16. Half of it he burns in the fire,on its embers he roasts meat;he eats the roast and is full.He warms himself and says, “Ah!I am warm! I see the flames!”
17. The rest of it he makes into a god,an image to worship and adore.He prays to it and says,“Help me! You are my god!”
18. They do not know, do not understand;their eyes are too clouded to see,their minds, to perceive.
19. He does not think clearly;he lacks the wit and knowledge to say,“Half the wood I burned in the fire,on its embers I baked bread,I roasted meat and ate.Shall I turn the rest into an abomination?Shall I worship a block of wood?”
20. He is chasing ashes!A deluded mind has led him astray;He cannot save himself,does not say, “This thing in my right hand—is it not a fraud?”
21. Remember these things, Jacob,Israel, for you are my servant!I formed you, a servant to me;Israel, you shall never be forgotten by me: