Isaiah 2:20

KJV

In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made [each one] for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} a man {H120} shall cast {H7993} his idols {H457} of silver {H3701}, and his idols {H457} of gold {H2091}, which they made each one for himself {H6213} to worship {H7812}, to the moles {H2661}{H6512} and to the bats {H5847};

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day a man will take hold of his idols of silver and idols of gold, which they made for themselves to worship, and fling them away to the moles and bats!

Berean Standard Bible

In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold— the idols they made to worship.

American Standard Version

In that day men shall cast away their idols of silver, and their idols of gold, which have been made for them to worship, to the moles and to the bats;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 2:20 vividly portrays a future prophetic scene where humanity, profoundly humbled by divine judgment and the manifest glory of God, will utterly repudiate their self-made idols. This act of casting away objects fashioned from silver and gold into the most contemptible and desolate places—the burrows of moles and the haunts of bats—symbolizes a profound recognition of the worthlessness of false worship and a desperate turning from all human pride and misplaced reliance to the exclusive exaltation of the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 2:20 is strategically positioned within a powerful prophetic oracle concerning "the Day of the Lord," a central and recurring theme throughout Isaiah's prophecy. The chapter commences with a glorious vision of Zion's future exaltation, where all nations will stream to Jerusalem for divine instruction and peace, as described in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Exaltation of Zion and Universal Peace"). However, this hopeful vision swiftly transitions to a stern warning about God's impending judgment on human pride, pervasive idolatry, and self-sufficiency. Verses 6-19 meticulously detail the various manifestations of human arrogance—ranging from military might and abundant material wealth to artistic creations—all of which will be brought low and shattered in "that day." Verse 20, therefore, serves as a climactic and poignant depiction of the ultimate consequence of this divine humbling: the complete and contemptuous abandonment of the idols that once represented human trust and security, now exposed as utterly futile in the face of God's overwhelming presence. The chapter concludes with a rhetorical question in [Isaiah 2:22](/isaiah/2-22 "Isaiah 2:22 - Cease from Man") that underscores the absolute vanity of trusting in mere mortals.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel, much like its surrounding nations, was perpetually vulnerable to the pervasive and alluring practice of idolatry. Despite the unequivocal prohibitions articulated in the Mosaic Law, particularly the [second commandment](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - Prohibition Against Idols"), the Israelites frequently succumbed to the temptation of adopting the worship of foreign deities (such as Baal and Asherah) and fashioning their own images from precious metals like silver and gold. These idols were often perceived as tangible representations of divine power, fertility, or protection, and their construction from valuable materials signified their perceived worth and the profound devotion of their worshippers. The act of casting them "to the moles and to the bats" is deeply symbolic within this specific cultural context. Moles (burrowing creatures) and bats (creatures of darkness) inhabit desolate, unclean, and forgotten places—ruins, caves, and underground tunnels. This vivid imagery powerfully conveys the ultimate contempt and utter rejection of these once-revered objects, consigning them to places of defilement, oblivion, and ignominy, far removed from any human habitation or honor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent not only in the book of Isaiah but also throughout the broader prophetic tradition. First, it highlights the **Futility of Idolatry**, demonstrating unequivocally that man-made gods, despite being fashioned from precious materials, are utterly powerless and will be discarded as worthless in the face of true divine power. Second, it underscores the **Divine Judgment and Humiliation** that accompanies "the Day of the Lord," a time when all human pride, self-exaltation, and false securities are exposed and shattered, inevitably leading to a desperate recognition of God's absolute sovereignty. Third, the dramatic act of casting away idols signifies a profound and necessary act of **Repentance and Turning Away** from false worship, representing a spiritual cleansing and a radical realignment towards the one true God. Finally, the passage powerfully reinforces the overarching theme of the **Exaltation of God Alone**, as all human constructs and pride are brought low, ensuring that "the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day," as declared in [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - God Alone Exalted").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this term refers to a period of time, whether literal (sunrise to sunset) or figurative (a defined space of time). In prophetic contexts like [Isaiah 2:20](/isaiah/2-20 "Isaiah 2:20 - Casting Away Idols"), "that day" or "the Day of the Lord" often signifies a specific, decisive period of divine intervention, judgment, or revelation, marking a significant turning point in history or eschatology.
* **idols (Hebrew, _ʼĕlîyl'_):** Apparently from a root meaning "good for nothing," this word specifically denotes an idol, implying something vain, worthless, or of no value. The use of this term emphasizes the inherent emptiness and impotence of these man-made objects, standing in stark contrast to the true power and nature of God.
* **cast (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to throw out, down, or away." This verb conveys a forceful, decisive, and often violent action of rejection and abandonment. It is not a gentle setting aside, but a contemptuous discarding, indicative of utter finality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold":** This opening clause sets the scene for a dramatic, future eschatological event. "That day" refers to the Day of the Lord, a time of divine reckoning and revelation. The "man" represents humanity in general, or perhaps specifically the people of Israel who have engaged in pervasive idolatry. The act of "casting" (Hebrew: _shâlak_) signifies a forceful and complete rejection. The idols, specified as being made of "silver" and "gold," highlight the irony that what was once precious, revered, and a source of perceived security will now be utterly despised and discarded.
