Isaiah 40:20

He that is so … oblation R.V. He that is too impoverished for such an oblation (lit. impoverished with respect to an oblation). If the text be sound this seems the only possible interpretation, although the whole sense turns on the word "such" which is in no way expressed. Moreover the technical těrûmâh(temple-oblation) has no appropriateness here. The LXX. appear to have read těmûnâh(ὁμοίωμα), which looks more promising, but leaves the word for "impoverished" (מְסֻכָּן) more unintelligible than ever. Jerome gives the information that měṣukkânis a durable kind of wood (see Vulg. "lignum imputribile"); and this has led some to connect it with an Assyrian word, musukkânu(palm-tree). The Targ. gives "he cutteth down a laurel-tree," apparently taking מסכן as a denominative from סַכִּין (knife). This shews at least that there was no reliable Jewish tradition as to the meaning of the word. Duhm, combining the hints of the Targ. and the LXX., obtains a reading which is as good as any that can be suggested: "He who carves an image." The transition from the metal to the wooden idol is thus more distinctly expressed.

a treethat will not rot Such as those named in ch. Isaiah 44:14. A weak parody of Eternity!

that shall not be moved that will not totter. See 1 Samuel 5:3-4; cf. Wisd. Sol. 13:15 f.