They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
They decorate it with silver and gold, then nail it down with hammers so it won't fall over.
The writer is describing how people make idols by decorating wood with precious metals and securing them so they can't move - highlighting how lifeless and powerless these man-made gods really are.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah was prophesying during the final decades before Babylon conquered Jerusalem (around 626-586 BC). The people of Judah were increasingly turning to worship idols like the surrounding nations, despite God's repeated warnings. This verse describes the common practice of crafting wooden idols, covering them with valuable metals to make them appear impressive, then securing them because they would otherwise topple over.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.