Jeremiah 10:5

5 They are upright, like a palm tree, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, For they cannot do evil, Nor can they do any 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 ) .

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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 peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.

4 They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple.

5 They are upright, like a palm tree, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, For they cannot do evil, Nor can they do any good."

6 Inasmuch as there is none like You, O Lord (You are great, and Your name is great in might),

7 Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For this is Your rightful due. For among all the wise men of the nations, And in all their kingdoms, There is none like You.