Isaiah 44:12
Isaiah 44:12 in Multiple Translations
The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint.
The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
The smith maketh an axe, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint.
The iron-worker is heating the metal in the fire, giving it form with his hammers, and working on it with his strong arm: then for need of food his strength gives way, and for need of water he becomes feeble.
The blacksmith makes an iron tool for woodcarving. Working over hot coals, he hammers it into shape as hard as he can. He gets hungry and loses his strength, and because he doesn't drink he grows weak.
The smith taketh an instrument, and worketh in the coles, and facioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his armes: yea, he is an hungred, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
He hath wrought iron [with] an axe, And hath wrought with coals, And with hammers doth form it, And doth work it by his powerful arm, Yea, he is hungry, and there is no power, He doth not drink water, and he is wearied.
The blacksmith takes an ax, works in the coals, fashions it with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. He is hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water, and is faint.
The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yes, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
The smith hath wrought with his file, with coals, and with hammers he hath formed it, and hath wrought with the strength of his arm: he shall hunger and faint, he shall drink no water, and shall be weary.
Metalworkers stand in front of hot coals in order to make idols. They pound them strongly with hammers, and shape them. Because they work very hard, they become hungry and weak; they become very thirsty and feel exhausted.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 44:12
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 44:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָרַ֤שׁ
בַּרְזֶל֙
מַֽעֲצָ֔ד
וּ/פָעַל֙
בַּ/פֶּחָ֔ם
וּ/בַ/מַּקָּב֖וֹת
יִצְּרֵ֑/הוּ
וַ/יִּפְעָלֵ֨/הוּ֙
בִּ/זְר֣וֹעַ
כֹּח֔/וֹ
גַּם
רָעֵב֙
וְ/אֵ֣ין
כֹּ֔חַ
לֹא
שָׁ֥תָה
מַ֖יִם
וַ/יִּיעָֽף
חָרַ֤שׁ
chârâsh
H2796
artificer
N-ms
בַּרְזֶל֙
barzel
H1270
iron
N-ms
מַֽעֲצָ֔ד
maʻătsâd
H4621
axe
N-ms
וּ/פָעַל֙
pâʻal
H6466
to work
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בַּ/פֶּחָ֔ם
pechâm
H6352
coal
Prep | N-ms
וּ/בַ/מַּקָּב֖וֹת
maqqâbâh
H4717
hammer
Conj | Prep | N-fp
יִצְּרֵ֑/הוּ
yâtsar
H3335
to form
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יִּפְעָלֵ֨/הוּ֙
pâʻal
H6466
to work
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בִּ/זְר֣וֹעַ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
Prep | N-cs
כֹּח֔/וֹ
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms | Suff
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
רָעֵב֙
râʻêb
H7456
be hungry
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
כֹּ֔חַ
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שָׁ֥תָה
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מַ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
וַ/יִּיעָֽף
yâʻaph
H3286
to faint
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 44:12
חָרַ֤שׁ
chârâsh
H2796
"artificer"
N-ms
A chârâsh was a skilled craftsman or artisan, able to work with various materials like wood or metal. This term is used in the Bible to describe carpenters, engravers, and other skilled workers.
Definition: 1) craftsman, artisan, engraver, graver, artificer 1a) graver, artificer 1b) skilful to destroy (warriors) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: artificer, ([phrase]) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, [phrase] mason, skilful, ([phrase]) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought. See also: Exodus 28:11; Ezra 3:7; Isaiah 40:19.
בַּרְזֶל֙
barzel
H1270
"iron"
N-ms
Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.
Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.
מַֽעֲצָ֔ד
maʻătsâd
H4621
"axe"
N-ms
Maatsad is the Hebrew word for an axe, a common tool used for chopping. It is also translated as tongs in some Bible versions.
Definition: axe
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: ax, tongs. See also: Isaiah 44:12; Jeremiah 10:3.
וּ/פָעַל֙
pâʻal
H6466
"to work"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
בַּ/פֶּחָ֔ם
pechâm
H6352
"coal"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a piece of coal, whether it is still burning or has been charred. It is used in the Bible to describe coals or embers. In the KJV, it is translated as 'coals'.
Definition: coal, charcoal, ember
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: coals. See also: Proverbs 26:21; Isaiah 44:12; Isaiah 54:16.
וּ/בַ/מַּקָּב֖וֹת
maqqâbâh
H4717
"hammer"
Conj | Prep | N-fp
A hammer is a tool used to shape or break things, and this word appears in the Bible as a symbol of strength or force. It is used in books like Judges and Isaiah to describe the power of God or the work of a craftsman. The idea is to shape or mold something into a new form.
Definition: hammer Another spelling of maq.qe.vet (מַקֶּ֫בֶת "hammer" H4718A)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: hammer. See also: 1 Kings 6:7; Isaiah 44:12; Jeremiah 10:4.
