:16) who would fain have comforted the afflicted nation, but must "sling out the inhabitants of the land" (Jeremiah 10:18) as from a mighty catapult, causing them to cry, "Woe is me for my hurt!" (Jeremiah 10:19)
The 11th verse (Jeremiah 10:11) is in Chaldee, that the heathen might in their own tongue read the condemnation of their idolatry.
Solemn are the words with which this portion is brought to a close:
O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O Lord, correct me, but with judgment, not in Thine anger, lest Thou bring me to nothing. (Jeremiah 10:23-24)