Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 10:23-25

"O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O Jehovah, correct me, but in measure: not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. Pour out thy wrath upon the nations that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have devoured Jacob, yea, they have devoured him and consumed him, and have laid waste his habitation." — Jeremiah 10:23-25 (ASV)

Here, he seeks mercy.

1. He shows the necessity of seeking it: a man’s way is not his own, with regard to choice; to walk, with regard to execution; and direct, with regard to ordering his steps to an end. Therefore, it is not in our power either to resist or to attack the Chaldean; rather, everything depends on Your will. With the Lord are a man’s steps directed, and he shall delight in his way (Psalms 36:23). The heart of man sets his way in order, but it is the Lord’s to direct his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

2. He gives the petition by which he seeks mercy for the people: correct me with judgment—that is, with Your customary mercy and not with the condemnation of which the Psalm speaks: do not enter into judgment with your servant, O Lord, for no one living will be justified in your sight (Psalms 142:2). He continues, and not in your wrath, meaning not according to the measure of just retribution, lest you bring me to nothing.

   This is because it would be just for one who sins against God to be forsaken by Him, and thus to be reduced to nothingness. In saying this, he does not contradict the commandment given earlier: you, therefore, do not pray for the good of this people (Jeremiah 14:11),Tu ergo, “you, therefore,” does not appear at Jeremiah 14:11, though it does appear at 7:16 and 11:14. for he is not praying that they should avoid punishment, but that they should not be utterly annihilated. Lord, do not rebuke me in your fury, nor chasten me in your wrath (Psalms 37:1).

But he seeks wrath for the enemy: pour forth your indignation. He gives the reason: for they have eaten up. Pour forth your wrath upon the nations which have not known you, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon your name; because they have eaten up Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place (Psalms 78:6–7).

Collations

Note that man is a fool (Jeremiah 10:14) from the perspective of God’s knowledge for several reasons:

• Because of the pride of his heart: those who say they are wise have become foolish (Romans 1:22).
• Because of his curiosity to inquire after things: much reading has driven you mad (Acts 26:24).
• Because of the uncertainty of knowledge: your knowledge and your wisdom have deceived you (Isaiah 47:10).
• Because of the perversity of his works: for you have blinded them with their wickedness .

Also, note that one should bear divine chastisement patiently (Jeremiah 10:19) for several reasons:

• Because of the good will of the one who chastises: my son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord, nor rebel when you are chastened by him (Proverbs 3:11).
• Because of God’s knowledge of our wrongdoing: I shall bear the anger of the Lord, for I have sinned against him (Micah 7:9).
• Because of the expectation of reward: blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been tried he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).
• Because of the futility of grumbling: why has a living man murmured, a man suffering for his sins? (Lamentations 3:39).