Isaiah 44:20
Isaiah 44:20 in Multiple Translations
He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”
He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
He feedeth on ashes; a deceived heart hath turned him aside; and he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
As for him whose food is the dust of a dead fire, he has been turned from the way by a twisted mind, so that he is unable to keep himself safe by saying, What I have here in my hand is false.
He is feeding on ashes, seduced by the deceptive thinking of his mind. He can't save himself, and he doesn't even ask, “Isn't this idol I'm holding just a lie?”
He feedeth of ashes: a seduced heart hath deceiued him, that he cannot deliuer his soule, nor say, Is there not a lye in my right hand?
Feeding on ashes, the heart is deceived, It hath turned him aside, And he delivereth not his soul, nor saith: 'Is there not a lie in my right hand?'
He feeds on ashes. A deceived heart has turned him aside; and he can’t deliver his soul, nor say, “Isn’t there a lie in my right hand?”
He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
Part thereof is ashes: his foolish heart adoreth it, and he will not save his soul, nor say: Perhaps there is a lie in my right hand.
They are very stupid to worship something that if you burn it, it becomes ashes! They trust in something that cannot save them; they do not admit, “In my hand I hold something that is not really a god! [RHQ]”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 44:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 44:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רֹעֶ֣ה
אֵ֔פֶר
לֵ֥ב
הוּתַ֖ל
הִטָּ֑/הוּ
וְ/לֹֽא
יַצִּ֤יל
אֶת
נַפְשׁ/וֹ֙
וְ/לֹ֣א
יֹאמַ֔ר
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
שֶׁ֖קֶר
בִּ/ימִינִֽ/י
רֹעֶ֣ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
אֵ֔פֶר
ʼêpher
H665
ashes
N-ms
לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
הוּתַ֖ל
hâthal
H2048
to mock
V-Hophal-Perf-3ms
הִטָּ֑/הוּ
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יַצִּ֤יל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַפְשׁ/וֹ֙
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יֹאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
שֶׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
בִּ/ימִינִֽ/י
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 44:20
רֹעֶ֣ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
אֵ֔פֶר
ʼêpher
H665
"ashes"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to ashes, often symbolizing worthlessness or something worthless. It is used to describe something that has been destroyed or reduced to nothing.
Definition: 1) ashes 2) (CLBL) worthlessness (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: ashes. See also: Genesis 18:27; Psalms 147:16; Psalms 102:10.
לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
הוּתַ֖ל
hâthal
H2048
"to mock"
V-Hophal-Perf-3ms
Hathal means to deceive or cheat someone, often by mocking or ridiculing them. This word is used to describe dishonest or deceitful behavior in the Bible.
Definition: (Piel) to mock
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully, deceive, mock. See also: Genesis 31:7; Judges 16:15; Isaiah 44:20.
הִטָּ֑/הוּ
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יַצִּ֤יל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נַפְשׁ/וֹ֙
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יֹאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | 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.
שֶׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
בִּ/ימִינִֽ/י
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
Study Notes — Isaiah 44:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 44:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 44:20
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:20
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:20
- Sermons on Isaiah 44:20
Context — The LORD Has Chosen Israel
18They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand.
19And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”
20He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”
21Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are My servant, O Israel. I have made you, and you are My servant; O Israel, I will never forget you. 22I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 1:28 | Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. |
| 2 | Job 15:31 | Let him not deceive himself with trust in emptiness, for emptiness will be his reward. |
| 3 | Hosea 12:1 | Ephraim chases the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt. |
| 4 | Psalms 102:9 | For I have eaten ashes like bread and mixed my drink with tears |
| 5 | Romans 1:25 | They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen. |
| 6 | 2 Timothy 2:13 | if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. |
| 7 | Hosea 4:12 | My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God. |
| 8 | Revelation 20:3 | And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time. |
| 9 | Isaiah 59:3–4 | For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. |
| 10 | 2 Timothy 3:13 | while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. |
Isaiah 44:20 Summary
[This verse is talking about people who make idols and worship them, thinking that they can provide for their needs, but really they are just empty and worthless, like ashes. As it says in Isaiah 57:5, we can easily be deceived into thinking that something is true when it is not. The person who makes the idol is deceived into thinking that it is real, and they 'feed on ashes' because they are trying to find satisfaction in something that is not real. This is like what happens when we try to find happiness in things that are not from God, as seen in Jeremiah 2:13, and we need to remember that only God can truly provide for our needs and give us true satisfaction.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'feed on ashes' in Isaiah 44:20?
Feeding on ashes refers to the futile and empty pursuit of idolatry, as seen in Isaiah 44:20, where the idol maker is deceived into thinking that the idol he created can provide for him, much like the foolishness described in Isaiah 57:5 and Jeremiah 2:13.
How can someone be so deceived as to worship a block of wood?
The Bible teaches that when we reject the one true God, our minds can become darkened and we can become foolish, as seen in Romans 1:21-25, leading us to pursue idols and false gods, just like the example in Isaiah 44:19.
What is the significance of the 'deluded heart' in this verse?
The deluded heart refers to a mind and heart that has been deceived by Satan and the flesh, leading to a misguided trust in idols and false gods, as seen in 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Ephesians 4:17-18, and only through God's redemption can we be set free from such deception.
Can people really be so blinded that they cannot see the truth?
Yes, according to 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Isaiah 44:18, people can be so blinded by Satan and their own sin that they cannot see or understand the truth, and it is only through God's mercy and the work of the Holy Spirit that they can be set free and come to know the truth.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be 'feeding on ashes' in my own life, pursuing things that are empty and unfulfilling?
