Isaiah 44:17
And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.
Original Language Analysis
וּשְׁאֵ֣רִית֔וֹ
And the residue
H7611
וּשְׁאֵ֣רִית֔וֹ
And the residue
Strong's:
H7611
Word #:
1 of 14
a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion
אֵלִ֖י
a god
H410
אֵלִ֖י
a god
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
2 of 14
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
עָשָׂ֖ה
thereof he maketh
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
thereof he maketh
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְיִשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙
unto it and worshippeth
H7812
וְיִשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙
unto it and worshippeth
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
7 of 14
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
וְיִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
it and prayeth
H6419
וְיִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
it and prayeth
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
8 of 14
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
הַצִּילֵ֔נִי
Deliver
H5337
הַצִּילֵ֔נִי
Deliver
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
11 of 14
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
The 'residue' language is deliberately demeaning - the god is made from scraps, leftovers, the portion not good enough for fire. Yet people entrust their deliverance to these remnants.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'residue' or leftovers do people today treat as worthy of ultimate trust?
- How does praying to what you created expose the absurdity of all idolatry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The residue ('sheerith' - what's left over, the remainder) becomes a god. He falls down before leftover wood, prays to it, asks 'Deliver me; for thou art my god.' The Hebrew 'natsal' (deliver) implies rescue from danger - he asks the leftovers to save him. The pathos and absurdity merge: this is both ridiculous and tragic.