Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:12
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
The smith with the tongs, &c.] Or, “the worker of iron”f853; the blacksmith, who had a concern in making of idols, for some were made of iron, (<270504>Daniel 5:4), or in making plates to cover them, or nails to fasten them with, or instruments which the carpenter made use of in cutting down trees, and fitting the wood for an image; such as the axe or hatchet, or plane, and which some think is here meant, by the word translated “tongs”, but is rendered an “axe”, (<241003>Jeremiah 10:3) and is used for that, or an hatchet, or a plane, by the Misnicf854 writers; so the Targum renders it, “the smith out of iron makes an axe or hatchet:” “both worketh in the coals”; he puts his iron in the coals, and blows upon them, and so makes it soft and malleable, and then takes it out: and fashioneth it with hammers: beats it with hammers upon the anvil, and puts it into what form he pleases: and worketh it with the strength of his arms; uses his utmost strength to bring it into a form he is desirous of: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint; he works at it with all his might and main, is earnest at it, and is eagerly desirous of finishing his work; he works till he is hungry and thirsty, and for want of food is ready to faint and sink; and yet will not give himself time to eat and drink, being so intent upon his work: or the sense is, though he is hungry and thirsty, and faints for want of provisions, yet the god he is making, or has made, cannot supply him with any: this is said to expose the folly of idol making, and of idol worship.
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