- How can I be sure that I am not being deceived by my own heart, and that I am following the truth of God's Word?
- What are some idols or false gods that I may be tempted to worship, and how can I guard my heart against them?
- In what ways can I be mindful of the fact that my heart can be 'deluded' and that I need to seek God's truth and wisdom in all things?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:20
He feedeth of ashes,.... That is, the idolater delights in his idol, pleases himself with seeks comfort and satisfaction from it, fills and feeds himself with hopes and expectations of being helped
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:20
He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:20
He feedeth on ashes, which is an unsavoury, unprofitable, and pernicious food, and no less unsatisfying, uncomfortable, and mischievous is the worship of idols. A deceived heart; a mind corrupted and deceived by long custom, deep prejudice, gross error, and especially by his own lusts. Hath turned him aside from the way of truth, from the knowledge and worship of the true God, unto this brutish idolatry. Cannot deliver his soul from the snares. and dangers of idolatry. This cannot is to be understood morally, so as to note the great difficulty, but not the utter impossibility of it; for if idolaters would consider things, they might be convinced of and turned from that gross way of wickedness, as is implied from the foregoing verse. Is there not a lie in my right hand? what is this idol, which I have made with my right hand, i.e. with all my strength? as was said before; the right hand being the strongest and the chief instrument of this and other actions: which I set at my right hand, as the true God is said in Scripture to be at the right hand of his people, 109:31 121:5: which I highly honour; for the most honourable place was on the right hand, as is known: to which I look and trust for relief and assistance, which God in Scripture is said to afford to his people, by being at and holding of their right hand; 110:5. What, I say, is this idol Is it not a lie, which though it seems and pretends to be something, and to be a god, yet in truth is nothing but vanity and falsehood, deceiving all that put their trust in it?
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:20
Isaiah 44:20 He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?Ver. 20. He feedeth on ashes,] i.e, He seeketh comfort of his idol, but findeth as little as he doth nourishment who feedeth upon ashes. A seduced heart hath turned him aside.] And hence it is that he is brought to deify a thing so contemptible. From this expression, note that man is the cause of evil to himself, and is so blinded by his own default that he cannot so much as once think seriously of his soul’ s health. His deluded heart, that hath so oft deceived him, may well say to him, as the heart of Apollodorus the tyrant seemed to say to him, who dreamed one night that he was flayed by the Scythians and boiled in a caldron, and that his heart spake to him out of the kettle, ‘Eγωσοιτουτωναιτια, It is I that have drawn thee to all this. Is there not a lie in my right hand?] i.e., " An idol that is nothing in the world," and nothing it can do for me. How then are images fit to be laymen’ s books, being unprofitable, lies, and teachers of lies?
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:20
(20) He feedeth on ashes.—The verb passes readily through the meanings “feeding,” “pasturing,” “following after,” and the last is commonly accepted. The first, however, has the merit of greater vividness. (Comp. Hosea 12:1.) The “ashes” of the smith’s furnace become the symbols of the vanity of his work (Ecclesiastes 7:6), and yet he has not even the germ of truth which lies in the questions of the sceptic.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 44:20
Verse 20. He feedeth on ashes] He feedeth on that which affordeth no nourishment; a proverbial expression for using ineffectual means, and bestowing labour to no purpose. In the same sense Hosea says, "Ephraim feedeth on wind." Hosea 12:1.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:20
20. He feedeth on ashes] lit., “a shepherd of ashes”. Duhm rather fancifully suggests that the image may be that of a man trying to feed his flock on a pasture that has been reduced to ashes: “A shepherd of (or on) ashes is he whom a deceived heart hath turned aside” (from the ways of reason). Another rendering might be: “One who finds satisfaction in ashes is he whom, &c.” For this sense of the verb râ‘âh see Hosea 12:1 (?); Psalms 37:3; Proverbs 15:14, &c. (Gesenius, Lexicon12, sub verbo). and he shall not deliver his soul] Cf. Isaiah 44:17. Is there not a lie …] Am I not cleaving to that which will disappoint my hope?
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:20
He feedeth on ashes - There have been various interpretations of this. Jerome renders it, ‘A part of it is ashes;’ the Chaldee, ‘Lo!
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:20
18-20. The whole system of idol religion, in like manner, is simply foolish. Its votaries embrace it only to be blinded in conscience and reason. The makers and worshippers of idols are alike fools.
Sermons on Isaiah 44:20
| Sermon | Description | |
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Is the Bible an 'Iffy' Book? by Shane Idleman | The sermon delves into the concept of conditional promises in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God's will and the consequences of not following His commands |
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Homily 12 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of living a life separate from the ways of the world, urging believers to walk in the path of God and not in the vanity of their minds lik |
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Signs of the Times by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink addresses the alarming state of modern evangelism, asserting that much of it is superficial and misleading, failing to convey the true nature of the Gospel. He emphasizes |
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The Sinner's Natural Power and Moral Weakness by Charles Finney | Blaise Pascal preaches about the proof of the two Testaments being fulfilled in Jesus Christ through examining the prophecies and understanding their dual meanings. He presents var |
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Biblical Manhood, Then and Now by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of children's exposure to ungodly media and the negative influence it has on them. He challenges the idea of youth groups and the co |
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Practical Holiness by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of retaining the knowledge of God and making dedicated efforts to know Him. He challenges the audience to examine their commi |
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(Women) 04. a Wounded Spirit by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the entertainment we consume, particularly in relation to movies and television shows. He warns agains |