TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 17:6–8.
Mercy is here reserved, in a parenthesis, in the midst of judgment, for a remnant that should escape the common ruin of the kingdom of the ten tribes. Though the Assyrians took all the care they could that none should slip out of their net, yet the meek of the earth were hidden in the day of the Lord's anger, and had their lives given them for a prey and made comfortable to them by their retirement to the land of Judah, where they had the liberty of God's courts. 1. They shall be but a small remnant, a very few, who shall be marked for preservation (Isa 17:6): Gleaning grapes shall be left in it. The body of the people were carried into captivity, but here and there one was left behind, perhaps one of two in a bed when the other was taken, Luk 17:34. The most desolating judgments in this world are short of the last judgment, which shall be universal and which none shall escape. In times of the greatest calamity some are kept safe, as in times of the greatest degeneracy some are kept pure. But the fewness of those that escape supposes the captivity of the far greatest part; those that are left are but like the poor remains of an olive tree when it has been carefully shaken by the owner; if there be two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough (out of the reach of those that shook it), that is all. Such is the remnant according to the election of grace, very few in comparison with the multitudes that walk on in the broad way. 2. They shall be a sanctified remnant, Isa 17:7, Isa 17:8. These few that are preserved are such as, in the prospect of the judgment approaching, had repented of their sins and reformed their lives, and therefore were snatched thus as brands out of the burning, or such as having escaped, and becoming refugees in strange countries, were awakened, partly by a sense of the distinguishing mercy of their deliverance, and partly by the distresses they were still in, to return to God. (1.) They shall look up to their Creator, shall enquire, Where is God my Maker, who giveth songs in the night, in such a night of affliction as this? Job 35:10, Job 35:11. They shall acknowledge his hand in all the events concerning them, merciful and afflictive, and shall submit to his hand. They shall give him the glory due to his name, and be suitably affected with his providences. They shall expect relief and succour from him and depend upon him to help them. Their eyes shall have respect to him, as the eyes of a servant to the hand of his master, Psa 123:2. Observe, It is our duty at all times to have respect to God, to have our eyes ever towards him, both as our Maker (the author of our being and the God of nature) and as the Holy One of Israel, a God in covenant with us and the God of grace; particularly, when we are in affliction, our eyes must be towards the Lord, to pluck our feet out of the net (Psa 25:15); to bring us to this is the design of his providence as he is our Maker and the work of his grace as he is the Holy One of Israel. (2.) They shall look off from their idols, the creatures of their own fancy, shall no longer worship them, and seek to them, and expect relief from them. For God will be alone regarded, or he does not look upon himself as at all regarded. He that looks to his Maker must not look to the altars, the work of his hands, but disown them and cast them off, must not retain the least respect for that which his fingers have made, but break it to pieces, though it be his own workmanship - the groves and the images; the word signifies images made in honour of the sun and by which he was worshipped, the most ancient and most plausible idolatry, Deu 4:19; Job 31:26. We have reason to account those happy afflictions which part between us and our sins, and by sensible convictions of the vanity of the world, that great idol, cool our affections to it and lower our expectations from it.
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
By this it is clearly promised that the glory of Israel and all her riches will be taken away, and only a few, who like the few berries on an olive branch can be counted easily, will be left. These are the ones who believe in the Lord. Just after this there is a prophecy of the entire human race turning away from the error of idolatry and recognizing the God of Israel.
(Verse 7, 8) On that day, a man will turn towards his Maker, and his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel. He will not turn towards the altars that his hands have made, nor towards the works of his fingers. He will not look to the groves and shrines. Some interpret this as fulfilled during the time of Christ, when the kingdom of Damascus was destroyed and the eternal kingdom of the Savior succeeded, and the error of idolatry was diminished. It is indeed a pious interpretation, but it does not follow the order of history. But we say that after Damascus was subdued and the ten tribes were led into Assyria, the remnant of the tribes of Israel, converted by the letters of Hezekiah, came to the worship of God and to the temple in Jerusalem, as the Chronicles history narrates (2 Chronicles 3). Therefore, with Damascus destroyed, the people will turn to their Maker, that is, to the one who created them, and their eyes will no longer look at the idols they made in Bethel and Dan, but they will look to God, despising the shrines and altars that their own fingers made.
