Isaiah 46

CHAPTER 46THEME: Pronouncement of judgment against idolsThis chapter contains one of the finest satires against idolatry that is found in the Word of God. It opens with the announcement of defeat against the idols of Babylon in particular. This seems strange since Babylon had not yet come to the front as a world power and was not the enemy of Israel. Nevertheless, Babylon was the source of all idolatry, and it is fitting that after announcing the defeat of the idols of Babylon the prophet proceeds to denounce all idolatry with an injunction to Israel not to forsake the true God.

Isaiah 46:1

PRONOUNCEMENT OF JUDGMENT AGAINST IDOLSBel and Nebo are gods of Babylon. Bel is the shortened form of Baal and is found in the first part of Beelzebubwhich is one of Satan’s names. Nebo means “speaker or prophet.” When Paul and Barnabas went to Lystra, the people thought Barnabas was Bel or Jupiter and Paul was Nebo or Mercury because he did the talking. Behind the idols of that day was satanic worship, which is becoming rather popular in our contemporary society. The Word of God repeatedly warns us that our warfare is spiritual warfare. God contrasts the helplessness of the idol, which is a burden to carry, to His own love and strength.

Isaiah 46:3

God says, “I have been carrying you, Israel, as a woman carries a child in her womb.”

Isaiah 46:4

This is the real distinction between that which is true and that which is false. God had not only been carrying the nation Israel, but He had carried each individual from the cradle to the grave. Let me ask you the question, “Is your religion carrying you, or are you carrying your religion?” God carries our sins. “He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (Isa_53:4). He also carries our cares, our burdens: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1Pe_5:7). And God carries us today: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them” (Deu_33:27). Now notice how He speaks of idolatry:

Isaiah 46:5

The reason that it is so difficult to explain God is because He is infinite and we are finite and live in a finite universe. There is nothing with which to compare Him. He cannot be reduced to our terminology without losing all meaning. He cannot be translated into human language. This explains one of the reasons why God became a man. The only way we can know God is through Jesus. He revealed God. This is a brilliant satire on idolatry

Isaiah 46:6

This is a metallic image that excels the wooden image in beauty and value. The wealth of man is expended in making an idol. If a man doesn’t have much money, he has a cheap god. If he is rich, he has a rich god. It actually amounts to men worshiping their own workmanship, which is self-worship. It is a form of humanism. Now here is the real test:

Isaiah 46:7

They lug their god around on their shoulders and put him in the corner when they get home! Listen to what God says to them

Isaiah 46:9

There is a lot of modern idolatry about. Face up to it. Do you receive anything when you go to church? For many folk church-going is a real burden to them. It is like a useless god they have to carry around. Oh, my friend, God wants to communicate to you. He has something for you. He doesn’t want you to carry Him; He wants to carry you.