Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 41:28

28. For I beheld , and there was no man , even amongst them, and there was no counseller , that when I asked of them, could answer a word .

Heb. And I beheld, I looked about me to see if I could find any of them that could certainly, and of themselves foretell such future events.

Not any, to wit, of the idols; for the word Man is sometimes used by the Hebrews of brute creatures, and even of lifeless things, as Isa. 34. 15. and 40. 26. and elsewhere.

Though these Idols were oft consulted, and by the help of the Devil did sometimes deliver Oracles, yet none of them were able to give any solid and certain advice concerning future things.

When I tried their divinity by this character, they had nothing to say for themselves.

Marginal references: Heb. return.