They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
They deck {H3302} it with silver {H3701} and with gold {H2091}; they fasten {H2388} it with nails {H4548} and with hammers {H4717}, that it move {H6328} not.
they deck it with silver and gold. They fix it with hammer and nails, so that it won't move.
They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter.
They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
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Isaiah 46:7
They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, [one] shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. -
Isaiah 40:19
The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. -
Isaiah 40:20
He that [is] so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree [that] will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, [that] shall not be moved. -
Psalms 115:4
Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands. -
Isaiah 44:12
The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. -
Isaiah 41:6
They helped every one his neighbour; and [every one] said to his brother, Be of good courage. -
Isaiah 41:7
So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, [and] he that smootheth [with] the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It [is] ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, [that] it should not be moved.
Jeremiah 10:4 is a powerful verse that vividly describes the futility and absurdity of idol worship, contrasting it sharply with the majesty of the true God. This verse is part of a larger passage (Jeremiah 10:1-16) where the prophet Jeremiah delivers a strong warning to the people of Judah against adopting the idolatrous practices of the nations around them.
Context
In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, surrounding nations, particularly those from Mesopotamia, practiced extensive idolatry. They believed their gods resided in crafted images, which were often elaborately decorated and ritually "fed" or "clothed." Jeremiah’s message here is a direct challenge to these pagan customs, which were increasingly tempting to Judah as they faced political instability and the looming threat of the Babylonian empire. The prophet highlights the inherent weakness of these man-made deities compared to the living, sovereign God of Israel.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "They deck it with silver and with gold" uses the Hebrew verb tsaphah (צָפָה), which means to overlay, adorn, or plate. This highlights the superficial beauty and material value applied to these lifeless objects, suggesting a deceptive outward appearance. The subsequent phrase, "they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not," employs the Hebrew verb chazaq (חָזַק), implying to strengthen, secure, or make firm. This detail underscores the utter immobility and helplessness of the idol; it cannot stand or move on its own and requires human intervention to even remain upright. This starkly portrays their inert nature.
Related Scriptures
The theme of idolatry and the futility of man-made gods is prevalent throughout the Old Testament. Similar descriptions of lifeless idols can be found in Psalm 115:4-7, which states idols "have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not." Isaiah 44:9-20 offers an even more detailed and scathing critique of the idol-making process, emphasizing the irrationality of worshiping something made by one's own hands from a piece of wood. These passages reinforce the foundational commandment given in Exodus 20:3: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
Practical Application
While modern society may not typically worship carved wooden or metal idols, the principle of Jeremiah 10:4 remains profoundly relevant. An "idol" can be anything that takes the place of God in our lives – whether it's money, career, possessions, relationships, fame, or even self. We "deck" these things with our time, energy, and devotion, and we "fasten" them securely in our hearts, hoping they will provide security, happiness, or meaning. Jeremiah's message calls us to examine what we truly worship and where we place our ultimate trust. Only the living God, who is truly powerful and active, can provide genuine hope, peace, and salvation, unlike the futile pursuits that ultimately disappoint and "move not" to help us.