Isaiah 41:23 - Exposition

Yea, do good, or do evil . Here the proof required of the idol-gods is changed. If they cannot prophesy, can they effect anything? Can they do either good or harm? Let them show this. It is a plain "abatement" from the first demand, and therefore properly introduced by "yea" ( aph ); comp. 1 Kings 8:27 . That we may be dismayed ; i.e. rather, perhaps, that we may look to it , or examine it; i.e. see if yon have really shown a power of doing anything.