Isaiah 44:18-20

18 They do not 1know, nor do they understand, for He has 2smeared over their eyes so that they cannot see and their hearts so that they cannot comprehend.
19 No one recalls * *, nor is there 3knowledge or understanding to say, "I have burned half of it in the fire and also have baked bread over its coals. I roast meat and eat it. Then I make the rest of it into an 4abomination, I fall down before a block of wood!"
20 He 5feeds on ashes; a 6deceived heart has turned him aside. And he cannot deliver himself, nor say, "7Is there not a lie in my right hand?"

Isaiah 44:18-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 44

In this chapter the Lord comforts his people with the promise of the effusion of his Spirit, and the blessings of his grace upon them; the consequence of which would be fruitfulness in them, and the conversion of others, who should profess themselves the Lord's people, Isa 44:1-5, he proves his deity in opposition to all false gods from his eternity, omniscience, and foretelling future events, Isa 44:6-8, exposes the stupidity of idol makers and the worshippers of them, Isa 44:9-20, makes gracious promises of the remembrance of his people, the remission of their sins, and their redemption by Christ, Isa 44:21-23, of which redemption from Babylon was a type; and of that assurance is given, from the Lord's creating all things by his power; from his frustrating and infatuating diviners and wise men; from his fulfilling his predictions delivered by his prophets; and from his mentioning by name the instrument of their redemption, Cyrus, Isa 44:24-28, which makes way for a particular prophecy concerning him in the next chapter.

Cross References 7

  • 1. Isaiah 1:3; Jeremiah 10:8, 14
  • 2. Psalms 81:12; Isaiah 6:9, 10; Isaiah 29:10
  • 3. Isaiah 5:13; Isaiah 44:18, 19; Isaiah 45:20
  • 4. Deuteronomy 27:15; 1 Kings 11:5, 7; 2 Kings 23:13, 14
  • 5. Psalms 102:9
  • 6. Job 15:31; Hosea 4:12; Romans 1:21, 22; 2 Thessalonians 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:13
  • 7. Isaiah 57:11; Isaiah 59:3, 4, 13; Romans 1:25

Footnotes 5

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