Verse 7
Furthermore, they proceed to build idols. Rather than turning to the Lord, they make gods to whom they turn. In Isaiah 40:18-20, Isaiah contrasted the idols with the God of creation, but here he contrasted them with the God of history. It is not these idols who strengthen their worshippers, but the worshippers who strengthen their idols.
"What a god he must be that needs a common laborer to pass inspection and declare that he is in good condition!" [Note: Young, 3:80.]
"The purpose of all this detail is not clear, but the prophet may want to heighten the ironic effect by showing what a complex and arduous task idol making is. Thus he is implicitly asking his hearers if simply trusting the sovereign Lord is not a great deal easier. Another purpose may be to point out how dependent the gods are. They cannot be created by just one person; it takes a whole host of people to keep them going." [Note: Oswalt, The Book . . . 40-66, pp. 85-86.]
Regardless of the nations’ refusal to acknowledge Yahweh, He would intervene in history for the welfare of His people. Israel would not need to fear like the nations because the Lord would be with them and protect them.
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