What does Isaiah 44:20 mean?
"He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?" - Isaiah 44:20
Isaiah 44:20 (KJV) reads, "He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?"
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Isaiah that addresses the folly of idolatry. In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is depicting a person who is so deluded by their own idolatry that they are unable to see the truth. They have been led astray by their own deceitful heart, and as a result, they are unable to save themselves from the consequences of their actions.
The imagery of "feeding on ashes" is particularly powerful. Ashes are the remains of something that has been burned, and they symbolize emptiness and futility. By "feeding on ashes," the individual is consuming something that is worthless and ultimately self-destructive. This can be seen as a metaphor for the emptiness of idolatry and the destructive nature of worshiping false gods. Just as ashes provide no sustenance, idols provide no real meaning or purpose in life.
The verse goes on to say that the deceived individual cannot deliver his soul or recognize the falsehood in his own actions. This speaks to the spiritual blindness that comes with idolatry. When a person becomes so consumed by their own idols, they lose sight of the truth and become trapped in a cycle of self-deception. They are unable to save themselves from the consequences of their actions because they are unable to see the error of their ways.
The phrase "Is there not a lie in my right hand?" further emphasizes the individual's inability to see the truth. The right hand is often associated with strength and authority, but in this context, it is a symbol of deceit and falsehood. The individual is so deluded by their own actions that they are unable to see the lie that they are holding onto. This highlights the power of self-deception and the devastating effects it can have on one's spiritual well-being.
The broader thematic context of this verse is the recurring theme of the folly of idolatry throughout the book of Isaiah. The prophet repeatedly condemns the worship of false gods and urges the people to turn back to the one true God. This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the spiritual blindness that comes with it. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the truth and turning away from falsehood.
Symbolically, this verse can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of being led astray by one's own desires and illusions. It serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and to seek the truth, even when it may be uncomfortable or challenging. The imagery of "feeding on ashes" and holding onto a lie in one's right hand serves as a powerful warning against the emptiness and self-deception that comes with idolatry.
In conclusion, Isaiah 44:20 (KJV) is a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the spiritual blindness it can cause. It serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of worshiping false gods and the importance of seeking the truth. This verse encourages readers to remain vigilant and to turn away from falsehood, so as to avoid the spiritual emptiness and self-deception that comes with idolatry.
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Isaiah 44:20 - "He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?"
"He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?" - Isaiah 44:20
Isaiah 44:25
isaiah 44:3
Isaiah 44:4 - "And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses."
Isaiah 44:27 - "That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:"
Isaiah 44:10 - "Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?"
Luke 20:44 - "David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?"
Judges 20:44 - "And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour."
Isaiah 44:1 - "Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:"
Psalms 44:20 - "If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;"
Isaiah 44:25 - "That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;"
Isaiah 44:18 - "They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand."
Ezekiel 44:20 - "Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads."
Isaiah 44:9 - "¶ They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed."
Jeremiah 44:20 - "¶ Then Jeremiah said unto all the people, to the men, and to the women, and to all the people which had given him that answer, saying,"
"That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:" - Isaiah 44:27
Isaiah 44:22 - "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee."
Isaiah 44:6 - "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
"And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses." - Isaiah 44:4
"Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?" - Isaiah 44:10
Isaiah 44:28 - "That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid."
"David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?" - Luke 20:44
Isaiah 44:14 - "He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it."
Isaiah 44:12 - "The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint."
"And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour." - Judges 20:44
Isaiah 44:21 - "¶ Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me."
Isaiah 44:3 - "For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:"
Isaiah 44:5 - "One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel."
Isaiah 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."