Isaiah 40:20
He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved.
Original Language Analysis
הַֽמְסֻכָּ֣ן
He that is so impoverished
H5533
הַֽמְסֻכָּ֣ן
He that is so impoverished
Strong's:
H5533
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to cut, i.e., damage; also to grow (causatively, make) poor
תְּרוּמָ֔ה
that he hath no oblation
H8641
תְּרוּמָ֔ה
that he hath no oblation
Strong's:
H8641
Word #:
2 of 14
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָכָם֙
unto him a cunning
H2450
חָכָם֙
unto him a cunning
Strong's:
H2450
Word #:
8 of 14
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
יְבַקֶּשׁ
he seeketh
H1245
יְבַקֶּשׁ
he seeketh
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
9 of 14
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
לְהָכִ֥ין
to prepare
H3559
לְהָכִ֥ין
to prepare
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
Cross References
Isaiah 46:7They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.Isaiah 41:7So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved.Daniel 5:23But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:
Historical Context
This describes the economic democratization of idolatry in Babylon—gods for every budget. Whether rich or poor, idolatry remains equally futile and offensive to God.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'idols' have you carefully chosen to ensure they won't disappoint, only to find them inadequate?
- How does the permanence of God contrast with the temporary security idols seem to offer?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Even the poor who cannot afford precious metals still seek a wooden idol from rot-resistant wood ('lo yirkav'—will not decay). The irony deepens: they want an eternal image from temporary materials. The cunning workman prepares something that 'shall not be moved'—yet needs securing because it's lifeless. This contrasts God who upholds all things.