Isaiah 45:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He reproaches them by pointing out that, by their very nature, they cannot move. Why such death, why such despair? He makes two assertions: they (idols) are merely images and representations of men; I am not like them. As trees, they resemble humankind; let them assist you if they can indeed help. Hence, the prophet speaks with sarcasm: they call upon a god who does not deliver. Though foretelling may seem trivial, it is characteristic of God not just to prophesy but also to guide us in striving towards what is foretold. Nevertheless, I do not demand this from them; I ask only that they declare: I either speak falsehood or truth. Come here to discover where they are revered; perhaps they will proclaim something—come near, all you who remain from the nations. What does this term all signify? Some of the Gentiles will join you to seek the true God.

He alludes precisely to this, urging, "Gather yourselves together," expressing the call for unity in faith and harmony; approach God, the sovereign of all, through holiness and righteousness; draw near, those who are distant and estranged by sin; for we acknowledge that those who have strayed have fallen into a profoundly shameful and wretched state of mind, having distanced themselves from the Lord. However, through faith in Christ, they will be restored to Him. Thus, the wise Paul encouraged those pursuing this path, stating, “Now you who were sometimes far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13). He further proclaimed, “And when He came, He preached peace to you who were far off, and to them that were nigh” (Eph. 2:17). Therefore, He advised those who were distant from God via the holy prophets, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Come, He says, and reason together; let us be delivered from slander. He calls for a gathering, urging that the necessary steps for returning to God be taken with wisdom and care that inspires awe. Faith leads to greater understanding; unless it is clear that we have recognized the folly of our errors and turned from the ancient deceptions, we will avoid peril by approaching God, embracing the light of true divine knowledge, and resolving to perform deeds of surpassing virtue. Be prudent in seeking salvation from slander. To those engrossed in ignorance, he almost commands a turn towards wisdom and a commendable understanding, through which the might and splendor of God, who rules all, can be invoked. However, he observes that they fail to comprehend, meaning they can rightly be termed foolish and completely ignorant, who erect their statues as idols. The term "erecting" here conveys the notion of "exalting," as if to honor God appropriately—to that idol, as well as to their own creations. Then they petition God, yet receive no salvation. Hence, those who revere the products of their own hands and seek assistance from lifeless materials, naming as God what is merely their handiwork, reveal their folly and have not comprehended the insensibility of their idolatry. Let them heed the words of the Psalmist, who ridicules them, proclaiming, “Let those who make them become like them, and all who trust in them” (Psalm 113:16).