Isaiah 44 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Isaiah 44 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter focuses on the sovereignty of Yahweh, the God of Israel, in contrast to the futility of idol worship.

Here are the key points:

Yahweh, the Only True God (vs. 1-8): God speaks directly to Israel, reminding them that He chose and redeemed them. He is the only true God, the Creator of all, and there is no other. He challenges the absurdity of worshipping idols, which are powerless and lifeless.
The Folly of Idolatry (vs. 9-20): Isaiah mocks those who craft and worship idols, highlighting the ridiculousness of worshipping something made with human hands from wood and metal. He emphasizes the self-deception and blindness of idolaters.
Israel's Redemption and Restoration (vs. 21-23): God reminds Israel of their special relationship with Him. He promises forgiveness for their past transgressions and assures them of His constant presence and protection.
Cyrus, God's Instrument (vs. 24-28): God names Cyrus, the Persian king, as His chosen instrument to conquer Babylon and allow the Israelites to return to Jerusalem. This prophecy emphasizes God's control over history and His power to use even foreign kings to fulfill His purposes.

Overall Message:

Isaiah 44 delivers a powerful message against idolatry and affirms Yahweh as the one true God who controls history and remains faithful to His promises. It offers hope and comfort to the Israelites in exile, assuring them of their eventual return to their homeland. The chapter also foreshadows the coming of Cyrus, a significant figure in fulfilling God's plan for Israel's restoration.

Isaiah 44 bible study ai commentary

Isaiah 44 declares God's absolute uniqueness and power against the backdrop of the utter foolishness of idolatry. It begins with a tender promise of restoration and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon desolate Israel, transforming them into a people who willingly claim Yahweh as their own. This declaration of love is followed by Yahweh's assertion of His solitary deity as the "first and the last," the only God who can declare the future. The chapter then pivots to a masterful and detailed satire on idol making, exposing its irrationality and spiritual blindness. The conclusion returns to redemption, as God, the Creator of all, demonstrates His sovereignty over history by frustrating pagan wisdom and naming Cyrus—a foreign king—as His instrument to rebuild Jerusalem, a stunning prophetic proof of His word.

Isaiah 44 context

The historical setting is crucial for understanding Isaiah 44. It is addressed to the people of Judah, likely during the period leading up to or during the Babylonian Exile (c. 605-539 BC). Surrounded by the impressive and pervasive idol worship of the Babylonian empire (e.g., the god Marduk), the Israelites were in a crisis of faith. Their nation was destroyed, their temple in ruins, and their God seemed silent. The chapter serves as a powerful polemic and encouragement, designed to reinforce monotheism and reassure them that Yahweh, not the idols of their conquerors, is the one true, sovereign God who controls history and will bring about their redemption.

Isaiah 44:1-5

Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen. Thus says the LORD who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you: ‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant; And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring; They will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses.’ One will say, ‘I am the LORD’s’; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; and another will write with his hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ and name himself by the name of Israel.

In-depth-analysis

Servant & Chosen: God addresses Israel with terms of endearment ("My servant," "whom I have chosen"), shifting from judgment to comfort and reminding them of their covenant relationship.
Jeshurun: This name (יְשֻׁרוּן - Yeshurun) means "upright one." It's a poetic, affectionate title for Israel, emphasizing God's ideal for them, despite their failings (cf. Deut 32:15).
Water & Spirit: The metaphor of water poured on thirsty, dry ground is a powerful image of restoration and spiritual renewal. This is explicitly equated with the outpouring of "My Spirit," promising new life and vitality not just for the current generation but for their descendants.
Future Allegiance: The promise results in a future generation that enthusiastically and publicly identifies with Yahweh. The acts of speaking, writing ("with his hand, 'The LORD's'"), and naming oneself after Israel signify a deep, personal, and voluntary commitment, a stark contrast to a nation forced into idolatry.

Bible references

Joel 2:28-29: "I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh... on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit..." (A parallel prophecy of the Spirit's outpouring, famously fulfilled at Pentecost).
John 7:37-38: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (Jesus identifies Himself as the source of the spiritual water promised here).
Acts 2:17-18: "‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh...’" (Peter directly quotes Joel, explaining the event of Pentecost as the fulfillment of this Old Testament promise).
Galatians 3:29: "And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." (The promise of spiritual offspring is extended to Gentiles through faith in Christ).

