44:11 Behold, all his {q} fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they [are] of men: let them all be gathered together, let them {r} stand up; [yet] they shall fear, [and] they shall be ashamed together.
(q) That is, who in any way consent either to the making or worshipping.
(r) Signifying, that the multitude will not then save the idolaters, when God will take vengeance, although they excuse themselves by it among men.
44:11 Men - They are of mankind, and therefore cannot possibly make a god. Together - Tho' all combine together, they shall be filled with fear and confusion, when God shall plead his cause against them.
44:9-20 Image-making is described, to expose the folly of idolaters. Though a man had used part of a log for fuel, he fell down before an image made of the remainder, praying it to deliver him. Man greatly dishonours God, when he represents him after the image of man. Satan blinds the eyes of unbelievers, causing absurd reasonings in matters of religion. Whether men seek happiness in worldly things, or run into unbelief, superstition, or any false system, they feed on ashes. A heart deceived by pride, love of sin, and departure from God, turns men aside from his holy truth and worship. While the affections are depraved, a man holds fast the lie as his best treasure. Are our hearts set upon the wealth of the world and its pleasures? They will certainly prove a lie. If we trust to outward professions and doings, as if those would save us, we deceive ourselves. Self-suspicion is the first step towards self-deliverance. He that would deliver his soul, must question his conscience, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
