This chapter, through to chapter 47:15, speaks of the fall of Babylon with her gods.
Isaiah begins by describing the nothingness of the Babylonian gods. The idols of Babylon are contrasted with the eternal God. Idolaters must carry their idols whereas the eternal God carries and delivers those who are His people.
Bel was the name of the Babylonian god, originally as the city patron of Nippur, but then as a second name for the high god, Merodach of Babylon.
Isaiah mocked Babylon by describing their gods burdening down donkeys in procession out of the city into captivity. People did not bow before them. The idols bowed down to get out of the city gates.
Similarly, Jeremiah prophesied shame coming on Bel, Jeremiah 50:2. Bel would have to spit out the nations he had swallowed up, Jeremiah 51:44.
Nebo was a place and divine name meaning, ‘height’. He was the Babylonian god of speech, writing, and water. The worship of Nebo was popular during the Neo-Babylonian era 612-539 B.C. Isaiah mocked parades featuring the idol of Nebo.
Isaiah says that their idols were nothing but a burden to the people. The idol gods couldn’t prevent themselves from going into captivity, much less save their worshipers from bondage.
God carried Israel from the very beginning, He will carry them and save them.
De Hoff, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Like an indulgent father caring for his people from the day they were born, God watched over and led His people while false gods of heathen people had to be carried about by their worshippers.’
Israel was born out of Egyptian captivity and carried by God throughout her history, Numbers 11:12. Even when the nation became old, God was still with her through her apostasy and restoration.
The negative answer, to the question, is the direct result of what precedes, a still further proof given that the idols are nothing. But the further proof is offered that idols are as follows.
1. Made from lifeless material.
2. Made by man who then subjects himself to it.
3. Carried about by man.
4. Unable to move self.
5. Unable to speak.
6. Unable to help.
In view of these things, who would dare to compare an idol with God, it’s foolish, Isaiah 40:18-20 / Isaiah 44:9-20 / 41:5-7 / Isaiah 46:1-2.
Another admonition is given to those who would imitate the heathen. These are the apostate Jews who have not yet gone all the way. They are wavering between God and idols.
Man is made in the image of God and has the ability to think. If he will use this ability, he will know that it is foolishness to worship an idol when he could be worshipping the true God.
Idols cannot predict the future and so, Israel was called upon to remember the great works which God had done in the past. The ‘bird of prey from the east’, is the symbol of the golden eagle adorned the flags of Persia. A fitting emblem for Cyrus the Great.
Another admonition is given to the hard-hearted who are not interested in righteousness. God warns them that salvation is at the door, Romans 10:6-9.
Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.
‘There are three reasons visible in these verses which are designed to inspire trust in the chosen people’.
1. They should recall the many wonders God has already performed on their behalf.
2. They should especially remember his power and ability to prophecy events before they occur.
3. They should dwell upon the fact that God has promised to deliver them from captivity.
"But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me"