Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 10:5
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
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 needs be borne: or, “in carrying be carried”f209; 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, (<19B507>Psalm 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 <241421>Jeremiah 14:21).
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