They
are like a palm tree, of turned work, and don’t speak: they must be carried, because they can’t go. Don’t be afraid of them; for they can’t do evil, neither is it in them to do good.
Jeremiah 10:5
Jeremiah 10 [1.] Hear the word which Yahweh speaks to you, house of Israel! Yahweh says, “Don’t learn the way of the nations, and don’t be dismayed at the signs of the sky; for the nations are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are vanity; for one cuts 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 not move.
Jeremiah 10 [5.] They are like a palm tree, of turned work, and don’t speak: they must be carried, because they can’t go. Don’t be afraid of them; for they can’t do evil, neither is it in them to do good.” There is no one like you, Yahweh; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who should not fear you, King of the nations? For it belongs to you; because among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their royal estate, there is no one like you.
Meaning:
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah continues his critique of idolatry, specifically addressing the absurdity and impotence of idols. He compares idols to "a palm tree, of turned work"—essentially an artificial creation that looks like a tree but is lifeless and powerless. Jeremiah emphasizes that idols are entirely dependent on their makers: they cannot walk, speak, or act on their own. They need to be carried from place to place and are unable to influence or control events. Because of their helplessness, Jeremiah reassures the people that they should not fear these idols—they pose no real threat, for they can neither harm nor help.
- The Futility of Idolatry
This verse, much like Psalm 115:4-8, addresses the core futility of idolatry: these man-made objects, often crafted with intricate care and made to resemble living things, are nothing more than lifeless statues. Despite their outward appearance, they lack the ability to act independently. They are completely impotent, unable to see, speak, hear, or move. Jeremiah paints a vivid picture of this absurdity when he says, "They must be carried, because they can’t go."
This is a profound reminder of the irrationality of idolatry. People in ancient cultures (and even in today’s world) often put their trust in idols for protection, prosperity, and guidance. Yet these idols, being lifeless objects, are wholly incapable of delivering on such expectations. They are the work of human hands, subject to the limitations of their materials and craftsmanship. No matter how ornate or valuable they appear, their inability to act or speak makes them entirely ineffective in addressing the needs or concerns of those who worship them.
- The Illusion of Power
Despite their lifelessness, idols often carry an illusion of power. In the cultures surrounding ancient Israel, people believed that idols could influence the forces of nature or the events of their lives. These idols were often seen as representatives of the gods, and people would offer sacrifices and prayers to gain favor or avoid disaster.
However, Jeremiah pulls back the curtain on this illusion. He reveals the truth: idols are nothing more than hollow objects, incapable of real influence. In the same way that a carved tree trunk cannot move without someone carrying it, idols cannot act on their own. They are powerless in every sense of the word.
Jeremiah also makes an important point when he says, "Don’t be afraid of them." This phrase addresses the fear that people often have toward idols, believing that these objects might bring misfortune or calamity if not properly appeased. In many ancient societies, idolatry was tied to superstition and fear—people would offer sacrifices to prevent sickness, famine, or war. But Jeremiah reassures the people that idols have no real power to cause harm. The fear surrounding these idols is based on false beliefs, not reality.
This is echoed in Isaiah 41:23, where God challenges the idols of the nations: "Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and see it together." The idols are challenged to prove their power, but of course, they cannot. Their inability to do anything reveals their true nature—empty and powerless.
- Trusting in the Living God
Jeremiah’s critique of idols contrasts sharply with the nature of the living God. While idols must be carried because they cannot move, the God of Israel is omnipresent and powerful, not confined to a specific place or object. Where idols are mute and inactive, God speaks to His people, acts in history, and intervenes in their lives.
Jeremiah’s words invite us to reflect on where we place our trust. In his day, many Israelites were tempted to worship the idols of surrounding nations, either out of fear or because they believed these idols could offer them something they lacked. But Jeremiah calls the people back to the worship of the true God, who alone is able to provide, protect, and guide.
In our modern context, while we may not bow down to physical idols made of wood or stone, we still face the temptation to place our trust in things that cannot ultimately help or save us. Material wealth, power, relationships, or even our own abilities can become idols when we give them the place in our hearts that belongs to God alone. Like the idols Jeremiah describes, these things may seem impressive or valuable on the surface, but they are ultimately powerless to meet our deepest needs.
Psalm 20:7 reminds us, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of Yahweh our God." This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God rather than in earthly things. Chariots and horses, like idols, represent human efforts and resources that people often rely on for security. But true security and hope come from God alone.
- The Consequences of Idolatry
Jeremiah’s words also remind us of the danger of becoming like the things we worship. If we place our trust in lifeless idols, we risk becoming spiritually lifeless ourselves. Just as idols are powerless, those who put their trust in them become disconnected from the power of the living God. The lifelessness of idols seeps into the lives of those who worship them, leading to spiritual stagnation and emptiness.
Jeremiah 2:5 says, "Thus says Yahweh: ‘What unrighteousness have your fathers found in me, that they have gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and have become vain?’" This verse highlights how chasing after worthless things (like idols) leads to a life that reflects that worthlessness. In contrast, worshipping the living God brings life, purpose, and transformation.
Application for Us Today
Evaluate Where We Place Our Trust: Jeremiah’s message challenges us to reflect on where we place our trust. Are we depending on things that are ultimately powerless—like material possessions, status, or our own strength? Or are we trusting in the living God who alone has the power to act in our lives?
Recognize the Futility of Idols: While physical idols may not be as common in our culture, the temptation to worship false gods remains. Anything that takes priority over God in our lives can become an idol. It’s essential to recognize the futility of placing our hope in things that cannot truly satisfy or save.
Trust in God's Power: Unlike idols, God is not limited or dependent on human hands. He is active, present, and capable of doing good in our lives. When we place our trust in Him, we are connecting with the source of all life, power, and wisdom.
Conclusion: Jeremiah 10:5 offers a powerful critique of idolatry, revealing the absurdity and impotence of trusting in lifeless objects. The idols that people worshipped in Jeremiah’s day had no power to act or influence the world, and the same is true of the "idols" we may be tempted to trust today. This passage calls us to turn away from the false security of idols and to place our trust in the living God, who alone can see, hear, speak, and act on behalf of His people. In doing so, we align ourselves with the One who has the power to bring life and transformation into our lives.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible