Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.
Silver hammered into thin sheets is imported from Tarshish, and gold comes from Uphaz. These are crafted by skilled workers and metalworkers. They're dressed in blue and purple cloth - all made by expert craftsmen.
The writer is describing how idols are made from expensive imported materials by skilled human craftsmen, emphasizing that these 'gods' are just human creations.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah was prophesying during the final years of the kingdom of Judah (around 627-586 BC) when idol worship was rampant. Tarshish was likely in Spain and was famous for its silver trade, while Uphaz was probably a region known for fine gold. The prophet was contrasting the true God with the elaborate but lifeless idols that surrounding nations worshiped.
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