altogether - rather, “all alike” [Maurer]. Even the so-called “wise” men (Jer 10:7) of the Gentiles are on a level with the brutes and “foolish,” namely, because they connive at the popular idolatry (compare Rom 1:21-28). Therefore, in Daniel and Revelation, the world power is represented under a bestial form. Man divests himself of his true humanity, and sinks to the level of the brute, when he severs his connection with God (Psa 115:8; Jon 2:8).
stock is a doctrine of vanities - The stock (put for the worship of all idols whatever, made out of a stock) speaks for itself that the whole theory of idolatry is vanity (Isa 44:9-11). Castalio translates, “the very wood itself confuting the vanity” (of the idol).