They carry it around on their shoulders, and when they set it down, it stays there. It can’t even move! And when someone prays to it, there is no answer. It can’t rescue anyone from trouble.

Commentaries

5

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

AlbertBarnes

18th Century
Presbyterian
18th Century

They bear him upon the shoulder - They carry the idol which they have made on their shoulder to the temple, or place where it is to…

John Calvin

John Calvin

JohnCalvin

16th Century
Protestant
16th Century

They shall carry them on the shoulder. The picture is still more heightened by the description contained in this verse; for, since the ido…

John Gill

John Gill

JohnGill

17th Century
Reformed Baptist
17th Century

They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him
That is, the idol; men carry him upon their shoulders in procession,…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

MatthewHenry

17th Century
Presbyterian
17th Century

Here the folly of those who made idols, and then prayed to them, is exposed. How does the lavishness of idolaters shame the stinginess of many who …

Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas

ThomasAquinas

13th Century
Catholic
13th Century
  1. Bel is broken. Here the prophet foretells the destruction of the enemies holding the people captive, namely, the Babylonians, co…