ירמיהו, פרק י׳, פסוק ה׳

The absolute worthlessness of idols becomes glaringly apparent when they are exposed as nothing more than lifeless, motionless objects. Recognizing their true nature reveals the foolishness of either fearing or worshiping them. The primary approach among commentators is to compare these statues to a straight, upright palm tree. They are crafted by repeatedly striking metal with a hammer until the figure stands tall, resembling a tree or a human being. Ultimately, there is no difference between the revered idol and a simple, lifeless piece of shaped metal [מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, some view these figures as mere upright wooden logs or lifeless scarecrows positioned in a field of cucumbers [שטיינזלץ].

These statues remain completely silent because they lack the breath of life; they possess neither a speaking soul nor the vital energy required for movement [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. Because they are entirely incapable of taking a single step on their own, their worshipers are forced to carry them on their shoulders or in their hands just to move them from one place to another [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ].

In light of this complete helplessness, people are urged not to fear them. Idols possess no free will and hold no independent power to cause harm. If a person chooses to abandon their worship, the statues are utterly incapable of seeking revenge or striking back [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. This reality extends beyond man-made statues to the heavenly bodies and constellations. They too lack any independent power to either harm or help, as everything in the universe operates solely under the supervision of God [מצודת דוד]. Just as these objects are powerless to cause injury, they are equally devoid of any ability to do good. They hold no special power to bring blessing, reward, or success to those who choose to serve them [רש״י, מלבי״ם, רד״ק]. The capacity to improve a person's life is simply not within them [רש״י, מצודת ציון, שטיינזלץ].