John Gill Commentary Jeremiah 10:5

"They are like a palm-tree, of turned work, and speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good." — Jeremiah 10:5 (ASV)

They are upright as the palm tree Being nailed to a post, or fastened to a pillar, or set upon a pedestal, and so stand erect without bending any way; and are like a palm tree, which is noted for its uprightness; hence the church's stature is compared to it, (Song of Solomon 7:7) , here it is a sarcasm, and a bitter one:

but speak not man, that is of an erect stature, in which he differs from other creatures, has the faculty of speech, which they that go upon four feet have not; but the idols of the Gentiles, though erect, have not the power of speaking a word; and therefore can give no answer to their worshippers; see (Psalms 115:5) (1 Kings 18:26) ,

they must needs be borne or, "in carrying be carried" ^F17 ; when being made they are fixed in the designed place, or are moved from place to place; they are then carried in men's arms, or on their shoulders:

because they cannot go they have no life, and so are incapable of motion of themselves; they have feet, but walk not; and cannot arise and bestir themselves for the help of those that pray unto them, (Psalms 115:7) ,

be not afraid of them, for they cannot do evil that is, inflict judgment, cause drought, famine, or pestilence, or any other evil or calamity:

neither is it also in them to do good to give rains and fruitful seasons, or bestow any favour, temporal or spiritual; see (Jeremiah 14:21) .

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FOOTNOTES:

• F17: (awvny awvn) "portando portantur", Schmidt; "portabitur" Pagninus; "portabuntur", Montanus; "omnino portanda sunt", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.