Cross references

Deut 32:15 (Jeshurun's origin); Isa 41:8 (servant Jacob); Ezek 36:25-27 (promise of a new heart and Spirit); John 4:14 (living water); Eph 2:19 (becoming fellow citizens with the saints); Rev 7:3 (sealed as servants of God).

Isaiah 44:6

“Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.’"

In-depth-analysis

Royal & Redemptive Titles: Yahweh introduces Himself with a powerful combination of titles: "King of Israel" (asserting sovereign rule), "Redeemer" (גֹּאֵל - go'el, the kinsman-redeemer who rescues and restores family), and "LORD of hosts" (Commander of heavenly armies).
First and Last: (רִאשׁוֹן... אַחֲרוֹן - rishon... 'aḥaron). This is an absolute claim of eternality and sovereignty. He is before all things and will be after all things end. He encompasses all of history and reality. This phrase asserts He is the uncreated Creator, the beginning and the end of everything.
Exclusive Monotheism: "Besides Me there is no God" is one of the clearest and most forceful declarations of monotheism in the Bible. It leaves no room for a pantheon or any other lesser deities.

Bible references

Revelation 1:17: "And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, 'Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.'" (Jesus Christ explicitly claims this divine title for Himself, equating His identity with Yahweh).
Revelation 22:13: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." (Christ reiterates the title, reinforcing His deity and eternal nature).
Deuteronomy 4:35: "To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD Himself is God; there is none other besides Him." (Reinforces the core tenet of Israel's faith: absolute monotheism).

Cross references

Isa 41:4 (first use of "First and Last"); Isa 43:10-11 (before Me no god was formed); Isa 48:12 (parallel usage); Deut 6:4 (The Shema); 1 Cor 8:4 (an idol is nothing).

Polemics

This verse is a direct polemic against the polytheistic cosmology of Babylon and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. While their gods had origin stories, spheres of influence, and were part of a larger pantheon, Yahweh declares Himself to be outside and above that entire system. He has no beginning, no end, and no equals.

Isaiah 44:7-8

And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, let them show these to them. Do not fear, nor be afraid; have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.’”

In-depth-analysis

The Prophetic Challenge: God issues a challenge to any other supposed deity: prove your existence by demonstrating control over history. Can you declare events from the beginning and accurately foretell the future? This rhetorical question highlights prophecy as the unique hallmark of the one true God.
Israel as Witnesses: The people of Israel themselves are called as God's witnesses. They have seen His past acts of salvation and have heard His prophecies. Their entire national history is evidence of Yahweh's unique power.
God as the Rock: The term "Rock" (צוּר - tsur) signifies ultimate stability, security, refuge, and unchangeability. In a world of fleeting empires and powerless gods made of wood and stone, Yahweh is the only firm foundation. The phrase "I know not one" is a powerful dismissal; the Omniscient One knows of no other divine being.

Bible references

Isaiah 41:22-23: "'Let them bring forth and show us what will happen... show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods.'" (This is a recurring challenge in Isaiah, highlighting God's predictive power as proof of His deity).
John 13:19: "Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He." (Jesus uses fulfilled prophecy for the same purpose as Yahweh in Isaiah: to prove His divine identity).
1 Corinthians 10:4: "...for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ." (The Apostle Paul explicitly identifies the "Rock" that sustained Israel in the wilderness as a type of Christ).

Cross references

Deut 32:4 (He is the Rock); 2 Sam 22:32 (who is a rock, except our God?); Ps 18:31; Acts 1:8 (you shall be witnesses to Me); 1 Peter 2:6-8 (Christ as the cornerstone/rock of offense).

Isaiah 44:9-20

Those who make an image, all of them are useless, and their precious things shall not profit... The blacksmith... works it with the strength of his arms... The craftsman... makes it like the figure of a man... He cuts down cedars... He takes some of it and warms himself... he kindles it and bakes bread; indeed he makes a god and worships it... A man burns half of it in the fire; with this half he eats meat... And the rest of it he makes into a god, his carved image. He falls down before it and worships it, prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!” They do not know nor understand... And no one considers in his heart... ‘Shall I fall down before a block of wood?’ He feeds on ashes; a deceived heart has turned him aside; and he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?”