(Verse 7, 8). On that day, man will bow down to his maker and his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel. And he will not bow down to the altars that his hands have made, nor to the things that his fingers have worked on; he will not look to the groves and shrines. In that time, when the Lord your God called the people of Israel, who were once called a fruitful olive tree (Jeremiah 11:16), and as we read in the Psalms: Your children will be like young olive trees around your table (Psalm 128:3), if the Lord hungry for the dryness of spiritual grace finds barely two olives, or three, or four, or five, the fullness of the Gentiles will enter, and they will not bow down to idols made by hands, but they will bow down to their own God, looking to the Holy One of Israel, and they will despise altars, groves, and shrines, knowing that which is written: Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted (Matthew 15:13).
Those who trust in idols are foolish. Idols are their own creations, things they made with their own hands, but they turn around and say, “These idols are our creators.” How can these people say that something they made is their creator? Moreover, they guard their idols, so that they will not be stolen by thieves. What foolishness! If idols cannot guard and protect themselves, how can they guard and save others?
Continue studying Isaiah 17:8 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Isaiah 17:8 prophesies a significant spiritual transformation for the people of Israel, particularly Ephraim, as a direct consequence of divine judgment. This verse foretells a future state where they will decisively abandon their deeply entrenched idolatrous practices, turning away from all forms of man-made worship, including pagan altars, sacred poles, and sun images. This forsaking of false gods signifies a crucial step towards genuine repentance and exclusive devotion to the one true God, highlighting the inherent futility of human-crafted objects in providing security or salvation.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 17 is an oracle primarily directed against Damascus, the capital of Syria, and Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel. The prophet foretells a severe judgment that will desolate these nations due to their political alliances and, more importantly, their deep-seated idolatry and lack of faith in the Lord. This judgment is depicted as a time of great distress and reduction, leading to a spiritual purification. Verse 8 directly builds upon the preceding verse, Isaiah 17:7, which states, "At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel." Thus, the abandonment of idols in verse 8 is presented as the tangible and necessary outcome of this turning towards God under the pressure of divine discipline. The judgment serves not merely as punishment but as a catalyst for genuine spiritual reorientation and a return to singular devotion.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BCE) was marked by significant geopolitical turmoil, with the rising Assyrian Empire posing a constant threat to smaller nations like Syria (Damascus) and Israel (Ephraim). In response to this threat, both nations often sought alliances with each other or with other regional powers, rather than trusting in the Lord. Culturally, both Syria and Israel were deeply influenced by the pervasive paganism of the ancient Near East. This included the worship of various Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah, often involving sacred poles ("groves") and altars for sacrifices. Sun worship and other astral cults were also common, represented by "images" or "sun-pillars." The people of Israel, despite their covenant with Yahweh, frequently assimilated these foreign religious practices, leading to syncretism and spiritual apostasy, which Isaiah vehemently condemned throughout his book, particularly in passages like Isaiah 1:29-31.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores the Abandonment of Idolatry, presenting it as a non-negotiable prerequisite for spiritual restoration. The repeated emphasis on "the work of his hands" highlights the inherent futility and powerlessness of human-made objects in contrast to the omnipotent Creator. Second, the passage powerfully illustrates Divine Judgment as a Catalyst for Repentance. God's severe discipline, though painful, is ultimately redemptive, designed to strip away false securities and compel His people to return to Him. The desolation described in earlier verses of Isaiah 17 serves this purpose. Finally, the verse speaks to the Futility of Man-Made Religion. It exposes the emptiness of worshipping anything created by human hands, which offers no real salvation, protection, or solace, especially in times of crisis, contrasting sharply with the unwavering faithfulness of the sovereign God of Israel, as seen in Isaiah 44:9-20.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to a place of sacrifice. While altars were central to Israel's legitimate worship of Yahweh, in this context, they denote altars dedicated to pagan deities. The shift from "looking to" these altars signifies a cessation of pagan sacrificial practices and an abandonment of the false gods they served, indicating a profound spiritual turning away from syncretism.
