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10 Why make an idol or an image
    that can't do a thing?
11 Everyone who makes idols
and all who worship them
    are mere humans,
who will end up
    sadly disappointed.
Let them face me in court
    and be terrified.

Idols and Firewood

12 A metalworker shapes an idol
by using a hammer[a]
    and heat from the fire.
In his powerful hand
    he holds a hammer,
as he pounds the metal
    into the proper shape.
But he gets hungry and thirsty
    and loses his strength.

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Footnotes

  1. 44.12 by using a hammer: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

10 Who shapes a god and casts an idol,(A)
    which can profit nothing?(B)
11 People who do that will be put to shame;(C)
    such craftsmen are only human beings.
Let them all come together and take their stand;
    they will be brought down to terror and shame.(D)

12 The blacksmith(E) takes a tool
    and works with it in the coals;
he shapes an idol with hammers,
    he forges it with the might of his arm.(F)
He gets hungry and loses his strength;
    he drinks no water and grows faint.(G)

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