Jeremiah 10:5

5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not; they must 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."

Jeremiah 10:5 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 10:5

They are upright as the palm tree
Being nailed to a post, or fastened to a pillar, or set upon a pedestal, and so stand erect without bending any way; and are like a palm tree, which is noted for its uprightness; hence the church's stature is compared to it, ( Song of Solomon 7:7 ) , here it is a sarcasm, and a bitter one: but speak not;
man, that is of an erect stature, in which he differs from other creatures, has the faculty of speech, which they that go upon four feet have not; but the idols of the Gentiles, though erect, have not the power of speaking a word; and therefore can give no answer to their worshippers; see ( Psalms 115:5 ) ( 1 Kings 18:26 ) , they must needs be borne:
or, "in carrying be carried" ^F17; when being made they are fixed in the designed place, or are moved from place to place; they are then carried in men's arms, or on their shoulders: because they cannot go;
they have no life, and so are incapable of motion of themselves; they have feet, but walk not; and cannot arise and bestir themselves for the help of those that pray unto them, ( Psalms 115:7 ) , be not afraid of them, for they cannot do evil;
that is, inflict judgment, cause drought, famine, or pestilence, or any other evil or calamity: neither is it also in them to do good;
to give rains and fruitful seasons, or bestow any favour, temporal or spiritual; see ( Jeremiah 14:21 ) .

---

FOOTNOTES:

F17 (awvny awvn) "portando portantur", Schmidt; "portabitur" Pagninus; "portabuntur", Montanus; "omnino portanda sunt", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Jeremiah 10:5 In-Context

3 For the customs of the people are vain; for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.

4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not; they must 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."

6 Inasmuch as there is none like unto Thee, O LORD--Thou art great, and Thy name is great in might"

7 who would not fear Thee, O King of nations? For to Thee doth it appertain, inasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto Thee.