Isaiah 17:8

They will not look to the altars they have fashioned with their hands or to the Asherahs and incense altars they have made with their fingers.

Study Bible

They will not look to the altars they have fashioned with their hands
This phrase indicates a turning away from idolatry, a common theme in the prophetic books. The altars represent human attempts to create objects of worship, often in defiance of God's commandments. In the historical context, Israel and Judah frequently fell into idol worship, influenced by surrounding nations. The altars symbolize self-reliance and disobedience, as they are crafted by human hands rather than ordained by God. This turning away signifies repentance and a return to worshiping the true God, aligning with the prophetic call to abandon false gods.

or to the Asherahs and incense altars they have made with their fingers
Asherahs were wooden symbols or poles associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often placed near altars dedicated to Baal. The mention of Asherahs highlights the syncretism that plagued Israel, as they adopted pagan practices. Incense altars were used in idol worship, contrasting with the incense offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law for the worship of Yahweh. The phrase underscores the futility of idolatry, as these objects are crafted by human fingers, emphasizing their impotence compared to the living God. This turning away from Asherahs and incense altars is a prophetic call to purity and exclusive devotion to God, resonating with the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for a holy and faithful people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israel
The northern kingdom, often criticized by prophets for idolatry and turning away from God.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom, also warned by prophets, though it had periods of reform.

3. Asherah Poles
Wooden symbols associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often set up beside altars.

4. Altars
Structures built for offering sacrifices, which in this context, were made for idols rather than the worship of Yahweh.

5. Prophet Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, who conveyed God's messages to Israel and Judah, warning them of judgment and calling them to repentance.

Teaching Points

Idolatry's Futility
Idolatry is ultimately futile because it involves worshiping what is created rather than the Creator. This passage reminds us that man-made objects cannot provide salvation or true guidance.

Call to Repentance
The verse calls for a turning away from false worship and a return to God. It is a reminder that repentance involves not just turning away from sin but also turning towards God.

God's Sovereignty
The passage underscores God's sovereignty and the need for His people to rely on Him alone. It challenges us to examine our lives for anything that might take God's place.

Cultural Idols
In today's context, idols may not be physical objects but can be anything that takes precedence over God in our lives, such as money, power, or status.

Faithfulness in Worship
True worship involves a heart fully devoted to God, free from the distractions and deceptions of idolatry.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "altars" or "idols" that people might be tempted to rely on instead of God?

2. How does the call to repentance in Isaiah 17:8 relate to the New Testament teachings on repentance and faith?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains focused on God and not on man-made traditions or objects?

4. How can the example of King Hezekiah's reforms inspire us to remove "idols" from our own lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you relied on something other than God for security or guidance. How did that experience shape your understanding of idolatry and faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, emphasizing that God's people should not make or worship idols.

2 Kings 18:4
King Hezekiah's reforms, where he removed high places and broke the Asherah poles, demonstrating a return to true worship.

Jeremiah 2:27-28
A rebuke of Israel for turning to idols, highlighting the futility of relying on man-made gods.

Hosea 14:3
A call to repentance, where Israel acknowledges that idols cannot save them.

1 Corinthians 10:14
An exhortation to flee from idolatry, relevant for Christians in maintaining faithfulness to God.