In-depth-analysis

Masterful Satire: This section is a prolonged, satirical deconstruction of idolatry. Isaiah reveals the process step-by-step to expose its inherent absurdity.
The Maker's Frailty: The idol-maker is depicted as a finite, fallible human. He gets hungry, thirsty, and tired (v. 12). How can a weak creator make a powerful god?
Dual-Use Material: The core of the satire lies in the dual use of a single piece of wood. The man uses half for common, mundane tasks (warmth, cooking) and then irrationally treats the leftover piece as a divine being worthy of worship.
Inherent Contradiction: The wood is a product of nature (God's creation) and human effort. The idolater asks a block of wood he himself fashioned, "Deliver me." It cannot hear, see, or act. It is impotent.
Spiritual and Intellectual Blindness: Isaiah diagnoses the root cause as spiritual blindness ("He feeds on ashes"). It's a "deceived heart," a form of self-delusion where one cannot even recognize the "lie in his right hand"—the most basic and obvious falsehood.

Bible references

Psalm 115:4-8: "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see... Those who make them are like them..." (A classic poetic parallel describing the impotence of idols).
Jeremiah 10:3-5: "For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest... They fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple. They are upright like a palm tree, but they cannot speak..." (Another detailed critique of the idol-making process).
Romans 1:21-23, 25: "...they became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened... [they] exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator..." (Paul provides the theological explanation for the psychology of idolatry described by Isaiah).

Cross references

Ps 135:15-18 (idol mockery); Hab 2:18-19 (Woe to him who says to wood, 'Awake!'); Wis 13:10-19 (detailed satire); Acts 17:29 (should not think the Divine is like gold/silver/stone); 2 Thess 2:11 (God sends strong delusion).

Isaiah 44:21-23

“Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth; break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and glorified Himself in Israel.

In-depth-analysis

Shift in Tone: The chapter pivots from harsh satire back to tender reassurance. The command "Remember these things" calls Israel to recall both God's unique nature and the foolishness of idols.
Unforgettable Servant: After showing how worthless an idol is, God reaffirms Israel's value to Him: "you are My servant; I have formed you... you will not be forgotten."
Total Forgiveness: The simile "blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions" is beautiful and powerful. Just as the wind sweeps away a cloud, leaving a clear sky, God completely removes their sin. It is a promise of full and complete pardon.
Universal Praise: The redemption of Israel is an event of such cosmic significance that all creation—heavens, earth, mountains, forests—is called to join in a symphony of praise. God's glory is at stake and is demonstrated in His redemption of His people.

Bible references

Psalm 103:12: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (A spatial metaphor for the completeness of God's forgiveness).
Micah 7:19: "...You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." (Another powerful image of sins being completely and irretrievably removed).
Colossians 2:14: "...having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us... He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." (The New Testament explanation of how God "blots out" our sin through the work of Christ).
Psalm 96:11-12: "Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad... let the field be joyful... Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the LORD." (Echoes the theme of creation rejoicing in God's redemptive work).

Cross references

Isa 43:25 (I am He who blots out transgressions); Jer 31:34 (I will remember their sin no more); Rom 8:1 (no condemnation); Luke 15:10 (joy in heaven over one sinner who repents); Rev 5:13 (every creature praising God and the Lamb).

Isaiah 44:24-28

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself; Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, and drives diviners mad; Who turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolishness; Who confirms the word of His servant, and performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be inhabited,’ of the cities of Judah, ‘They shall be built,’ and I will raise up her waste places; Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he shall perform all My pleasure, saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” and to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.”’”

In-depth-analysis

Ultimate Credentials: God lists His credentials as Creator ("makes all things") and Redeemer, establishing His absolute authority. He acts alone, needing no help.
Sovereignty Over Knowledge: He directly confronts the "wisdom" of Babylon. He frustrates the astrologers, diviners, and so-called wise men of the pagan world, proving their knowledge to be foolishness. His word, spoken through His prophets, is what stands true.
The Cyrus Prophecy: This is the chapter's climax and one of the most remarkable prophecies in the Bible. God names a specific, non-Israelite individual—Cyrus the Great of Persia—by name, approximately 150 years before he rose to power.
Cyrus as "My Shepherd": Calling a pagan king "My shepherd" is shocking. It demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and rulers. Cyrus will be God's instrument to care for and restore His flock, Israel.
Specific Instructions: God dictates the very words Cyrus will speak: decreeing the rebuilding of both the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. This specificity made the prophecy undeniable when it was fulfilled.

