2. He says,“Do not follow the ways of other nations;do not be disturbed by unusual sights in the sky,even though other nations are terrified.
3. The religion of these people is worthless.A tree is cut down in the forest;it is carved by the tools of the woodcarver,
4. and decorated with silver and gold.It is fastened down with nailsto keep it from falling over.
5. Such idols are like scarecrows in a field of melons;they cannot speak;they have to be carriedbecause they cannot walk.Do not be afraid of them:they can cause you no harm,and they can do you no good.”
6. Lord, there is no one like you;you are mighty,and your name is great and powerful.
7. Who would not honour you, the king of all nations?You deserve to be honoured.There is no one like youamong all the wise men of the nationsor among any of their kings.
8. All of them are stupid and foolish.What can they learn from wooden idols?
9. Their idols are covered with silver from Spainand with gold from Uphaz,all the work of artists;they are dressed in violet and purple clothwoven by skilled weavers.
10. But you, Lord, are the true God,you are the living Godand the eternal king.When you are angry, the world trembles;the nations cannot endure your anger.
11. (You people must tell them that the gods who did not make the earth and the sky will be destroyed. They will no longer exist anywhere on earth.)
12. The Lord made the earth by his power;by his wisdom he created the worldand stretched out the heavens.
13. At his command the waters above the sky roar;he brings clouds from the ends of the earth.He makes lightning flash in the rainand sends the wind from his storeroom.
14. At the sight of this, people feel stupid and senseless;those who make idols are disillusioned,because the gods they make are false and lifeless.
15. They are worthless and should be despised;they will be destroyed when the Lord comes to deal with them.
16. The God of Jacob is not like them;he is the one who made everything,and he has chosen Israel to be his very own people.The Lord Almighty is his name.
17. People of Jerusalem, you are under siege! Gather up your belongings.
18. The Lord is going to throw you out of this land; he is going to crush you until not one of you is left. The Lord has spoken.