Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 44:12

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 .

First he makes the Mettal soft and pliable, by putting it among burning Coals, and then he taketh it out, and beateth it into what form he pleaseth. It must be here noted, That some of these Images were made of Brass and Iron, as others were of Gold and Silver, Dan. 5. 4.

This is mentioned; Either 1. as an Argument of the vanity of Idols, which cannot relieve their poor Workmen, when they are ready to faint away through Hunger, and Thirst, and Weariness. Or 2. as an Evidence of their great Zeal, and industry in carrying on this Work; so that they forget or neglect to eat and drink when their necessities require it. This I prefer, 1. Because it suits best with the next foregoing Clause, He worketh with the strength of his arms, i. e. fervently, and putting forth all his might in the Work. 2. Because the Prophet in this, and the next following Verses, is onely describing the mechanical part, or the matter of Images, and the art and labour of the Work-men in making them; and afterwards proceeds to the Theological consideration of the Thing, and the confutation of these Practices, as we shall see.

Marginal references: Chap. 40. 19. & 41. 6. Jer. 10. 3.; Or, with an axe.