Bible references

Ezra 1:1-2: "Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia... ‘The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem...'" (The direct, historical fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy).
Isaiah 45:1: "Thus says the LORD to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held..." (The prophecy concerning Cyrus continues, calling him God's "anointed").
John 1:3: "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (Reinforces God's role as the sole creator of all things, a role the NT applies to Christ).
Daniel 2:21: "And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings..." (Affirms God's sovereign control over world history and leaders, as demonstrated with Cyrus).

Cross references

Col 1:16 (by Him all things were created); Jer 50:36 (a sword is against the soothsayers); 1 Cor 1:20 (where is the wise?); Prov 21:1 (the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord); Isa 46:11 (calling a bird of prey from the east... the man who executes My counsel).

Isaiah chapter 44 analysis

The Reversal of the Carpenter and the Wood: There is a profound biblical completion to the satire of the idol-maker. In vv. 13-17, a carpenter takes a block of wood, uses part of it for mundane life, and worships the other part as a saving god—a "lie in his right hand." Centuries later, another carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth, would be hung on a cross of wood. That cursed block of wood, an instrument of Roman torture, became the very means of salvation for the world. The wood of the idol-maker is a symbol of deception and impotence; the wood of the cross becomes the ultimate symbol of truth and redemption. God reverses the lie of the idolater, using despised wood to bring true deliverance.
Witness and Proof: The chapter structurally presents a divine courtroom case. God makes a claim of sole deity (v. 6), presents the test (prophecy, v. 7), calls His people as witnesses (v. 8), cross-examines the opposition (the foolish idols, vv. 9-20), and then presents His closing argument and irrefutable proof: naming Cyrus (v. 28). The fulfillment of this prophecy would be the ultimate vindication of His testimony.

Isaiah 44 summary

Isaiah 44 powerfully contrasts the loving, redemptive power of the one true God with the utter foolishness of idolatry. God promises to pour out His Spirit for the restoration of His people, Israel, and declares His uniqueness as the "First and the Last" who alone controls history. Through sharp satire, the chapter exposes the irrationality of idol worship before culminating in the stunning prophecy that names Cyrus as God's "shepherd," who will rebuild Jerusalem, proving Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all creation and all rulers.

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Isaiah chapter 44 kjv

¹ Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:
² Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.
³ For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
⁴ And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
⁵ One shall say, I am the LORD's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.
⁶ Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
⁷ And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.
⁸ Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.
⁹ They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.
¹⁰ Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?
¹¹ Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.
¹² The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
¹³ The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.
¹⁴ He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
¹⁵ Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
¹⁶ He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:
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.
¹⁸ They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.
¹⁹ And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?
²⁰ He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
²¹ Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
²² I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
²³ Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.
²⁴ Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
²⁵ That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;
²⁶ That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:
²⁷ That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:
²⁸ That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Isaiah chapter 44 nkjv

¹ "Yet hear now, O Jacob My servant, And Israel whom I have chosen.
² Thus says the LORD who made you And formed you from the womb, who will help you: 'Fear not, O Jacob My servant; And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
³ For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring;
⁴ They will spring up among the grass Like willows by the watercourses.'
⁵ One will say, 'I am the LORD's'; Another will call himself by the name of Jacob; Another will write with his hand, 'The LORD's,' And name himself by the name of Israel.
⁶ "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.
⁷ And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, Since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, Let them show these to them.
⁸ Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.' "
⁹ Those who make an image, all of them are useless, And their precious things shall not profit; They are their own witnesses; They neither see nor know, that they may be ashamed.
¹⁰ Who would form a god or mold an image That profits him nothing?
¹¹ Surely all his companions would be ashamed; And the workmen, they are mere men. Let them all be gathered together, Let them stand up; Yet they shall fear, They shall be ashamed together.
¹² The blacksmith with the tongs works one in the coals, Fashions it with hammers, And works it with the strength of his arms. Even so, he is hungry, and his strength fails; He drinks no water and is faint.
¹³ The craftsman stretches out his rule, He marks one out with chalk; He fashions it with a plane, He marks it out with the compass, And makes it like the figure of a man, According to the beauty of a man, that it may remain in the house.
¹⁴ He cuts down cedars for himself, And takes the cypress and the oak; He secures it for himself among the trees of the forest. He plants a pine, and the rain nourishes it.
¹⁵ Then it shall be for a man to burn, For he will take some of it and warm himself; Yes, he kindles it and bakes bread; Indeed he makes a god and worships it; He makes it a carved image, and falls down to it.
¹⁶ He burns half of it in the fire; With this half he eats meat; He roasts a roast, and is satisfied. He even warms himself and says, "Ah! I am warm, I have seen the fire."
¹⁷ And the rest of it he makes into a god, His carved image. He falls down before it and worships it, Prays to it and says, "Deliver me, for you are my god!"
¹⁸ They do not know nor understand; For He has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, And their hearts, so that they cannot understand.
¹⁹ And no one considers in his heart, Nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, "I have burned half of it in the fire, Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten it; And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?"
²⁰ He feeds on ashes; A deceived heart has turned him aside; And he cannot deliver his soul, Nor say, "Is there not a lie in my right hand?"
²¹ "Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me!
²² I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you."
²³ Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth; Break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, And glorified Himself in Israel.
²⁴ Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: "I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself;
²⁵ Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, And drives diviners mad; Who turns wise men backward, And makes their knowledge foolishness;
²⁶ Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says to Jerusalem, 'You shall be inhabited,' To the cities of Judah, 'You shall be built,' And I will raise up her waste places;
²⁷ Who says to the deep, 'Be dry! And I will dry up your rivers';
²⁸ Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, "You shall be built," And to the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid." '

