1. Hear what the Lord says to you, people of Israel.
2. This is what the Lord says:‘Do not learn the ways of the nationsor be terrified by signs in the heavens,though the nations are terrified by them.
3. For the practices of the peoples are worthless;they cut a tree out of the forest,and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.
4. They adorn it with silver and gold;they fasten it with hammer and nailsso that it will not totter.
5. Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,their idols cannot speak;they must be carriedbecause they cannot walk.Do not fear them;they can do no harmnor can they do any good.’
6. No one is like you, Lord;you are great,and your name is mighty in power.
7. Who should not fear you,King of the nations?This is your due.Among all the wise leaders of the nationsand in all their kingdoms,there is no one like you.
8. They are all senseless and foolish;they are taught by worthless wooden idols.
9. Hammered silver is brought from Tarshishand gold from Uphaz.What the craftsman and goldsmith have madeis then dressed in blue and purple –all made by skilled workers.