Idols and the dead share something in common
There is often the question about what is the condition of the dead. Some believe that the dead are in heaven or hell. On the other hand, Jehovah’s Witnesses teach the Bible’s view that the dead are “conscious of nothing at all” – Ecclesiasted 9:5 (NWT Reference Bible).
By way of comparison, Psalms 115:5-7 describes idols as worthless and empty in such a clear easy to understand manner:
“Their idols are silver and gold, The work of human hands.
A mouth they have, but they cannot speak;
Eyes, but they cannot see;
Ears they have, but they cannot hear;
A nose, but they cannot smell;
Hands they have, but they cannot feel;
Feet, but they cannot walk;
They make no sound with their throat.”
So, idols are lifeless. This is incredibly clear. If you didn’t grasp that idols are lifeless, then please read the passage of scripture again. The description leaves no doubt about the lifelessness of idols. Now, notice what verse 8 says…
“The people who make them will become just like them, as will all those who trust in them.”
This last verse, of course, is a reference to the dead. So, just like idols, the dead cannot speak, see, hear, smell, feel, walk, or utter a sound. This would not make sense if the dead were actually alive and had senses, perhaps in heaven experiencing joy, let alone if they were to feel the pain of a hellfire! No, this corroborates the rest of the Bible-that is, the dead have no sensation or consciousness or life, just as the idols they may have worshipped.