Isaiah 41:7

the carpenter stands here for the same word as workman in Isaiah 40:19: it denotes an "artificer" either in metal or wood or stone.

he that smoothethwith the hammer probably the man who fits on the golden covering (Isaiah 40:19). The translation anvilis doubtful, the Targ. has "him that striketh with the mallet."

saying … sodering Render as R.V.: saying of the soldering, It is good. that it should not be moved See ch. Isaiah 40:20.

8 20, coming between Isaiah 41:1; Isaiah 41:21ff., reads like a digression or an "aside." But beneath the apparent disconnectedness there is a real continuity of thought running through the chapter. It opens with a discussion between Jehovah and the nations, and closes with another between Jehovah and the heathen gods. But these ideal representations have no reality except in so far as they take concrete form in history; and the historical process of which they are the expression is suggested by Isaiah 41:8. Jehovah's controversy with heathenism is carried on in His Providence, and especially in His vindication of the "right" of Israel against the world. The opposition which Israel encounters from the heathen (Isaiah 41:11 f.) is a reflection of the antagonism between the true religion and idolatry; and the essential identity of interest between Jehovah and Israel in this conflict of principles is the basis of the message of consolation which these verses convey. Thus we have the true God and His people over against the false gods and their peoples, and there is a fitness in the introduction at this point of Israel in its ideal functions as the organ of Jehovah's historical purpose. His victory must issue in the redemption of His people, and therefore Israel has no reason to fear the advance of Cyrus, who is God's chosen instrument for the overthrow of idolatry.