Matthew Poole and continuators on Habakkuk 2:19

19 Wo unto him that saith to the wood Awake ; to the dumb stone, Arise , it shall teach: Behold , it is laid over with gold, and silver. and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.

In the former verse the Prophet declared the uselessness, and unprofitableness of the Idols of Babylon, now he threatens the Idolaters. They sin'd greatly by placing their confidence in them, and they should suffer the more for it.

What ever shape Art may give it, or whatever veneration blind Idolaters may bear to it, 'tis still Wood, no better; a log, a worthless block.

This expresseth the Idolaters prayer to his Idol awake what? Is he a sleepy God? No not so much, 'tis a lifeless log and its eyes never did see.

Another sort of their useless Idols, senseless as the stones, and still as unable to rise, or help as before they were graven and carved, 'tis a stone, no God.

An other form of praying to this Idol, and when the Idol can rise Babylon shall be helpt, till then it must abide its sorrows.

Sottish men! in misery to hope that lifeless Idols shall counsel and direct, what dumb, and without sense, and yet teach!

Look ye self deceiving Idolaters, consult your own senses, see what matter they are made of.

See the facings, or plates are different from that which is under, and can that be a God that is made up of such different materials? it were more like men to pull off the Gold and Silver, and with these to purchase your safety.

Not so much as the soul of a brute in them.