יִצְּרֵ֑/הוּ
yâtsar
H3335
"to form"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
וַ/יִּפְעָלֵ֨/הוּ֙
pâʻal
H6466
"to work"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
בִּ/זְר֣וֹעַ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
כֹּח֔/וֹ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms | Suff
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
רָעֵב֙
râʻêb
H7456
"be hungry"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be hungry is what this Hebrew verb means, and it is used in stories like Exodus and Matthew to describe physical need. Hunger is a basic human experience, and the Bible often uses it to illustrate spiritual longing.
Definition: 1) to be hungry, be voracious 1a) (Qal) to be hungry 1b) (Hiphil) to allow one to be hungry, allow to hunger
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (suffer to) famish, (be, have, suffer, suffer to) hunger(-ry). See also: Genesis 41:55; Proverbs 19:15; Psalms 34:11.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
כֹּ֔חַ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁ֥תָה
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
מַ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וַ/יִּיעָֽף
yâʻaph
H3286
"to faint"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To faint means to become weak or tired, often from exertion or stress. In the Bible, this word is used to describe people who are weary or exhausted, like the Israelites in the wilderness. It can also mean to cause someone to become weary or to flee in exhaustion.
Definition: 1) to be or grow weary, be fatigued, be faint 1a) (Qal) to be or grow weary, be fatigued, be faint 1b) (Hophal) wearied (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: faint, cause to fly, (be) weary (self). See also: Judges 8:15; Jeremiah 2:24; Isaiah 40:28.
Study Notes — Isaiah 44:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 44:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 44:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 44:12
Context — The LORD Has Chosen Israel
10Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?
11Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame.
12The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint.
13The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. 14He cuts down cedars or retrieves a cypress or oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 41:6–7 | Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled. |
| 2 | Isaiah 40:19 | To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? |
| 3 | Isaiah 46:6–7 | They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. |
| 4 | Habakkuk 2:13 | Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain? |
| 5 | Exodus 32:4 | He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” |
| 6 | Exodus 32:8 | How quickly they have turned aside from the way that I commanded them! They have made for themselves a molten calf and have bowed down to it. They have sacrificed to it and said, ‘These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.’” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 10:3–11 | For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood! Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz— the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers. But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation. Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.” |
Isaiah 44:12 Summary
[Isaiah 44:12 is a powerful reminder that creating idols is a futile and foolish endeavor, as the creators themselves are subject to human limitations and weaknesses. The blacksmith in this verse is a skilled craftsman, but he is still a human being who grows hungry and loses strength, unlike the all-powerful God who created the universe (Psalm 121:3). This verse teaches us to trust in the living God, who is our true source of strength and provision, rather than trying to create our own 'gods' or rely on our own abilities (Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 6:33).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Isaiah 44:12?
The main point of Isaiah 44:12 is to highlight the irony and futility of creating idols, as the creator himself is subject to human limitations and weaknesses, as seen in the blacksmith who grows hungry and loses strength (Isaiah 44:12).
Why does the blacksmith in Isaiah 44:12 grow hungry and lose strength?
The blacksmith in Isaiah 44:12 grows hungry and loses strength because, despite his skill and effort, he is still a human being with physical needs and limitations, unlike the all-powerful God who created the universe (Isaiah 40:28, Psalm 121:3).
What does Isaiah 44:12 teach us about the nature of idolatry?
Isaiah 44:12 teaches us that idolatry is a futile and foolish endeavor, as it involves creating and worshiping objects that are powerless and unable to meet our needs, unlike the living God who is our true source of strength and provision (Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 6:33).
How does Isaiah 44:12 relate to other passages in the Bible that warn against idolatry?
Isaiah 44:12 is part of a larger theme in the Bible that warns against idolatry and the futility of creating and worshiping false gods, as seen in passages such as Exodus 20:4-5, Deuteronomy 4:15-18, and Romans 1:18-25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be creating 'idols' in my own life, and how can I repent and turn to the living God?
- How does the image of the blacksmith in Isaiah 44:12 challenge my own perceptions of strength and weakness, and what does it teach me about my dependence on God?
