10. Why make an idol or an imagethat can't do a thing?
11. Everyone who makes idolsand all who worship themare mere humans,who will end upsadly disappointed.Let them face me in courtand be terrified.
12. A metalworker shapes an idolby using a hammerand heat from the fire.In his powerful handhe holds a hammer,as he pounds the metalinto the proper shape.But he gets hungry and thirstyand loses his strength.
13. Some woodcarver measuresa piece of wood,then draws an outline.The idol is carefully carvedwith each detail exact.At last it looks like a personand is placed in a temple.
14. Cedar, cypress, oak,or any tree from the forestmay be chosen.Or even a pine tree plantedby the woodcarverand watered by the rain.
15. Some of the wood is usedto make a fire for heatingor for cooking.One piece is made into an idol,then the woodcarver bows downand worships it.
16. He enjoys the warm fireand the meat that was roastedover the burning coals.
17. Afterwards, he bows downto worship the wooden idol.“Protect me!” he says.“You are my god.”
18. Those who worship idols are stupid and blind!
19. They don't have enough sense to say to themselves, “I made a fire with half of the wood and cooked my bread and meat on it. Then I made something worthless with the other half. Why worship a block of wood?”
20. How can anyone be stupid enough to trust something that can be burnt to ashes? No one can save themselves like that. Don't they realize that the idols they hold in their hands are not really gods?
21. People of Israel,you are my servant,so remember all of this.Israel, I created you,and you are my servant.I won't forget you.
22. Turn back to me!I have rescued youand swept away your sinsas though they were clouds.