תהלים, פרק קי״ה, פסוק ז׳

Idols are crafted in the image of humans, yet their outward form masks utter helplessness. Their limbs fail to fulfill their most basic purposes, leaving them entirely devoid of movement, sensation, or expression. Although these statues are sculpted with hands and feet, they are completely incapable of moving or using them [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. The primary approach among commentators is that they do not even possess the basic sense of touch [רש״י, מצודת ציון, מאירי, מלבי״ם].

There is a subtle shift in how these limbs are described compared to facial features. While features like mouths, eyes, and ears are described simply as parts available to the idol, the hands and feet are described more intrinsically as the idol's own limbs. This change hints at a legal distinction regarding idol worship. Sensory features like eyes and ears are only considered objects of forbidden idol worship when physically attached to the statue. In contrast, the sculpted form of a hand or a foot is treated as an idol, and is therefore forbidden to use or benefit from, even if it is completely detached and standing on its own [חנוכת התורה].

Beyond their physical paralysis, these statues are utterly silent. While it is already established that they cannot speak, the emphasis on their inability to make sounds from their throats is not a repetition. Commentators draw a distinction between different types of vocalization. Speech refers to clear, articulated words, whereas sounds from the throat refer to simple, raw noises [מצודת ציון, מאירי]. These statues are incapable of producing even the faintest peep or a quiet moan like that of a dove or another bird [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, מאירי]. Another perspective defines this specific type of sound as the intermediate stage between thought and speech, a capacity the idols also lack [מלבי״ם].

Taking a different approach, some suggest that this profound silence refers not to the statues themselves, but to the people who worship them. Given the glaring inadequacies of these figures, one would expect the worshippers to at least mutter quietly to themselves in shame, privately questioning the logic and benefit of creating and trusting in such powerless objects [אלשיך].