* **"which they made each one for himself to worship":** This crucial phrase emphasizes the human origin and self-serving nature of idolatry. These are not gods given by divine revelation, but objects "made" (Hebrew: _ʻâsâh_) by human hands. The phrase "each one for himself to worship" (Hebrew: _shâchâh_, meaning "to prostrate in homage") underscores the personal investment, devotion, and misplaced trust given to these false deities, making their subsequent rejection all the more profound. It powerfully highlights the self-deception inherent in creating and worshipping gods of one's own making.
* **"to the moles and to the bats;":** This concluding phrase provides the vivid and striking imagery of the idols' ignominious destination. Moles (Hebrew: _chăphôr_ or _pêrâh_) and bats (Hebrew: _ʻăṭallêph_) are creatures intrinsically associated with darkness, desolation, and ritual uncleanness, dwelling in ruins, caves, or underground burrows. Throwing the idols to them signifies the ultimate degradation and contempt. It implies that these once-honored objects are now considered utterly worthless, fit only for the most ignoble, defiled, and forgotten places, symbolizing their complete abandonment and the absolute end of their perceived power or influence over humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 2:20 is profoundly rich in **Symbolism**, employing the tangible act of discarding idols to represent a deep spiritual transformation. The "idols of silver and gold" symbolize all forms of human pride, self-reliance, and any false objects of worship that usurp God's rightful place, while "moles and bats" symbolize places of darkness, decay, defilement, and utter contempt, signifying the complete rejection and worthlessness of these idols. The passage also employs powerful **Irony**, as precious metals once used to craft revered deities are now thrown to creatures of the earth and darkness, highlighting the ultimate futility and absurdity of human-made gods. The verse functions as a vivid **Prophetic Vision**, painting a compelling picture of a future reality where divine judgment leads to radical repentance and spiritual reorientation. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** between the former reverence and perceived value of these idols and their future ignominious disposal, emphasizing the stark difference between human valuation and divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 2:20 powerfully articulates the foundational biblical truth that true worship belongs exclusively to God, and any deviation into idolatry—whether manifested in physical images or abstract concepts—is an affront to His sovereignty and an exercise in absolute futility. The verse underscores the eschatological reality of "the Day of the Lord," a recurring theme in prophetic literature where God intervenes decisively in human history to humble the proud, expose sin, and establish His righteous reign. This divine humbling process inevitably leads to the exposure of false securities and misplaced allegiances, prompting a radical reorientation of allegiance. The dramatic act of casting away idols is a tangible expression of profound repentance, a turning from self-reliance and misplaced trust to an unreserved recognition of God's singular glory and supreme power. It serves as a timeless and potent reminder that anything elevated above God in our lives ultimately proves to be worthless and will be discarded in the illuminating light of His truth.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence and Folly of Idols") – This psalm vividly describes the utter powerlessness and inherent folly of idols, emphasizing their inability to see, hear, speak, or act, mirroring Isaiah's profound critique.
* [1 Thessalonians 1:9](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9 - Turning from Idols to Serve the Living God") – Paul commends the Thessalonians for their genuine conversion, specifically noting how they "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God," illustrating the practical outworking of Isaiah's prophecy.
* [Romans 1:22-23](/romans/1-22-23 "Romans 1:22-23 - The Exchange of God's Glory for Corruptible Images") – Paul explains humanity's spiritual decline, where people "exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles," highlighting the universal perversion of worship that Isaiah condemns.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While contemporary society may not commonly engage in the physical worship of silver and gold statues, the profound principle of idolatry articulated in [Isaiah 2:20](/isaiah/2-20 "Isaiah 2:20 - Renunciation of Idols") remains profoundly relevant and deeply challenging for every individual. An "idol" in modern terms is anything that occupies the place of ultimate allegiance, trust, affection, or source of identity that rightfully belongs to God alone. This can manifest in myriad forms: an excessive pursuit of wealth, career success, social status, personal comfort, intellectual achievement, relationships, or even an inflated self-image and unyielding personal opinions. The prophetic image of casting away idols to moles and bats serves as a stark and urgent call to spiritual introspection: What are the "idols" in our own lives that we cling to for security, identity, or satisfaction, rather than placing our complete trust in God? The verse challenges us to recognize the ultimate emptiness, futility, and spiritual danger of these false gods, urging us to proactively, decisively, and contemptuously "cast them away" from the innermost recesses of our hearts and lives. This radical act of spiritual abandonment is not merely a renunciation of sin, but a profound and transformative reorientation of our entire being towards the exclusive worship and devoted service of the one true God, acknowledging His supreme worth, absolute authority, and singular glory above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" in my life—whether tangible possessions, intangible pursuits, or deeply held beliefs—that compete for God's rightful place of ultimate devotion and trust?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I tend to rely more on human effort, material possessions, personal achievements, or external validation than on God's sovereign provision and guidance?**
* **What practical, concrete steps can I take to decisively "cast away" these modern idols, demonstrating a deeper, more exclusive commitment to God alone?**
* **How does the vivid imagery of idols being thrown to "moles and bats" challenge my perception of what is truly valuable, enduring, and worthy of my ultimate allegiance?**

