10 Listen to the message that Yahweh is telling you all, you Israelis. 2 This is what Yahweh says:

Don’t imitate the ways of other nations,

and don’t be dismayed by signs in the skies,

just because those other nations are,

3 because the customs of those groups of people are worthless.

Yes, they cut down a tree from a forest,

and a craftsman does his handywork with his tools,

4 then they overlay it with gold and silver.

They use hammer and nails to securely fasten it

so that it won’t topple over.

5 Those idols are like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,

not being able to speak.

What’s more, they have to be carried because they can’t walk.

Don’t be afraid of them because they can’t harm anyone,

but at the same time, there’s no good in them either.

6 There’s no one like you, Yahweh.

You’re powerful and have a reputation for your strength.

7 Who wouldn’t respect and obey you, king of the nations

because that’s what you deserve?[ref]

Yes, among all the wise people of the word,

and among all their kingdoms,

there’s no one like you.

8 Those ‘wise’ people are both stupid and foolish all at once—

instructed by an idol that’s just a piece of wood.

9 They brought hammered silver from Tarshish and gold from Ufaz—

≈ the work of a craftsman and from the hands of the refiners.

Then they put violet and purple clothing on them—

all the work of skillful people.

10 However, Yahweh is the true god.

≈ He is the living god and permanent king.

When he’s angry, the earth shakes,

and the nations can’t endure his indignation.

11 You need to tell them this:

The gods that didn’t make the heavens and earth

will perish from the earth and from under these skies.