THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The prophet derides the idols with harsh words and takes a moment to explain how the images were crafted.
Isaiah 44:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
He hath cut down cedars, taken the holm, and the oak that stood among the trees of the forest: he hath planted the pine tree, which the rain hath nourished.
לִכְרָת־ל֣וֹ אֲרָזִ֔ים וַיִּקַּ֤ח תִּרְזָה֙ וְאַלּ֔וֹן וַיְאַמֶּץ־ל֖וֹ בַּעֲצֵי־יָ֑עַר נָטַ֥ע אֹ֖רֶן וְגֶ֥שֶׁם יְגַדֵּֽל׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
4 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Theodoret of Cyrus
The prophet elucidates that the Creator has provided oak trees and forest groves for humanity, enabling them to prepare sustenance through fire and thus meet their physical needs. People utilize the oak and pine trees, which the Almighty has nurtured and enriched with moisture through the regulation of rains, so that they may experience abundant physical comfort—yet they turn these creations into objects of worship.
Eusebius of Caesarea
Why do you not reflect on the essence of the beings you see as deities among lifeless images? It is evident to anyone that these are fashioned by artisans, crafted using saws, drills, and various instruments, products of those in want who have ingeniously created a means to earn their sustenance without labor. Why do you not contemplate the nature of the Almighty, questioning whether God has need of nourishment or desires our offerings? Is the Lord rendered powerless without sustenance, or, as Simmachus suggests, does He grow hungry, weak, and thirsty, yet remains without refreshment? They wonder why He does not quench His thirst if He truly longs for drink, but instead, He acts as a mute entity, providing no such evidence.
Wlastow G.K.
We must convey our belief that the entire passage from verse 9 to verse 20 serves as a distinct sermon from the prophet, potentially delivered directly to the people. This segment is incorporated into the prophecy of chapter 44 to supplement and clarify the central theme of the prophecy, which reassures Israel, despite the foreboding calamities, that they are not forsaken by God. This people stands as a testament to God's past miracles, and their continued existence signifies His mercy, thus affirming the fulfillment of divine promises. Among these promises is the raising of a man named Cyrus by the Lord, who will act as God's instrument to restore Jerusalem, the temple, and the cities of Judah, previously prophesied to be devastated in chapter 39.
Read more (363 words)
In verses 21-28 of this chapter, we observe a direct continuation of the prophecy pronounced in verses 1-8, which is temporarily interrupted by a critique of the futility of idols. Verse 21 echoes the sentiment of verse 2, just as verse 22 reflects the ideas found in verse 25 of chapter 43, and verse 24 of this chapter reiterates phrases from verse 6. Thus, the concluding section of chapter 44, comprising verses 21-28, is intricately linked with the initial part, verses 1-8. The closing words of verse 8 ask, “Is there any God besides Me? There is no other stronghold; I know of none.” Verse 21 then states, “Remember this, Jacob and Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you; you are My servant, Israel; do not forget Me.”
When we examine the discourse on the futility of idols independently, we find it bears a resemblance to the proclamations of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 10:2-5, 14) regarding idol creation. Both the later “epistle of Jeremiah” and the admonitions in the Wisdom of Solomon appear to elaborate on themes similar to those articulated by Isaiah. Isaiah appeals to human reason, detailing the idol-making process, and poses the question: what madness justifies the veneration of such creations? We want to focus on verse 20, which reads, “A deceived heart has led him, the idolater, astray, and he cannot deliver his soul and say, Is there not deceit in my right hand?” Who is it that has misled the idolater’s heart? From whom can he not rescue his soul? It is evident that the reference is to the evil one, the father of lies, who governs the heart of the ungodly and deceives him. Until the One who “overcame the world” arrived, he could not be liberated from this deception. Before this triumph, Satan could prevent the unilluminated soul from advancing towards the light. However, once light, truth, and grace entered the world, humanity was able to move towards the light and freed from the chains of Satan. We connect the subsequent verses with the inquiry of verse 8: “Is there any God besides Me? There is no other refuge; I know of none.”
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Isa 40:20He hath chosen strong wood, and that will not rot: the skilful workman seeketh how he may set up an idol that may not be moved.
- Hos 4:12My people have consulted their stocks, and their staff hath declared unto them: for the spirit of fornication hath deceived them, and they have committed fornication against their God.
- Jer 10:3For the laws of the people are vain: for the works of the hand of the workman hath cut a tree out of the forest with an axe.
- Jer 10:8They shall be all proved together to be senseless and foolish: the doctrine of their vanity is wood.
- Hab 2:19Woe to him that saith to wood: Awake: to the dumb stone: Arise: can it teach? Behold, it is laid over with gold, and silver, and there is no spirit in the bowels thereof.