Old Testament
Isaiah 37:19
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They threw their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men's hands, made of wood and stone. Therefore, they destroyed them.
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And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.
What Isaiah 37:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 37:19, the verse highlights the futility of idol worship. It emphasizes that the idols, made by human hands from materials like wood and stone, are not true gods. The people who worshipped these idols realized their error and destroyed them, recognizing that these objects had no power or divinity. This act symbolizes a rejection of false beliefs and a return to the worship of the true God. The verse serves as a reminder that anything created by humans cannot compare to the divine nature of God. It calls into question the value of placing trust in material things rather than in the Creator. The destruction of these idols signifies a turning point for the people, encouraging them to seek a genuine relationship with God rather than relying on lifeless objects.
How to apply Isaiah 37:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine what we place our trust in. Are there 'idols' in our lives—things we rely on instead of God? By identifying and removing these distractions, we can strengthen our faith and focus on a true relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: The LORD Defends Jerusalem (Isaiah 37:1–38)
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Isaiah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 37:19 mean?
Isaiah 37:19 emphasizes that idols made by human hands from materials like wood and stone are not true gods. It highlights the futility of idol worship and the realization of the people who destroyed these idols, recognizing their lack of power.
What is the significance of destroying idols in Isaiah 37:19?
The destruction of idols in Isaiah 37:19 symbolizes a rejection of false beliefs and a return to the worship of the true God. It represents a turning point for the people, encouraging them to seek a genuine relationship with God.
What does the phrase 'work of men's hands' mean in Isaiah 37:19?
The phrase 'work of men's hands' in Isaiah 37:19 refers to objects created by humans, like idols made from wood and stone. It underscores the idea that these creations lack divine power and cannot be compared to God.
How does Isaiah 37:19 relate to idolatry today?
Isaiah 37:19 serves as a reminder to examine what we trust in today. It encourages individuals to identify modern 'idols' in their lives—things that distract from a true relationship with God—and to remove them.
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