Read & explore together
Even animals can do more for themselves than idols
These verses from Baruch, a book included in Catholic Bibles, argue that idols do not show themselves to be gods. The passage compares them with kings, the heavens, and animals to show their complete lack of power.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In this short teaching passage from Baruch 6, the speaker lists what idols cannot do. They cannot curse or bless kings, show signs in the heavens among the nations, shine as the sun, give light as the moon, or help themselves as beasts can. The conclusion is that it is not manifest that they are gods, so they are not to be feared.
Baruch 6:66–69Main takeaway
Because idols cannot curse or bless kings, show heavenly signs, shine, or help themselves, this passage says it is not manifest that they are gods and therefore they should not be feared.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01They cannot curse or bless kingsThe argument begins with rulers. Idols can neither curse nor bless kings. The verse does not describe broader actions beyond this point.
Explanation
The argument begins with rulers. Idols can neither curse nor bless kings. The verse does not describe broader actions beyond this point. It simply denies that idols can bring either harm or favour even to kings, who are named here as the first comparison in the passage.
02They cannot show signs or give lightThe next verse turns to the heavens among the nations. Idols cannot show signs there. The line then adds two clear examples: they cannot shine as the sun, and they cannot give light as the moon.
Explanation
The next verse turns to the heavens among the nations. Idols cannot show signs there. The line then adds two clear examples: they cannot shine as the sun, and they cannot give light as the moon. These are visible things the passage says idols cannot do.
03Beasts can do more for themselvesThe comparison becomes sharper in verse 68. Beasts are said to be better than idols because beasts can find shelter and help themselves.
Explanation
The comparison becomes sharper in verse 68. Beasts are said to be better than idols because beasts can find shelter and help themselves. The point is not that beasts are divine. It is that even animals can do basic things for themselves while idols cannot.
04So do not fear themThe conclusion gathers the earlier claims together. Since idols cannot do these things, it is not manifest to us that they are gods.
Explanation
The conclusion gathers the earlier claims together. Since idols cannot do these things, it is not manifest to us that they are gods. The response given in the verse is practical and direct: do not fear them. The command grows from the observations already made.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What are the two things idols cannot do to kings?
Use the exact pair of verbs in the verse and notice that both harmful and favourable action are denied to idols.
02What does verse 67 say idols cannot do in relation to the heavens, the sun, and the moon?
Answer by naming each part of the verse: they cannot show signs in the heavens, shine as the sun, or give light as the moon.
03How does the comparison with beasts support the final command not to fear idols?
Connect verse 68 and verse 69: beasts can find shelter and help themselves, but idols cannot, so it is not manifest that idols are gods.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Baruch 6:66–69
66For they can neither curse nor bless kings.
67They can’t show signs in the heavens among the nations, or shine as the sun, or give light as the moon.
68The beasts are better than they, for they can find shelter and help themselves.
69In no way then is it manifest to us that they are gods. Therefore don’t fear them.