Isaiah 46:6
They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.
Original Language Analysis
הַזָּלִ֤ים
They lavish
H2107
הַזָּלִ֤ים
They lavish
Strong's:
H2107
Word #:
1 of 13
probably to shake out, i.e., (by implication) to scatter profusely; figuratively, to treat lightly
זָהָב֙
gold
H2091
זָהָב֙
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
2 of 13
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
בַּקָּנֶ֣ה
in the balance
H7070
בַּקָּנֶ֣ה
in the balance
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
5 of 13
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
צוֹרֵף֙
a goldsmith
H6884
צוֹרֵף֙
a goldsmith
Strong's:
H6884
Word #:
8 of 13
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
וְיַעֲשֵׂ֣הוּ
and he maketh
H6213
וְיַעֲשֵׂ֣הוּ
and he maketh
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֔ל
it a god
H410
אֵ֔ל
it a god
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
10 of 13
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Historical Context
Babylonian goldsmiths were highly skilled artisans, and temple construction employed enormous wealth. Isaiah's contemporary audience would have witnessed elaborate processions of costly images, making this satire particularly pointed.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'gods' require enormous investment of time, money, or energy yet deliver nothing?
- How does consumerism mirror this pattern of lavish expenditure on unsatisfying idols?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The absurdity of lavishing gold on a craftsman to 'make it a god' then falling down to worship it exposes sin's irrational madness. The progression (lavish, hire, make, fall down) shows how human effort creates idols that then enslave their creators. This economic critique of idolatry reveals that all false worship involves exchanging true riches (God) for costly counterfeits.