This word specifically refers to sacred poles or trees associated with the worship of Asherah, a prominent Canaanite fertility goddess. These "groves" were often erected alongside altars and were a significant source of spiritual corruption in Israel, explicitly forbidden by God's law (e.g., Deuteronomy 16:21). The rejection of these groves is a direct repudiation of Canaanite religious practices.
Derived from the word for "sun," chammân refers to sun-pillars, incense altars, or other cultic objects associated with sun worship or other pagan deities. These were often used in conjunction with Asherah poles and altars, representing another facet of the idolatrous practices prevalent in Israel. To no longer "respect" these images means to divest them of all perceived power and reverence.
Verse Breakdown
"And he shall not look to the altars"
This clause signifies a decisive turning away from pagan worship. "Looking to" (from H8159, shâʻâh) implies seeking help, guidance, or favor from these altars, which were centers for sacrifices to false gods. The cessation of this "looking" indicates a rejection of the entire system of idolatrous devotion, a shift from reliance on human constructs to reliance on God.
"the work of his hands"
This phrase immediately follows "altars" and serves as a descriptive identifier for all the objects of idolatry mentioned. It emphasizes the human origin of these objects, highlighting their inherent powerlessness and the folly of worshipping something that human hands have fashioned. This directly contrasts with the divine Creator, who is not made, but makes.
"neither shall respect [that] which his fingers have made"
This parallels the first clause, reinforcing the complete abandonment of idolatry. "Respect" (from H7200, râʼâh) here means to regard with reverence, to venerate, or to give attention to. The repetition of "his fingers have made" further underscores the man-made, and thus impotent, nature of the idols. It implies a comprehensive disavowal of all human-contrived religious objects and practices, a complete disengagement of the heart and mind.
"either the groves, or the images"
These specific examples clarify the types of idolatrous objects being rejected. "Groves" (Asherah poles) and "images" (sun-pillars/incense altars) were prominent symbols of Canaanite and other pagan worship that had infiltrated Israelite religion. Their explicit mention underscores the depth of the spiritual cleansing prophesied, indicating a comprehensive rejection of all forms of syncretism.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 17:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking clarity. Parallelism is evident in the symmetrical structure of the verse, where "he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands" is mirrored by "neither shall respect that which his fingers have made." This repetition emphasizes the thoroughness and totality of the anticipated repentance. Metonymy is present in "the work of his hands" and "that which his fingers have made," where the instruments of creation (hands, fingers) stand in for the human agents themselves, highlighting human responsibility for the idols and their own spiritual folly. The phrase also functions as a form of Synecdoche, where "hands" and "fingers" represent the entire human effort, ingenuity, and misplaced devotion invested in creating these false gods. Furthermore, there is a strong Contrast established between the impotent, man-made idols and the implied power and sovereignty of the true God, whom the people will turn to in the preceding verse. The idols are presented as mere objects, devoid of life or efficacy, a stark comparison to the living God who alone can deliver and sustain.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 17:8 powerfully articulates a core biblical truth: true worship is exclusive worship of the one true God, and idolatry, in any form, is an affront to His sovereignty. The verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even using severe judgment as a means to purify them and draw them back to Himself. It underscores the inherent futility and spiritual blindness of worshipping anything created by human hands or imagination, whether physical idols or modern-day substitutes for God's rightful place in our lives. The turning away from these false objects is not merely a behavioral change but a profound reorientation of the heart, recognizing God as the sole source of life, security, and salvation. This prophetic promise of repentance and restoration, even amidst judgment, speaks to God's ultimate desire for His people's spiritual flourishing and His redemptive purpose in all circumstances.
