46:1 46:1

Isaiah 46:2

46:3 46:3

Bible Versions

They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.
They stoop {H7164}, they bow down {H3766} together {H3162}; they could {H3201} not deliver {H4422} the burden {H4853}, but themselves {H5315} are gone {H1980} into captivity {H7628}.
They stoop and bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.
The gods cower; they crouch together, unable to relieve the burden; but they themselves go into captivity.
They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

Isaiah 46:2 (KJV) offers a vivid prophetic declaration concerning the impotence of the false gods worshipped by Babylon, contrasting their weakness with the omnipotence of the true God of Israel. This verse paints a picture of the idols themselves, along with their worshippers, being carried away into captivity, unable to save themselves or those who trust in them.

Context

This verse is part of a powerful oracle in Isaiah 46 where God challenges the pagan deities of Babylon. Following the previous verse which names specific Babylonian gods, Bel and Nebo, as "bowing down" and "stooping" under the weight of their own statues, verse 2 continues this theme. Isaiah prophesies the fall of Babylon to Persia and the subsequent liberation of Judah, emphasizing that the gods of Babylon are mere burdens to be carried, not deliverers. This passage serves as a stark contrast to God's promise to carry and deliver His people, highlighting His enduring strength versus the fragility of idols.

Key Themes

  • The Futility of Idolatry: The primary message is the absolute powerlessness of false gods. They cannot protect their devotees, nor can they even preserve themselves from capture. This underscores the foolishness of placing trust in anything other than the one true God.
  • God's Sovereignty: By demonstrating the weakness of the Babylonian gods, the passage implicitly exalts the unparalleled power and control of the God of Israel. He is the one who orchestrates history, bringing down empires and delivering His people, proving that He never faints or grows weary.
  • Judgment on False Worship: The idols themselves, objects of worship, are subject to the same judgment and captivity as their worshippers. This serves as a warning against the spiritual consequences of idolatry.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "stoop" (קָרַע - qara') and "bow down" (כָּרַע - kara') are often used to describe acts of submission or bowing under a heavy load. Here, they are applied to the physical statues of the gods, emphasizing their inability to stand upright or support themselves. The term "burden" (מַשָּׂא - massa') refers to a literal heavy load, highlighting that these gods are not divine protectors but inert objects that must be carried, eventually becoming spoils of war taken into "captivity" (שְׁבִי - shevi).

Related Scriptures

The theme of powerless idols is echoed throughout scripture. For example, Psalm 115:4-7 graphically describes idols as having mouths but not speaking, eyes but not seeing, emphasizing their lifelessness. Similarly, Jeremiah 10:5 compares them to scarecrows in a cucumber field, unable to do good or evil. This prophetic word from Isaiah stands in stark contrast to the divine command in Exodus 20:3 to have no other gods before the Lord.

Practical Application

While we may not literally bow down to statues of Bel or Nebo today, the principle of Isaiah 46:2 remains profoundly relevant. Modern "idols" can include anything we place our ultimate trust or hope in apart from God—such as wealth, career success, power, relationships, or even self-reliance. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that anything we elevate above God will ultimately prove to be a "burden" that cannot deliver us from life's challenges or provide true security. It calls us to examine our allegiances and ensure that our faith and reliance are solely on the sovereign God who alone has the power to carry, deliver, and sustain us through all circumstances.

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.

  • Jeremiah 48:7

    For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity [with] his priests and his princes together.

  • Judges 18:17

    And the five men that went to spy out the land went up, [and] came in thither, [and] took the graven image, and the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image: and the priest stood in the entering of the gate with the six hundred men [that were] appointed with weapons of war.

  • Judges 18:18

    And these went into Micah's house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image. Then said the priest unto them, What do ye?

  • Jeremiah 43:12

    And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.

  • Jeremiah 43:13

    He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.

  • 2 Samuel 5:21

    And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

  • Judges 18:24

    And he said, Ye have taken away my gods which I made, and the priest, and ye are gone away: and what have I more? and what [is] this [that] ye say unto me, What aileth thee?
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