When a husband or wife are cheated on by their spouse for another man or woman, there is great hurt at how their spouse prefers this other person. In Isaiah the Lord is protesting at how there has been spiritual adultery committed by His people with false gods.

The false gods such as Bel and Nebo of the Babylonians (v1), have to be carried around by animals and they cannot save those who worship them (v2). The Lord by contrast loves and cares for the people He has created right into their old age (v3-4). Also, the Lord has no equal (v5) whereas these idols have had to be made (v6).

A man having the most beautiful woman in the world in regards her looks and personality, to then reject her for an ugly and cruel woman, is nowhere near as shocking as when God’s people reject Him for idols.

God’s people have lost sight of His greatness (v8-11). The ‘bird of prey from the east’ (11), is likely the future King Cyrus who the Lord would raise up to deliver His people. The people of God were failing to grasp what the Lord in His power is able to do and they need to repent (v12-13).

What are the idols you worship and rely on before the Lord?