Jeremiah 10:5

“They are upright as the palm tree, etc.] 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, (<220707>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 <19B505>Psalm 115:5 <111826>1 Kings 18:26), they must…”

“upright--or, "They are of turned work, resembling a palm tree" [MAURER]. The point of comparison between the idol and the palm is in the pillar-like uprightness of the latter, it having no branches except at the top. speak not-- (Psa 115:5). cannot go--that is, walk (Psa 115:7; Isa 46:1, Isa 46:7). neither . . . do good-- (Isa 41:23).”

“They are upright ... - Rather, “They are like a palm tree of turned work, i. e.” like one of those stiff inelegant pillars, something like a palm tree, which may be seen in oriental architecture. Some translate thus: “They are like pillar’s in a garden of cucumbers, i. e.” like the blocks set up to frighten away the birds; but none of the ancient versions support this rendering. return to 'Top of Page'”

“10:5 Just as scarecrows in a garden can do nothing more than scare ignorant birds, idols are feared only by ignorant people.”

“speak: Psa 115:5-8, Psa 135:16-18; Hab 2:19; Co1 12:2; Rev 13:14, Rev 13:15 be borne: Isa 46:1, Isa 46:7 do evil: Isa 41:23, Isa 41:24, Isa 44:9, Isa 44:10, Isa 45:20; Co1 8:4 Jeremiah 10:6”