Isaiah 42:17

They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye [are] our gods.

They shall be turned {H5472} back {H268}, they shall be greatly {H1322} ashamed {H954}, that trust {H982} in graven images {H6459}, that say {H559} to the molten images {H4541}, Ye are our gods {H430}.

Those who trust in idols, who say to statues, 'You are our gods,' will be repulsed in utter shame.

But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.

They shall be turned back, they shall be utterly put to shame, that trust in graven images, that say unto molten images, Ye are our gods.

Context of Isaiah 42:17

Isaiah chapter 42 introduces the first of the Servant Songs, prophetic passages that describe God's chosen Servant, who brings justice and light to the nations. This context highlights God's unique power and purpose, contrasting it sharply with the impotence of idols. Verse 17 serves as a stark warning to those who reject the true God in favor of man-made deities. It sets the stage for God's demonstration of His unparalleled sovereignty and the inevitable downfall of those who place their trust elsewhere.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Futility of Idolatry: The verse powerfully declares the ultimate failure and disgrace awaiting those who worship and rely on "graven images" and "molten images." The passage underscores the futility of placing trust in man-made objects, which are powerless and cannot deliver on false promises.
  • Divine Judgment and Shame: God's judgment is portrayed as a reversal of fortune ("turned back") and overwhelming public humiliation ("greatly ashamed"). This shame is the natural consequence of having misplaced trust, as their "gods" prove utterly incapable of saving them or fulfilling their claims.
  • God's Exclusive Sovereignty: By contrasting the true God with false gods, the verse implicitly emphasizes God's unique status as the only one worthy of worship and trust. This warning echoes the fundamental command against idolatry given to Israel from the very beginning.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two distinct terms for idols: "graven images" (Hebrew: pesilim - פסילים), referring to carved idols, often from wood or stone, and "molten images" (Hebrew: massekoth - מסכות), referring to idols cast from metal. This distinction covers the breadth of idolatrous practices in ancient times. The word "ashamed" (Hebrew: bosh - בוש) implies not just regret, but deep humiliation and confusion as one's misplaced confidence is exposed.

Practical Application

While physical idol worship may be less common in many modern societies, the principle of Isaiah 42:17 remains profoundly relevant. Any object, ideology, pursuit, or even self-reliance that takes the place of God in our lives can become a "modern idol." This includes an excessive trust in wealth, power, status, technology, or even human intellect. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and ask where our ultimate trust and allegiance truly lie. When we place our hope in anything other than the living God, we are ultimately set up for disappointment, emptiness, and a spiritual "shame" when these false gods fail to deliver true fulfillment or salvation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 97:7

    Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.

  • Isaiah 1:29

    For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

  • Isaiah 44:11

    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.

  • Isaiah 45:16

    They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together [that are] makers of idols.

  • Isaiah 45:17

    [But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

  • Isaiah 44:17

    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.

  • Exodus 32:8

    They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

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