### FAQ
**What is meant by "In that day" in Isaiah 2:20?**

Answer: "In that day" (Hebrew: _bāyōm hahūʼ_) is a recurring and significant prophetic phrase found throughout the Old Testament, particularly prominent in the book of Isaiah. It refers to a specific, future period of decisive divine intervention. Often synonymous with "the Day of the Lord," this phrase can encompass both aspects of judgment and salvation. In the immediate context of [Isaiah 2](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - The Day of the Lord"), it primarily signifies a time of God's definitive judgment upon human pride, pervasive idolatry, and all that exalts itself against Him. It is a time when God's glory will be fully and undeniably revealed, humbling all human arrogance and firmly establishing His ultimate sovereignty.

**Why are the idols cast "to the moles and to the bats"?**

Answer: This imagery is profoundly symbolic and conveys extreme contempt, utter defilement, and complete abandonment. Moles (burrowing creatures) and bats (creatures of darkness) are associated with desolate, unclean, and forgotten places such as ruins, caves, and underground burrows. By casting the idols to these creatures and their habitats, the prophet emphatically emphasizes that these once-revered objects are now considered utterly worthless, defiled, and fit only for the most ignoble and despised locations. It signifies a complete and final rejection of false gods, consigning them to oblivion, far from any place of honor or human habitation. This act powerfully underscores the futility and spiritual emptiness of idolatry in the face of God's manifest presence and impending judgment.

**Is idolatry still relevant in modern society, even without physical statues?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the direct worship of physical statues made of silver and gold may be less common in many contemporary societies, the underlying principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant and pervasive. Biblically, an idol is anything that takes the place of God in our hearts, minds, or lives—anything we trust in, serve, or derive our ultimate identity, security, and satisfaction from, more than God. This can include money, career, relationships, power, comfort, material possessions, social media, personal achievements, or even our own opinions and self-image. [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Idolatry as Greed") explicitly links greed with idolatry, demonstrating how even abstract desires can become controlling forces that usurp God's rightful place. [Isaiah 2:20](/isaiah/2-20 "Isaiah 2:20 - Casting Away Idols") serves as a timeless warning against any misplaced trust or allegiance that detracts from the exclusive worship of the one true God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 2:20, with its vivid depiction of the casting away of idols in "that day," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest redemptive meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "Day of the Lord" that Isaiah prophesies, a time of divine judgment and the humbling of all human pride and false worship, is inaugurated in a profound way through Christ's first coming and will be consummated at His glorious return. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, Jesus exposed the utter futility of all human attempts at self-salvation and false worship. He is the true and living God, the only one truly worthy of worship, replacing all false gods and idols with His own glorious reality. The casting away of idols in [Isaiah 2:20](/isaiah/2-20 "Isaiah 2:20 - Renunciation of Idols") powerfully foreshadows the spiritual liberation accomplished by Christ, who frees humanity from the bondage of sin and idolatry. When we encounter Christ, the true light of the world, the darkness of our self-made gods is exposed, and we are called to turn from them to serve the living and true God, as seen in the conversion of the Thessalonians ([1 Thessalonians 1:9](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9 - Turning to God from Idols")). Jesus Himself is the ultimate and complete revelation of God's glory, before whom every knee will ultimately bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Confession")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including the pervasive sin of idolatry ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Him, the pride of humanity is truly humbled, and God alone is exalted, not primarily through a terrifying judgment that destroys, but through a saving work that redeems, transforms, and enables us to truly cast away our idols and worship Him in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 30:22

Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

Isaiah 31:7

For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you [for] a sin.

Leviticus 11:19

And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.

Hosea 14:8

¶ Ephraim [shall say], What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard [him], and observed him: I [am] like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

Isaiah 46:1

¶ Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages [were] heavy loaden; [they are] a burden to the weary [beast].