2. The Lord proclaims:Don’t follow the ways of the nationsor be troubled by signs in the sky,even though the nations are troubled by them.
3. The rituals of the nations are hollow:a tree from the forest is chopped downand shaped by the craftsman’s tools.
4. It’s overlaid with silver and gold,and fastened securely with hammer and nailsso it won’t fall over.
5. They are no different than a scarecrowin a cucumber patch:they can’t speak;they must be carriedbecause they can’t walk.Don’t be afraid of them,because they can’t do harm or good.
6. Lord, no one is like you!You are great,and great is your mighty name.
7. Who wouldn’t fear you,king of the nations?That is your due;among all the wise of the nationsand in all their countries,there is no one like you!
8. But they are both foolish and silly;they offer nothingbecause they are mere wood.