This chapter is a continuation of the argument before commenced to show the folly of idolatry, and to induce the captive and exile Jews to put their trust in Yahweh. The argument consists of the following particulars: I. The idols of Babylon should be overthrownIsaiah 46:1. The prophet sees those i... [ Continue Reading ]
BEL BOWETH DOWN - Bel or Belus (בל _bēl_, from בעל _b__e__‛ēl_, the same as בעל _ba‛al_ was the chief domestic god of the Babylonians, and was worshipped in the celebrated tower of Babylon (compare Jeremiah 50:2; Jeremiah 51:44). It was usual to compound names of the titles of the divinities that... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY STOOP - Bel, and Nebo, and all the Babylonian gods (see Isaiah 46:1). THEY COULD NOT DELIVER THE BURDEN - The word ‘burden’ here, probably means the load of metal, wood, and stone, of which the idols were composed. The gods whom the Babylonians worshipped had not even power to protect the image... [ Continue Reading ]
HEARKEN UNTO ME - From this view of the captive gods, the address is now turned to the Jews. The utter vanity of the idols had been set before them; and in view of that, God now addresses his own people, and entreats them to put their trust in him. The address he commences with words of great tender... [ Continue Reading ]
AND EVEN TO YOUR OLD AGE, I AM HE - Or rather, I am the same. I remain, unchangeably, with the same tenderness, the same affection, the same care. In this the care of God for his people surpasses that of the most tender parent, and the most kind nourisher of the young. The care of the parent natural... [ Continue Reading ]
TO WHOM WILL YE LIKEN ME - (see the notes at Isaiah 40:18, Isaiah 40:25). The design of this and the following verses is to show the folly of idolatry, and the vanity of trusting in idols. This is a subject that the prophet often dwells on. The argument here is derived from the fact that the idols o... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY LAVISH GOLD - The word used here means properly to shake out; and then to pour out abundantly, or in a lavish manner. It is used in connection with the idea of squandering in Deuteronomy 21:20; Proverbs 23:21; Proverbs 28:7. Here the idea is, that they spared no expense; they poured out gold as... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY BEAR HIM UPON THE SHOULDER - They carry the idol which they have made on their shoulder to the temple, or place where it is to be fixed. This circumstance, with the others, is doubtless introduced to show how ridiculous and absurd it was to offer divine homage to a god whom they could thus carr... [ Continue Reading ]
REMEMBER THIS - Bear in mind what is now said of the manner in which idols are made. This is addressed, doubtless, to the Jews, and is designed to keep them from idolatry. AND SHOW YOURSELVES MEN - Act as men; throw away the childish trifles of idolaters. The word used here (התאשׁשׁוּ _hith__e__'osh... [ Continue Reading ]
REMEMBER THE FORMER THINGS ... - Bear in mind the repeated and constant proofs that have been given that Yahweh is the true God - the proofs derived from the prediction of future events, and from the frequent interpositions of his providence in your behalf as a nation. FOR I AM GOD - (See the notes... [ Continue Reading ]
DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING - Foretelling accurately the course of future events. This is an argument to which God often appeals in proof that he is the only true God (see Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 43:12; Isaiah 44:26). MY COUNSEL SHALL STAND - My purpose, my design, my will. The phrase ‘shall... [ Continue Reading ]
CALLING A RAVENOUS BIRD FROM THE EAST - There can be no doubt that Cyrus is intended here (see the notes at Isaiah 41:2, Isaiah 41:25). The east here means Persia. The word rendered ‘ravenous bird’ (עיט _‛__ayiṭ_) is rendered ‘fowl’ in Job 28:7; ‘bird’ or ‘birds’ in Jeremiah 12:9; ‘fowls’ in Genesi... [ Continue Reading ]
HEARKEN UNTO ME - This is designed to call the attention of the skeptical and unbelieving Jews to the important truth which he was delivering. Many among them might be disposed to say that the fulfillment was delayed, and he therefore calls upon them to attend particularly to his solemn declarations... [ Continue Reading ]
I BRING NEAR MY RIGHTEOUSNESS - The word ‘righteousness’ here evidently denotes his truth; the fulfillment of his promises. His righteous and true character would be manifested to them so plainly and clearly that they would be able no longer to doubt. It would not be remote in time, or in place, but... [ Continue Reading ]