Commentaries:
<< Jeremiah 9:26 Jeremiah 10:2 >>
Jeremiah 10:1-5
Jeremiah 10:1-5 reveals a principle that we need to consider in terms of Halloween. The context is the heathen practice of idolatry. In this sense, it is ironic that Halloween comes primarily from the Celts, descendants of the Israelites.
God commands us not to learn the way of the Gentiles, the nations who do not have the revelation of God. The Israelites were different from all the nations chiefly because God had revealed Himself to them and given them His law (Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Amos 3:1-2). The Gentiles invented their own futile, meaningless ways of worship because they did not have the truth.
This is the first reason why we should not keep Halloween. It adds nothing good, that is, nothing of God or godliness, to our character. Being devoid of God's truth, it is simply worthless and a waste of time.
Richard T. Ritenbaugh
HalloweenRelated Topics: Celtic Origin of Halloween | False Religion | False Worship | Gentiles, Way of the | Halloween | Halloween, Celtic Origin of | Heathen, Way of the | Idol | Idolatrous Religious Influence | Idolatry | Pagan Holidays | Pagan Religious Practices | Worship, False | Worshipping in VainOther Forerunner Commentary entries containing Jeremiah 10:1:
<< Jeremiah 9:26 Jeremiah 10:2 >>
Join 135,000+ readers
A Verse and a Thought, Every Morning
The Berean delivers one scripture and a short, insightful commentary to your inbox each day — a starting point for reflection and study.
What Does Jeremiah 10:1 Mean?
In light of Jeremiah 10:1, where the Lord speaks directly to the house of Israel, a clear warning emerges against adopting the idolatrous practices of the Gentiles. Halloween, rooted in the traditions of the Celts, descendants of Israelites, exemplifies such heathen customs. The Gentiles, lacking God's revelation, created futile worship practices, unlike Israel, to whom God revealed His law. Following their ways, as with Halloween, adds nothing of God or godliness to character. Such practices, devoid of divine truth, are deemed worthless and a waste of time. Israel is called to heed this word and reject customs that do not align with the truth given by God.