Habakkuk 2:19

"“What value does the engraved image have, that its maker has engraved it; the molten image, even the teacher of lies, that he who fashions its form trusts in it, to make mute idols?"

Key Reflection

Habakkuk 2:19 critiques the futile nature of idolatry, asserting that engraved and molten images are worthless; they serve only as tools for deception, reflecting the maker's own lies rather than divine truth. Trusting in these idols is ultimately an exercise in futility, as they cannot provide any genuine spiritual or moral guidance.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

But then the greater is the “Woe” to him who deceiveth by them. The prophet passes away from the idols as “nothings” and pronounces “woe” on those who deceive by them. He . first expostulates with them on their folly, and would awaken them. “What hath it profited?” (As inPsalms 115:5;1 Corinthians 12:2) Then on the obstinate he denounces “woe.” “Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise.” Self-made blindness alone could, in the light of truth, so speak; but yet more lies in the emphatic word, “It.” The personal pronoun stands emphatically in Hebrew; He shall teach, lo, He (this same of whom he speaks) this is It which shall teach: It, and not the living God.

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