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.
Study Note
Study Note
The section closes with a contrast between the idols — 'vanity' and 'the work of errors' — and Israel's God, who is 'the portion of Jacob' and the 'former of all things.' The word 'portion' (heleq) is covenantal: the Lord is Israel's inheritance just as Israel is the Lord's inheritance ('rod of his inheritance'). The title 'former of all things' (yotser hakkol) places God as the source of all created reality, making idolatry not only spiritually foolish but cosmically absurd. Lamentations 3:24 echoes this with 'the Lord is my portion,' showing how this language sustained hope even amid the catastrophe the idolatry had brought.
Other Translations
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.
Not like these <FI>is<Fi> the Portion of Jacob, For framer of all things <FI>is<Fi> He, And Israel <FI>is<Fi> the rod of His inheritance, Jehovah of Hosts <FI>is<Fi> His name.
The heritage of Jacob is not like these; for the maker of all things is his heritage: the Lord of armies is his name.
Cross References
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.
As for our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.
I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew …
But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The Lord of hosts is his …
For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of …
He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out …
Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and …
Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: …
Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may …
The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things: and Israel is the …