Isaiah 46:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 46:6
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.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 46 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, creation, discipleship. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 46:6
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Acts 17:29