Verse 19
19. Woe To him who puts his trust into these lifeless nothings.
Awake From slumber and inactivity (1 Kings 18:27).
Arise To help and deliver. Appeals addressed to Jehovah would receive an answer (Psalms 35:23; Psalms 44:23), but the idols can neither hear nor reply.
It shall teach Better, R.V., “Shall this teach?” A question or exclamation of astonishment at the delusion. Teach is here equivalent to respond to the appeal to show a way of escape from the calamity. The prophet immediately makes it plain why help need not be expected. They have no life in themselves, how can they preserve the life of others?
Laid over The word occurs only here, hence its meaning is not quite certain; the reference seems to be to the overlaying of idols made of wood or other cheap material with gold or silver.
No breath The spirit of life is entirely absent (Jeremiah 10:4 ff.; Isaiah 44:9 ff.).
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