Isaiah chapter 44 niv

¹ "But now listen, Jacob, my servant, Israel, whom I have chosen.
² This is what the LORD says? he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
³ For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
⁴ They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.
⁵ Some will say, 'I belong to the LORD'; others will call themselves by the name of Jacob; still others will write on their hand, 'The LORD's,' and will take the name Israel.
⁶ "This is what the LORD says? Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.
⁷ Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come? yes, let them foretell what will come.
⁸ Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one."
⁹ All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame.
¹⁰ Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing?
¹¹ People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame.
¹² The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, he forges it with the might of his arm. He gets hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint.
¹³ The carpenter measures with a line and makes an outline with a marker; he roughs it out with chisels and marks it with compasses. He shapes it in human form, human form in all its glory, that it may dwell in a shrine.
¹⁴ He cut down cedars, or perhaps took a cypress or oak. He let it grow among the trees of the forest, or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow.
¹⁵ It is used as fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it.
¹⁶ Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal, he roasts his meat and eats his fill. He also warms himself and says, "Ah! I am warm; I see the fire."
¹⁷ From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, "Save me! You are my god!"
¹⁸ They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand.
¹⁹ No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, "Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?"
²⁰ Such a person feeds on ashes; a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, "Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?"
²¹ "Remember these things, Jacob, for you, Israel, are my servant. I have made you, you are my servant; Israel, I will not forget you.
²² I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you."
²³ Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel.
²⁴ "This is what the LORD says? your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself,
²⁵ who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense,
²⁶ who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'It shall be inhabited,' of the towns of Judah, 'They shall be rebuilt,' and of their ruins, 'I will restore them,'
²⁷ who says to the watery deep, 'Be dry, and I will dry up your streams,'
²⁸ who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, "Let it be rebuilt," and of the temple, "Let its foundations be laid."?'

Isaiah chapter 44 esv

¹ "But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen!
² Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
³ For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
⁴ They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams.
⁵ This one will say, 'I am the LORD's,' another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write on his hand, 'The LORD's,' and name himself by the name of Israel."
⁶ Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.
⁷ Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen.
⁸ Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any."
⁹ All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. Their witnesses neither see nor know, that they may be put to shame.
¹⁰ Who fashions a god or casts an idol that is profitable for nothing?
¹¹ Behold, all his companions shall be put to shame, and the craftsmen are only human. Let them all assemble, let them stand forth. They shall be terrified; they shall be put to shame together.
¹² The ironsmith takes a cutting tool and works it over the coals. He fashions it with hammers and works it with his strong arm. He becomes hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water and is faint.
¹³ The carpenter stretches a line; he marks it out with a pencil. He shapes it with planes and marks it with a compass. He shapes it into the figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to dwell in a house.
¹⁴ He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it.
¹⁵ Then it becomes fuel for a man. He takes a part of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread. Also he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it.
¹⁶ Half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat; he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, "Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire!"
¹⁷ And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, "Deliver me, for you are my god!"
¹⁸ They know not, nor do they discern, for he has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their hearts, so that they cannot understand.
¹⁹ No one considers, nor is there knowledge or discernment to say, "Half of it I burned in the fire; I also baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and have eaten. And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?"
²⁰ He feeds on ashes; a deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, "Is there not a lie in my right hand?"
²¹ Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
²² I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.
²³ Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel.
²⁴ Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: "I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,
²⁵ who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish,
²⁶ who confirms the word of his servant and fulfills the counsel of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'She shall be inhabited,' and of the cities of Judah, 'They shall be built, and I will raise up their ruins';
²⁷ who says to the deep, 'Be dry; I will dry up your rivers';
²⁸ who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose'; saying of Jerusalem, 'She shall be built,' and of the temple, 'Your foundation shall be laid.'"

