3. You will remain there in exile for many years, as long as seven generations; then God will lead you peacefully home from Babylon.
4. There in Babylon you will see gods made of wood, silver, and gold — gods which people carry on their shoulders and which fill the heathen with fear.
5. You must be careful never to imitate those Gentiles. Don't let their gods fill you with fear when you see them being carried in procession and being worshipped.
6. Instead, say to yourselves, “It is you alone, Lord, that we must worship.”
7. God's angel will be there with you; he will take care of you.
8. Their idols are plated with silver and gold and have tongues that were carved by woodworkers. But they are not real gods, and they cannot speak.