2. This is what the Lord says:Don’t learn the practices of the nations.Don’t be frightened by the signs in the skybecause the nations are frightened by them.
3. The religion of the people is worthless.Woodcutters cut down trees from the forest.The hands of craftsmen prepare them with axes.
4. Craftsmen decorate them with silver and goldand fasten them ⌊together⌋ with hammers and nailsso that they won’t fall over.
5. These trees are like scarecrows in cucumber gardens.They aren’t able to speak.They have to be carried, because they can’t walk.Don’t be afraid of them.They can’t harm you.They can’t do you any good either.
6. No one is like you, O Lord.You are great.Your name is powerful.
7. Everyone fears you, O King of the Nations.This is what you deserve.No one is like you among all the wise people in the nationsor in all their kingdoms.
8. They are complete idiots.They learn nonsense from wooden idols.
9. Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz.Craftsmen and goldsmiths shape these metals.The clothing for the idols is blue and purple,all made by skilled workers.
10. But the Lord is the only God.He is the living God and eternal king.The earth trembles when he is angry.The nations can’t endure his fury.
11. Tell them this: These gods will disappear from the earthand from under heaven because they didn’t make heaven and earth.