The verse "They light them candles, yes, more than for themselves, whereof they can't see one" from Jeremy's Letter (or the Letter of Jeremiah), 6:19, is a sarcastic critique of idolatry. Let's break it down:
"They light them candles, yes, more than for themselves...": This refers to people burning candles for idols. The "more than for themselves" part is crucial. It highlights the extravagance and the misplaced devotion. People are spending lavishly on these idols, more than they would spend on basic necessities for themselves.
"...whereof they can’t see one.": This is the punchline. The candles are being burned in front of idols that are blind. The idols cannot see the light, appreciate the offering, or benefit from it in any way. The act is utterly pointless and exposes the absurdity of worshiping inanimate objects.
In essence, the verse mocks the practice of idol worship by pointing out its illogical nature: People are spending resources and performing rituals for idols that are incapable of perception or action. It emphasizes the lack of any real benefit or meaning derived from these actions.
The verse "They light them candles, yes, more than for themselves, whereof they can't see one" from Jeremy's Letter (or the Letter of Jeremiah), 6:19, is a sarcastic critique of idolatry. Let's break it down:
"They light them candles, yes, more than for themselves...": This refers to people burning candles for idols. The "more than for themselves" part is crucial. It highlights the extravagance and the misplaced devotion. People are spending lavishly on these idols, more than they would spend on basic necessities for themselves.
"...whereof they can’t see one.": This is the punchline. The candles are being burned in front of idols that are blind. The idols cannot see the light, appreciate the offering, or benefit from it in any way. The act is utterly pointless and exposes the absurdity of worshiping inanimate objects.
In essence, the verse mocks the practice of idol worship by pointing out its illogical nature: People are spending resources and performing rituals for idols that are incapable of perception or action. It emphasizes the lack of any real benefit or meaning derived from these actions.
