Isaiah 41:7
So 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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְחַזְּקֵ֥הוּ
and he fastened
H2388
וַיְחַזְּקֵ֥הוּ
and he fastened
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 17
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
צֹרֵ֔ף
the goldsmith
H6884
צֹרֵ֔ף
the goldsmith
Strong's:
H6884
Word #:
4 of 17
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
ה֣וֹלֶם
him that smote
H1986
ה֣וֹלֶם
him that smote
Strong's:
H1986
Word #:
8 of 17
to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband
פָּ֑עַם
the anvil
H6471
פָּ֑עַם
the anvil
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
9 of 17
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
ט֣וֹב
It is ready
H2896
ט֣וֹב
It is ready
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
12 of 17
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
13 of 17
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיְחַזְּקֵ֥הוּ
and he fastened
H2388
וַיְחַזְּקֵ֥הוּ
and he fastened
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
14 of 17
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
Historical Context
As Persian threat grew, Babylonian society increased idol production, pouring resources into manufacturing and maintaining lifeless objects while ignoring the living God directing events.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'idols' require constant maintenance and reinforcement yet remain unable to save?
- How does this verse expose the absurdity of trusting created things for ultimate security?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse satirizes idol-making in crisis—the carpenter encourages the goldsmith, and the smith encourages the hammerer, all collaborating to create a 'god' they must fasten with nails so it won't topple. The irony is biting: they create something requiring securing against falling, then trust it for security. The Hebrew 'chazaq' (fasten) reveals the impotence of what needs fastening.