Reflection and Application
While the immediate context of Isaiah 17:8 addresses the physical altars, groves, and images of ancient pagan worship, its underlying principle resonates deeply in contemporary life. Modern idolatry often takes more subtle, yet equally destructive, forms. Anything that occupies the supreme place in our hearts and lives, anything we trust in more than God for our security, identity, or happiness, can become an idol. This might include wealth, career success, relationships, personal achievements, physical appearance, political ideologies, or even self-reliance. This verse challenges us to a rigorous self-examination: What are the "works of our hands" that we "look to" or "respect" more than the Creator? When trials come, do we instinctively turn to our own resources, man-made solutions, or fleeting comforts, or do we truly lean into the sovereign God? God's judgment, whether personal hardship or societal upheaval, can serve as a divine catalyst, stripping away our false dependencies and revealing the emptiness of anything that is not Him. Just as the desolation caused Israel to abandon their idols, so too can our difficulties refine our faith and draw us into a more profound, unadulterated relationship with the Lord, reminding us that true worship and lasting security are found only in Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who is "he" in Isaiah 17:8, and why is this significant?
The "he" in Isaiah 17:8 refers to the individual inhabitants of Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel), specifically those who survive the prophesied judgment. This is significant because it indicates a personal, internal transformation rather than merely a national policy change. After enduring the severe discipline foretold in the preceding verses of Isaiah 17, the survivors will individually and collectively turn away from their long-held idolatrous practices. This shift from corporate judgment to individual repentance highlights God's redemptive purpose: to bring His people to a place of genuine faith and exclusive devotion to Him, as also seen in Hosea 14:1-3.
What exactly were "groves" and "images" in the context of ancient Israelite worship?
In the context of ancient Israel, "groves" (Hebrew: ʼăshêrâh') were sacred poles or wooden cult objects dedicated to Asherah, a prominent Canaanite fertility goddess. These were often erected near altars and were central to pagan worship practices that Israel adopted despite God's prohibitions (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:2-3). "Images" (Hebrew: chammân') were likely sun-pillars or incense altars, often associated with sun worship or other astral cults prevalent in the ancient Near East. Both terms represent specific forms of idolatry that deeply corrupted Israel's worship of Yahweh, and their abandonment signifies a comprehensive rejection of syncretism and a return to pure monotheism.
How does the emphasis on "the work of his hands" and "fingers have made" contribute to the verse's message?
The repeated phrase "the work of his hands" and "which his fingers have made" is a powerful rhetorical device emphasizing the human origin and, therefore, the inherent powerlessness and futility of the idols. It underscores that these objects are not divine beings but mere artifacts crafted by human effort. This directly contrasts with the true God, who is the Creator of all things and is not made by human hands. By highlighting the human manufacture of these idols, the prophet exposes the absurdity of worshipping something that is itself created, reinforcing the call to turn to the uncreated, omnipotent God. This theme is echoed throughout the Old Testament, for instance, in Psalm 135:15-18.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 17:8, with its prophecy of abandoning man-made idols, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's relentless condemnation of idolatry points to humanity's deep-seated tendency to worship created things rather than the Creator. In Christ, this fundamental spiritual problem is addressed. He is the true object of worship, the very image of the invisible God, who perfectly reveals the Father. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides the means for humanity to be cleansed from the defilement of idolatry—whether overt paganism or the more subtle idols of the heart like greed, which Paul explicitly calls idolatry (Colossians 3:5). The turning away from "the work of his hands" in Isaiah is fulfilled in the New Covenant by turning to Christ, the one whose hands were pierced for our salvation, and whose finished work on the cross frees us from the bondage of sin and false worship. He is the reality to which all the shadows of the Old Testament pointed, enabling true worship "in spirit and truth", where no human-made object or concept can stand between the believer and God. In Him, we find the ultimate satisfaction and security that no idol, however crafted or revered, could ever provide, fulfilling the longing for a genuine relationship with the Holy One of Israel.