Isaiah chapter 44 nlt

¹ "But now, listen to me, Jacob my servant,
Israel my chosen one.
² The LORD who made you and helps you says:
Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant,
O dear Israel, my chosen one.
³ For I will pour out water to quench your thirst
and to irrigate your parched fields.
And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants,
and my blessing on your children.
⁴ They will thrive like watered grass,
like willows on a riverbank.
⁵ Some will proudly claim, 'I belong to the LORD.'
Others will say, 'I am a descendant of Jacob.'
Some will write the LORD's name on their hands
and will take the name of Israel as their own."
⁶ This is what the LORD says ? Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD of Heaven's Armies: "I am the First and the Last;
there is no other God.
⁷ Who is like me?
Let him step forward and prove to you his power.
Let him do as I have done since ancient times
when I established a people and explained its future.
⁸ Do not tremble; do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago?
You are my witnesses ? is there any other God?
No! There is no other Rock ? not one!"
⁹ How foolish are those who manufacture idols.
These prized objects are really worthless.
The people who worship idols don't know this,
so they are all put to shame.
¹⁰ Who but a fool would make his own god ?
an idol that cannot help him one bit?
¹¹ All who worship idols will be disgraced
along with all these craftsmen ? mere humans ?
who claim they can make a god.
They may all stand together,
but they will stand in terror and shame.
¹² The blacksmith stands at his forge to make a sharp tool,
pounding and shaping it with all his might.
His work makes him hungry and weak.
It makes him thirsty and faint.
¹³ Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood
and draws a pattern on it.
He works with chisel and plane
and carves it into a human figure.
He gives it human beauty
and puts it in a little shrine.
¹⁴ He cuts down cedars;
he selects the cypress and the oak;
he plants the pine in the forest
to be nourished by the rain.
¹⁵ Then he uses part of the wood to make a fire.
With it he warms himself and bakes his bread.
Then ? yes, it's true ? he takes the rest of it
and makes himself a god to worship!
He makes an idol
and bows down in front of it!
¹⁶ He burns part of the tree to roast his meat
and to keep himself warm.
He says, "Ah, that fire feels good."
¹⁷ Then he takes what's left
and makes his god: a carved idol!
He falls down in front of it,
worshiping and praying to it.
"Rescue me!" he says.
"You are my god!"
¹⁸ Such stupidity and ignorance!
Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see.
Their minds are shut, and they cannot think.
¹⁹ The person who made the idol never stops to reflect,
"Why, it's just a block of wood!
I burned half of it for heat
and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat.
How can the rest of it be a god?
Should I bow down to worship a piece of wood?"
²⁰ The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes.
He trusts something that can't help him at all.
Yet he cannot bring himself to ask,
"Is this idol that I'm holding in my hand a lie?"
²¹ "Pay attention, O Jacob,
for you are my servant, O Israel.
I, the LORD, made you,
and I will not forget you.
²² I have swept away your sins like a cloud.
I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist.
Oh, return to me,
for I have paid the price to set you free."
²³ Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done this wondrous thing.
Shout for joy, O depths of the earth!
Break into song,
O mountains and forests and every tree!
For the LORD has redeemed Jacob
and is glorified in Israel.
²⁴ This is what the LORD says ?
your Redeemer and Creator:
"I am the LORD, who made all things.
I alone stretched out the heavens.
Who was with me
when I made the earth?
²⁵ I expose the false prophets as liars
and make fools of fortune-tellers.
I cause the wise to give bad advice,
thus proving them to be fools.
²⁶ But I carry out the predictions of my prophets!
By them I say to Jerusalem, 'People will live here again,'
and to the towns of Judah, 'You will be rebuilt;
I will restore all your ruins!'
²⁷ When I speak to the rivers and say, 'Dry up!'
they will be dry.
²⁸ When I say of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd,'
he will certainly do as I say.
He will command, 'Rebuild Jerusalem';
he will say, 'Restore the Temple.'"