Please explain Jeremiah 10:1-5. Can this Scripture be interpreted as being against the custom of our Christmas tree?


Let's review Jeremiah 10:1-5 and 8-10 (KJV):

Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good....

But they are altogether dull-hearted and foolish; a wooden idol is a worthless doctrine. Silver is beaten into plates; it is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the metalsmith; blue and purple are their clothing; they are all the work of skillful men.

But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to abide His indignation.
(Jer. 10:1-5, 8-10 KJV)

This is not referring to a tree being cut down and erected. It is referring to a tree being crafted into an object for idol worship.

This Scripture is not against our custom of decorating a Christmas tree, but it is coming against the worship of idols, rather than the one, true God.

Bible Answers Foundation
All rights reserved. Used by permission.