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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 44 - Verse 17

44:17
And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.

Meaning

In this verse, the concept of idol worship is explored, highlighting how people can create gods from their own creations. The residue, or excess material, is fashioned into a graven image, which the person then proceeds to worship and pray to as if it were a divine being. This act symbolizes the human tendency to place trust and faith in objects or symbols that are not truly deserving of worship. The verse serves as a cautionary reminder about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of recognizing and worshiping the one true God. It emphasizes the futility of putting faith in man-made idols, which have no power to deliver or save.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the concept of idolatry is highlighted, specifically referring to the creation of graven images to worship as gods. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals the danger of placing trust and devotion in man-made constructs rather than in the one true God. The term "residue" emphasizes that even the leftover materials are used to fashion a god, symbolizing the futility and emptiness of idol worship. The act of falling down, worshipping, and praying to these idols signifies a misguided belief in their power to deliver and provide salvation. By addressing the graven image as "my god," the individual demonstrates a misplaced faith in the abilities of the idol. This verse serves as a strong warning against the sin of idolatry and the importance of worshiping the Creator rather than the creation. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the nuances of terms like "graven image" to understand the significance of this form of idol worship in biblical context.

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