Jeremiah 10:5

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.

They are upright {H4749} as the palm tree {H8560}, but speak {H1696} not: they must needs {H5375} be borne {H5375}, because they cannot go {H6805}. Be not afraid {H3372} of them; for they cannot do evil {H7489}, neither also is it in them to do good {H3190}.

Like a scarecrow in a cucumber patch, it cannot speak. It has to be carried, because it cannot walk. Do not be afraid of it it can do nothing bad; likewise it is unable to do anything good!"

Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”

They are like a palm-tree, of turned work, and speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 10:5 is part of a powerful prophetic declaration by Jeremiah, warning the people of Judah against the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations. This chapter (Jeremiah 10:1-16) serves as a stark contrast between the true, living God of Israel and the lifeless, man-made idols worshipped by pagans. The prophet emphasizes the futility and foolishness of trusting in objects crafted by human hands, especially in light of the impending Babylonian exile and the need for Judah to rely solely on the Lord.

Key Themes

  • The Impotence of Idols: The verse vividly describes idols as mere wooden figures, "upright as the palm tree" in their fixed, carved appearance, yet utterly devoid of life, speech, or movement. They are passive objects that "must needs be borne, because they cannot go." This highlights their complete lack of divine power or agency, making them useless objects of worship.
  • Futility of Idolatry: By emphasizing that idols "cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good," Jeremiah underscores the absolute worthlessness of worshipping them. They are incapable of influencing human affairs, offering protection, or delivering salvation. This serves as a strong rebuke to those who might be tempted to seek help from such false gods, emphasizing the emptiness of such pursuits.
  • Call to Fearlessness and Trust in God: The command "Be not afraid of them" directly challenges any reverence or fear people might have for these powerless objects. Instead, it implicitly redirects fear and awe towards the true God, who alone possesses ultimate power and authority. This echoes the broader biblical theme of the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "upright as the palm tree" (Hebrew: Χͺֹּמ֢ר, tomer, meaning "palm-tree" or "palm-pillar") likely refers to the straight, rigid, and often adorned appearance of carved idols, which were frequently tall and column-like. The repeated negation – "speak not," "cannot go," "cannot do evil," "cannot do good" – powerfully emphasizes their utter lack of life, agency, and divine attributes. This serves as a rhetorical device to highlight their profound contrast with the active, omnipotent God of Israel, as described later in Jeremiah 10:10, who is the true and living God.

Practical Application

While modern society may not typically worship physical statues, the principles of Jeremiah 10:5 remain profoundly relevant. This verse prompts us to examine what we place our trust in and what we allow to exert influence over our lives. Any pursuit, possession, relationship, or ideology that takes the place of God in our hearts can become a modern idol. We are reminded that only the true God has the power to act, to save, and to guide. This passage encourages us to place our complete trust in the Lord alone, knowing that anything else we rely on is ultimately powerless to truly help or harm us in a spiritual sense.

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Cross-References

  • 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:2

    Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

  • Psalms 115:5

    They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:

  • Psalms 115:8

    They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

  • Isaiah 41:23

    Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye [are] gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold [it] together.

  • Isaiah 41:24

    Behold, ye [are] of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination [is he that] chooseth you.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:4

    ΒΆ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.