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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 40:20

The distinguishing love of God. "He calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might "for that he is strong in power." The infinitude of God is no argument at all against his observance of the individual and the minute; rightly regarded, it is a strong inference in favour of it. Because he is infinite in wisdom he compasses all that is most vast and extensive; and for the same reason , "by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power"—he has a perfect mastery over... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 40:20

He that is so impoverished - So poor. So it is generally supposed that the word used here is to be understood, though interpreters have not been entirely agreed in regard to its signification. The Septuagint renders the phrase, ‘The carpenter chooseth a sound piece of wood.’ The Chaldee. ‘He cuts down an ash, a tree which will not rot.’ Vulgate, ‘Perhaps he chooses a tree which is incorruptible.’ Jarchi renders it, ‘He who is accustomed to examine, and to judge between the wood which is... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 40:19-20

Isaiah 40:19-20. The workman melteth a graven image He melteth some base metal into a mould which giveth it the form of an image, which afterward is graven or carved to make it the more exact and pleasing likeness of some creature. Thus the image owes all its excellence to the earth for the matter of it, and to the art of man for the fashion of it. The goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold Beaten out into leaves or plates; and casteth silver chains For ornaments; or rather, for use, to... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 40:12-31

Israel’s incomparable God (40:12-31)Should any doubt God’s ability to re-establish Israel in its homeland, the psalm of praise that follows drives away those doubts. God is the great Creator; the universe appears insignificant compared with him. He does whatever he wants, without any help or advice from his creatures (12-14). Israel has no need to fear Babylon or any other ruling power, for nations also are insignificant and powerless before him (15-17). How absurd, therefore, for people to... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 40:20

chooseth. See note on Isaiah 1:29 . prepare = construct. See note on "the smith", &c., Isaiah 44:12 . graven = carved. Same word, but made by cutting. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Isaiah 40:18-26

Isaiah 40:18-26. To whom then will ye liken God?— To whom, &c. or what resemblance will ye contrive for him? Isaiah 40:19. The workman casts an image; and the goldsmith overlays it with gold, and worketh silver chains: Isaiah 40:20. He who is thrifty in his oblation, chooses wood that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare him an image which will not start. Latter end of Isaiah 40:21. Have ye not considered the foundations of the earth? Isaiah 40:22. Him that... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 40:20

20. impoverished—literally, "sunk" in circumstances. no oblation—he who cannot afford to overlay his idol with gold and silver ( :-). tree . . . not rot—the cedar, cypress, oak, or ash ( :-). graven—of wood; not a molten one of metal. not be moved—that shall be durable. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 40:12-26

The incomparable Lord 40:12-26The preceding section answered the question that the people of Isaiah’s day had about God’s desire to deliver them. Yes, He wanted to deliver them. This section answered their question about whether He could save them. Yes, He could save them. Isaiah used the doctrine of God to assure the Judahites of their security and of God’s faithfulness. He is the sole Creator, and He is infinitely greater than the created world. The passage has two parts (Isaiah 40:12-26),... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 40:19-20

How ridiculous, then, it is to practice idolatry (cf. Isaiah 41:6-7; Isaiah 44:9-20; Isaiah 46:5-7). Idols were likenesses of gods, but Yahweh is beyond compare. The value of an idol depended on the financial condition of the devotee. Idols are less impressive than the metals that people use to make them and less strong than the trees from which they fashion them. The best idols are immobile; they will not topple over (cf. 1 Samuel 5:2-5). But the living God is active in life, not just a... read more

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