The Futility of Idols

Isaiah 41

21 Set forth your case, says the Lord;
bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob.
 22 Let them bring them, and t tell us
what is to happen.
Tell us the former things, what they are,
that we may consider them,
that we may know their outcome;
or declare to us the things to come.
 23 t Tell us what is to come hereafter,
that we may know that you are gods;
u do good, or do harm,
that we may be dismayed and terrified. 1
24 Behold, v you are nothing,
and your work is less than nothing;
an abomination is he who chooses you.

25 w I stirred up one from the north, and he has come,
x from the rising of the sun, y and he shall call upon my name;
he shall trample on rulers as on mortar,
as the potter treads clay.
 26 z Who declared it from the beginning, that we might know,
and beforehand, that we might say, "He is right"?
There was none who declared it, none who proclaimed,
none who heard your words.
 27 a I was the first to say 2 to Zion, "Behold, here they are!"
and b I give to Jerusalem a herald of good news.
 28 c But when I look, there is no one;
among these there is no counselor
who, when I ask, gives an answer.
 29 d Behold, they are all a delusion;
their works are nothing;
their metal images are empty wind.

  1. Cross References
    Isaiah 41:26
    Who declared it from the beginning, that we might know, and beforehand, that we might say, "He is right"? There was none who declared it, none who proclaimed, none who heard your words.
    Isaiah 44:7
    Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen.
    Isaiah 45:21
    Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord ? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me.
    Isaiah 46:10
    Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.
  2. Cross References
    Isaiah 41:22
    Let them bring them, and tell us what is to happen. Tell us the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, that we may know their outcome; or declare to us the things to come.
  3. Cross References
    Isaiah 45:7
    I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.
  4. Cross References
    Isaiah 41:29
    Behold, they are all a delusion; their works are nothing; their metal images are empty wind.
    Psalms 115:8
    Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
    1 Corinthians 8:4
    Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one.
  5. Cross References
    Jeremiah 50:3
    For out of the north a nation has come up against her, which shall make her land a desolation, and none shall dwell in it; both man and beast shall flee away.
  6. Cross References
    Isaiah 41:2
    Who stirred up one from the east whom victory meets at every step? He gives up nations before him, so that he tramples kings underfoot; he makes them like dust with his sword, like driven stubble with his bow.
  7. Cross References
    Psalms 44:5
    Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.
  8. Cross References
    Isaiah 41:22
    Let them bring them, and tell us what is to happen. Tell us the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, that we may know their outcome; or declare to us the things to come.
  9. Cross References
    Isaiah 51:12
    I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass.
  10. Cross References
    Isaiah 40:9
    Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!
    Isaiah 52:7
    How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns.
  11. Cross References
    Isaiah 41:21 - 24
    Set forth your case, says the Lord ; bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob.
  12. Cross References
    Isaiah 41:12
    You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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