2 Thus says the Lord , " Do not learn the way of the nations , And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them; 3 For the customs of the peoples are delusion ; Because it is wood cut from the forest , The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool . 4 "They decorate it with silver and with gold ; They fasten it with nails and with hammers So that it will not totter . 5 "Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, And they cannot speak ; They must be carried , Because they cannot walk ! Do not fear them, For they can do no harm , Nor e can they do any good ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:2-5
Commentary on Jeremiah 10:1-16
(Read Jeremiah 10:1-16)
The prophet shows the glory of Israel's God, and exposes the folly of idolaters. Charms and other attempts to obtain supernatural help, or to pry into futurity, are copied from the wicked customs of the heathen. Let us stand in awe, and not dare provoke God, by giving that glory to another which is due to him alone. He is ready to forgive, and save all who repent and believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ. Faith learns these blessed truths from the word of God; but all knowledge not from that source, leads to doctrines of vanity.