Isaiah 46:1

1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on the animals, and on the cattle: the things that you carried about are made a load, a burden to the weary [animal].

Isaiah 46:1 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 1 Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth
These are names of theIsaiah 46:2

They stoop, they bow together
Either the beasts under their burdens, or other idols besides those mentioned; or rather the Babylonians themselves, who were obliged to submit to the conquerors: they could not deliver the burdens;
the idols could not save themselves from being laid as burdens upon the beasts, any more than they could save their worshippers: so the Targum understands this and the preceding clause of them;

``they are cut off, and cut to pieces together, they could not deliver those that carried them;''

or else the Babylonians are designed, who could not save their gods from being used in this shameful manner: but themselves are gone into captivity,
or "their souls" ^F13; what were as dear to them as their own souls, their idols; to whom also souls may be ascribed by way of derision, being inanimate as well as irrational; and it is not unusual for idols to be said to be carried captive; hence those words of Tertullian, "manent et simulachra caplira": or rather the Babylonians, who went into captivity themselves, and so could not save their idols: thus they who had led captive the Jews are led captive themselves; and thus it will be with mystical Babylon, ( Revelation 13:10 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F13 (Mvpnw) "et animae eorum", V. L. Munster, Pagninus, Montanus, Cocceius.

Isaiah 46:1 In-Context

1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on the animals, and on the cattle: the things that you carried about are made a load, a burden to the weary [animal].

2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

3 Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borne [by me] from their birth, that have been carried from the womb;

4 and even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry, and will deliver.

5 To whom will you liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?