2 You have sinned against God. That is why you are about to be taken away as prisoners to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar.
3 You will remain there in exile for many years, as long as seven generations; then God will lead you peacefully home from Babylon.
4 There in Babylon you will see gods made of wood, silver, and gold — gods which people carry on their shoulders and which fill the heathen with fear.
5 You must be careful never to imitate those Gentiles. Don't let their gods fill you with fear when you see them being carried in procession and being worshipped.
6 Instead, say to yourselves, “It is you alone, Lord, that we must worship.”
7 God's angel will be there with you; he will take care of you.
8 Their idols are plated with silver and gold and have tongues that were carved by woodworkers. But they are not real gods, and they cannot speak.