Isaiah 2:8

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 2:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.
Isaiah 2:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Their land also is full of idols, &c.] Of the Virgin Mary, and of saints departed, whose images are set up to be worshipped in all their churches, and had in private houses: and they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made; namely, idols of gold, silver, brass, wood, and stone, (<660920>Revelation 9:20).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Hos 8:4). Not so much public idolatry, which was not sanctioned in Uzziah's and Jotham's reign, but (see Kg2 15:4, Kg2 15:35) as private.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Their land also is full of idols - compare Hosea 8:4; Hosea 10:1. Vitringa supposes that Isaiah here refers to idols that were kept in private houses, as Uzziah and Jotham were worshippers of the true God, and in their reign idolatry was not publicly practiced. It is certain, however, that though Uzziah himself did right, and was disposed to worship the true God, yet he did not effectually remove idolatry from the land. The high places were not removed, and the people still sacrificed and burned incense on them; 2 Kings 15:4. It was customary with the pagan to keep in their houses “Penates or household gods” - small images, which they regarded as “protectors,” and to which they paid homage:…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“is full: Isa 57:5; Ch2 27:2, Ch2 28:2-4, Ch2 28:23-25, Ch2 33:3-7; Jer 2:28, Jer 11:13; Eze 16:23-25; Hos 12:11; Act 17:16 worship: Isa 37:19, Isa 44:15-20; Deu 4:28; Psa 115:4-8; Hos 8:6, Hos 13:2, Hos 14:3; Rev 9:20 Isaiah 2:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification