Jeremiah 10:2

10:2 The Lord says,

“Do not start following pagan religious practices. ¹ 

Do not be in awe of signs that occur ²  in the sky

even though the nations hold them in awe.

Jeremiah 10:7

10:7 Everyone should revere you, O King of all nations, ³ 

because you deserve to be revered. ⁴ 

For there is no one like you

among any of the wise people of the nations nor among any of their kings. ⁵ 

[10:2]  ¹ tn Heb “Do not learn the way of the nations.” For this use of the word “ways” (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh) compare for example Jer 12:16 and Isa 2:6.

[10:2]  ² tn Heb “signs.” The words “that occur” are supplied in the translation for clarity.

[10:7]  ³ tn Heb “Who should not revere you…?” The question is rhetorical and expects a negative answer.

[10:7]  ⁴ tn Heb “For it is fitting to you.”

[10:7]  ⁵ tn Heb “their royalty/dominion.” This is a case of substitution of the abstract for the concrete “royalty, royal power” for “kings” who exercise it.