Isaiah 40:18

18 To whom then have you likened God? or what image will you make for him?

Isaiah 40:18 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 40:18

To whom then will ye liken God?
&c.] There is nothing in the whole creation that can bear any resemblance to him, or he to them; since all nations are as a drop of the bucket, as the small dust of the balance, as nothing, yea, less than nothing, and vanity: "or what likeness will ye compare unto him", F23 order, ordain, and appoint for him? in what rank can he be placed? to what class of beings can he be likened? what similitude can be given of him? what is there that is fit to be named with him, or compared to him? this, with what follows, is mentioned as an antidote to prevent the Jews falling into idolatry in Babylon, where they would be exposed unto it; or rather to prevent Christians in Gospel times from going into the idolatry of the Papists; see ( Acts 17:28 Acts 17:29 ) ( Revelation 19:20 Revelation 19:21 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F23 (wl wkret twmd hmw) "et quid similitudinis ponetis ei", Pagninus; "ordinabitis", Montanus; "disponetis", Vatablus.

Isaiah 40:18 In-Context

16 And Libanus shall not be enough to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.
17 All nations are before him as if they had no being at all, and are counted to him as nothing, and vanity.
18 To whom then have you likened God? or what image will you make for him?
19 Hath the workman cast a graven statue? or hath the goldsmith formed it with gold, or the silversmith with plates of silver?
20 He hath chosen strong wood, and that will not rot: the skilful workman seeketh how he may set up an idol that may not be moved.
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