- In what ways do I prioritize my physical needs over my spiritual needs, and how can I cultivate a deeper hunger and thirst for God's presence in my life?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to 'forge' my own way, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and provision?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:12
The smith with the tongs,.... Or, "the worker of iron" (c); the blacksmith, who had a concern in making of idols, for some were made of iron, Daniel 5:4, or in making plates to cover them, or nails
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:12
The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:12
Both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers; first he makes the metal soft and pliable, by putting it among burning coals, and then he taketh it out, and beateth it into what form he pleaseth. It must be here noted, that some of these images were made of brass and iron, as others were of gold and silver, . He is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint: this is mentioned, either, 1. As an argument of the vanity of idols, which cannot relieve their poor workmen, when they are ready to faint away through hunger, and thirst, and weariness. Or, 2. As an evidence of great zeal and industry in carrying on this work, so that they forget or neglect to eat and drink when their necessities require it. This I prefer, 1. Because it suits best with the next foregoing clause, he worketh with the strength of his arms, i.e. fervently, and putting forth all his might in the work. 2. Because the prophet in this, and in the next following verses, is only describing the mechanical part, or the matter of images, and the art and labour of the workmen in making them; and afterwards proceeds to the theological consideration of the thing, and the confutation of these practices, as we shall see.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:12
Isaiah 44:12 The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.Ver. 12. The smith with the tongs, &c.] He lively setteth forth the weakness of the workmen, that thereby may be understood the weakness of the idols, since they cannot help in the least those that take such pains about them. All these things must be taken as spoken with utmost scorn and stomach. And fashioneth it with hammers.] He knocks and works his idol in manner as he doth his coulter or ploughshare. With the strength of his arms.] Tanto conatu tantas nugas agit, cum sit calidus in re frigida: he much troubleth himself about such trifles. Hoc agunt ut nihil agant.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:12
(12) The smith with the tongs.—We begin with the metal idol. Better, The smith uses a chisel. The work involves stooping over the charcoal furnace. The maker of the god is exhausted with his toil, and requires food and drink to sustain him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 44:12
Verse 12. The smith with the tongs, c. - "The smith cutteth off a portion of iron"] מעצד meatstsed, Participium Pihel of עצד atsad, to cut still used in that sense in the Arabic. See Simonis Lex. Heb. The Septuagint and Syriac take the word in this form: but they render it sharpeneth the iron. See Castell. Lex. in voce. The sacred writers are generally large and eloquent upon the subject of idolatry; they treat it with great severity, and set forth the absurdity of it in the strongest light. But this passage of Isaiah, Isaiah 44:12-20, far exceeds any thing that ever was written upon the subject, in force of argument, energy of expression, and elegance of composition. One or two of the apocryphal writers have attempted to imitate the prophet, but with very ill success; Wisd. 13:11-19; 15:7, c.
Baruch vi., especially the latter, who, injudiciously dilating his matter, and introducing a number of minute circumstances, has very much weakened the force and effect of his invective. On the contrary a heathen author, in the ludicrous way, has, in a line or two, given idolatry one of the severest strokes it ever received: - Olim truncus eram ficulnus, inutile lignum, Cum faber incertus, scamnum faceretne Priapum, Maluit esse Deum. Deus inde ego. HORAT. Satyr, lib. 1. sat. viii. "Formerly I was the stump of a fig tree, a useless log; when the carpenter, after hesitating whether to make me a god or a stool, at last determined to make me a god. Thus I became a god!" From the tenth to the seventeenth verse, a most beautiful strain of irony is carried on against idolatry. And we may naturally think that every idolater, who either read or heard it, must have been for ever ashamed of his own devices. - L.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:12
Ch. Isaiah 44:6-23. The Reality of Jehovah’s Godhead, evinced by His Predictions, and contrasted with the manifold absurdities of IdolatryThe passage, which is merely a restatement of ideas already expressed, consists of three divisions: i. Isaiah 44:6-8. A re-assertion and demonstration of the eternity and sole Divinity of Jehovah. ii. Isaiah 44:9-20. A fresh exposure—the most complete and remorseless that the book contains—of the irrationality of idol-worship. iii. Isaiah 44:21-23. An exhortation to the exiles to lay these truths to heart, and cleave to the God who forgives their sins and who alone can deliver. Isaiah 44:23 is a lyrical effusion, such as the thought of the redemption frequently calls forth from the prophet.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:12
The smith with the tongs - The prophet proceeds here to show the folly and absurdity of idolatry; and in order to this he goes into an extended statement Isaiah 44:12-19 of the manner in which idols were usually made.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:12
12, 13. Notably, withering sarcasm is presented in these verses.
Sermons on Isaiah 44:12
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When Things Don't Make Sense by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the invisible, rather than relying on physical signs and experiences. He warns against seeking tangible |
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The Spirit of Service by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of devotion to God's purpose for his people. He emphasizes that serving God in the utmost way requires complete dedication and |
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Days of the Golden Calf - Jonathan Cahn by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, Jonathan Cahn discusses the story of the golden calf from the book of Exodus. He emphasizes how the Israelites, despite being called out and chosen by God, fell int |
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God's Marvelous Grace by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of the nation of Israel as they turned away from God. Despite God sending prophets to warn them and call them back to Him, |
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To the Church of God in Lancashire by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of separating from worldly customs and standing as witnesses for Jesus Christ, who cleanses us from sin. He encourages believers to walk in the |
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Epistle 261 by George Fox | George Fox preaches against the customs and titles of the world, emphasizing that true manners come from avoiding evil words and following God's law, rather than outward gestures o |