Isaiah 31:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For in that day {H3117} every man {H376} shall cast away {H3988} his idols {H457} of silver {H3701}, and his idols {H457} of gold {H2091}, which your own hands {H3027} have made {H6213} unto you for a sin {H2399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For on that day everyone will discard his idols of silver and idols of gold, which you made for yourselves with your own sinful hands.

Berean Standard Bible

For on that day, every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold that your own hands have sinfully made.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 31:7 delivers a potent prophetic declaration concerning a future day when the people of Judah will undergo a profound spiritual transformation, decisively renouncing the idolatry that has ensnared them. This verse anticipates a moment of national repentance where the very objects of their misplaced trust—idols crafted from precious metals by their own hands—will be utterly discarded, recognized for the sin they represent and the futility they embody in contrast to the living God. It is a vision of divine deliverance leading to genuine, heartfelt turning from false worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 31 stands as a stark warning within a larger section of Isaiah (chapters 28-33) that pronounces woes upon Judah for their spiritual rebellion and their misguided alliances. Specifically, chapter 31 directly follows chapter 30, both of which condemn Judah's decision to seek military aid from Egypt against the encroaching Assyrian empire, rather than trusting in the Lord. Isaiah repeatedly emphasizes that relying on human strength or foreign powers is a rejection of God's sovereignty and a path to destruction. Verse 7, therefore, serves as a hopeful, albeit conditional, promise of future repentance and restoration, indicating that after divine judgment and subsequent deliverance, the people will finally recognize the error of their ways and cast off the very idols that symbolize their faithlessness and reliance on human constructs. This turning is a necessary precursor to experiencing God's full blessing and protection, as seen in the subsequent promises of deliverance and peace in [Isaiah 32](/isaiah/32 "Isaiah 32 - The Reign of Righteousness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Isaiah's prophecy, the Kingdom of Judah was caught between the formidable Assyrian empire to the north and the ancient power of Egypt to the south. Assyria was a dominant force, known for its brutal military campaigns and aggressive expansion. Judah, a smaller nation, felt immense pressure to secure its survival. Culturally, idolatry was a pervasive issue throughout the ancient Near East, and Israel and Judah frequently succumbed to the temptation to worship the gods of surrounding nations, often integrating these practices with their worship of Yahweh. These idols, often fashioned from silver and gold, were seen as representations of divine power, fertility, or protection, and their creation was an act of human ingenuity and misplaced devotion. The prophet's condemnation of "idols of silver, and his idols of gold" directly addresses the tangible objects of their spiritual infidelity, which were often symbols of alliances with pagan nations or attempts to manipulate divine favor through human means, rather than through covenant faithfulness to the Lord, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema").
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes woven throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Rejection of Idolatry**, which is not merely about discarding physical objects but signifies a radical reorientation of the heart from self-reliance and false worship to exclusive devotion to the one true God. This act of "casting away" is a powerful symbol of **Repentance and Transformation**, indicating a voluntary and profound change of allegiance that stems from a newfound understanding of God's power and faithfulness, often catalyzed by divine judgment and subsequent deliverance. Implicitly, the verse also reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, as this future repentance is presented as a response to God's intervention, demonstrating that true security and salvation come only from Him, not from the "hands" of humanity or the "idols" they create. The futility of human constructs versus God's omnipotence is a recurring motif, contrasting the lifelessness of idols with the living God who alone can deliver, as highlighted in [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast away (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear." This word conveys a strong sense of rejection, disdain, and utter abandonment. It is not a gentle setting aside but a forceful, contemptuous discarding, implying a complete renunciation of something once held dear or relied upon. In this context, it signifies a decisive turning from idolatry as something loathsome and worthless.
* **idols (Hebrew, _ʼĕlîyl'_):** Apparently from the Hebrew word for "no" or "nothing," meaning "good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol." This term fundamentally describes something that is worthless, powerless, and utterly without substance or reality. It emphasizes the emptiness and futility of the objects of false worship, highlighting their inability to help, save, or provide any true benefit, contrasting sharply with the living and active God.
* **sin (Hebrew, _chêṭᵉʼ'_):** From a root meaning "to miss the mark"; a crime or its penalty. This word denotes a transgression against God's law, an offense, or the guilt and punishment associated with it. By stating that the idols were made "for a sin," the prophet underscores that the very act of creating and worshipping these objects was not merely a mistake but a direct violation of God's covenant, incurring guilt and deserving judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold":** This clause points to a specific future time ("in that day"), often a prophetic idiom for a significant period of divine intervention, judgment, or salvation. It declares a universal and decisive act ("every man shall cast away") of renunciation. The explicit mention of "idols of silver, and his idols of gold" highlights the preciousness and value that people had invested in these objects, emphasizing the depth of their misplaced devotion and the radical nature of their future repentance. The act of "casting away" implies a complete and utter rejection, a profound spiritual turning.
* **"which your own hands have made unto you [for] a sin.":** This concluding phrase powerfully exposes the origin and nature of the idolatry. The idols are not divine creations but human constructs ("which your own hands have made"). This underscores their inherent powerlessness and the folly of worshipping something created by oneself. Furthermore, the phrase "[for] a sin" (or "unto you for a sin") clarifies the inherent transgression. These idols were not merely mistaken objects of worship; their very existence and the act of their creation and veneration constituted a direct offense against God, a violation of the first and second commandments, and a source of spiritual corruption and judgment for the people.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 31:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as the verse foretells a future event ("in that day") of national repentance and spiritual cleansing. **Symbolism** is central, with "idols of silver, and his idols of gold" serving as potent symbols not only of physical objects of worship but also of any human-made reliance or false security that displaces trust in God. The precious metals highlight the perceived value and investment in these false gods, making their "casting away" even more significant. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** implied: the active, sovereign God is implicitly contrasted with the inert, man-made idols. The phrase "your own hands have made" emphasizes the futility of human effort in creating deity, setting it against the divine power that alone can deliver.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 31:7 speaks to the core theological truth that true worship belongs exclusively to God alone, and anything that usurps His rightful place becomes an idol, leading to spiritual bondage and judgment. The prophetic vision of casting away idols is a powerful testament to the transformative power of repentance, where a people, having experienced the consequences of their unfaithfulness, willingly turn from their self-made gods to embrace the Lord. This turning is not merely an external act but a profound internal reorientation, recognizing the vanity of human constructs and the absolute sufficiency of God. It underscores that God's ultimate desire is for a people wholly devoted to Him, free from the entanglements of anything that diminishes His glory or their trust in Him.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Isaiah 2:20-21](/isaiah/2-20 "Isaiah 2:20-21 - Casting Away Idols in the Day of the Lord")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical idols of silver and gold may be less prevalent in contemporary society, the spiritual principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to critically examine what occupies the throne of our hearts—what we truly rely on, derive our security from, or give our ultimate allegiance to, beyond God Himself. Modern idols can manifest as career success, financial security, social media validation, personal comfort, relationships, or even our own intellect and achievements. Isaiah 31:7 calls for a radical act of spiritual discernment and decisive repentance, urging us to identify and "cast away" anything that competes with God for our supreme affection and trust. True freedom and peace are found not in clinging to self-made securities or fleeting pleasures, but in wholeheartedly surrendering to and relying solely on the living God, who alone is worthy of all worship and able to provide lasting deliverance and fulfillment. This process of continually casting away idols is an ongoing journey of sanctification, inviting us to deeper intimacy and dependence on Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols of silver and gold" (or their modern equivalents) might I be clinging to in my own life, perhaps unknowingly, that compete with my devotion to God?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "cast away" these idols, and what practical steps can I take to reorient my trust and allegiance fully to God?**
* **How does the understanding that these idols are "made by my own hands" challenge my self-sufficiency and invite me to greater dependence on divine grace?**

### FAQ
**What does "in that day" refer to in this prophetic context?**

Answer: "In that day" (Hebrew, _yôwm_) is a common prophetic idiom in the Old Testament. It doesn't necessarily refer to a single 24-hour period but rather to a significant, decisive period of time when God intervenes in human history. In Isaiah, it often points to a future time of divine judgment, followed by purification and restoration. For Judah, it would encompass the Assyrian invasion, the subsequent deliverance by God, and the spiritual awakening that would lead them to abandon their idolatrous practices. It is a time when God's character and power are unmistakably revealed, leading to a profound shift in human response, as also seen in prophecies concerning the "Day of the Lord" in [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Great and Awesome Day of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 31:7, with its call to cast away idols made by human hands, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's struggle against physical idolatry foreshadows humanity's deeper spiritual idolatry—the tendency to rely on self, human systems, or anything other than God for salvation and meaning. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), confronts the root of all idolatry: sin itself. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He provides the means for true repentance and the power to break free from the bondage of anything that enslaves us, whether it be literal idols, the pursuit of wealth, or the worship of self. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, empowers believers through the Holy Spirit to turn from the "futile ways inherited from your forefathers" ([1 Peter 1:18](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")) and to serve the living and true God, awaiting [His Son from heaven](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning to God from Idols"). In Christ, the "casting away" of idols becomes a daily reality for believers, as we are called to put off the old self with its sinful practices and put on the new self, created in righteousness and holiness ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New")). He is not merely a deliverer from external threats but the very one who delivers us from the idolatry of our own hearts, leading us into true worship and eternal life.

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 2:20

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;

Ezekiel 36:25

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Deuteronomy 7:25

The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold [that is] on them, nor take [it] unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it [is] an abomination to the LORD thy God.

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.

1 Kings 12:28

Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves [of] gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

1 Kings 12:30

And this thing became a sin: for the people went [to worship] before the one, [even] unto Dan.