Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.

ISAIAH 45:20KJV
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Isaiah 45:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 45:20 mean?

Isaiah 45:20 calls on people from many nations who have survived hardship to gather together and recognize the futility of worshipping idols made of wood—objects that cannot save or help them. The verse points out that those who pray to such powerless gods lack true understanding.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking on behalf of God, addressing not just Israel but people from all nations ("ye that are escaped of the nations"). The setting is a call to assemble and consider the difference between the living God and man-made idols. Isaiah highlights the emptiness of idol worship, setting the stage for God’s unique ability to save, which is a theme running through this chapter.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 45:20

  • "Escaped" (פָּלִיט, pālīt): This word refers to survivors or those who have escaped disaster. Here it emphasizes that the message is for people who have come through difficult times, not just Israelites.
  • "Wood" (עֵץ, ʿēts): The use of "wood" underlines the physical, created nature of the idols, contrasting them with the living God. It highlights how these idols are just objects, not beings with any power.
  • "Image" (פֶּסֶל, pesel): This word means a carved or graven image, usually an idol. The verse criticizes the act of setting up such images as objects of worship, pointing to their inability to respond or save.

Why Isaiah 45:20 matters

  • Isaiah 45:20 clarifies that God’s message is not limited to Israel but is extended to all nations, showing the universal scope of God’s concern and invitation.
  • The verse exposes the powerlessness of idols, which is a recurring theme in Isaiah, and sets up a contrast with God’s unique ability to save.
  • By calling people to assemble and reflect, Isaiah 45:20 prepares the reader for the following verses, where God declares His singular authority and ability to deliver.

Where else these words appear

“escaped” Hebrew H6412 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
  • Ezekiel 7:16 But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.

“image” Hebrew H6459 · used in 31 verses

  • Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
  • Judges 18:17 And the five men that went to spy out the land went up, and came in thither, and took the graven image, and the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image: and the priest stood in the entering of the gate with the six hundred men that were appointed with weapons of war.
  • Isaiah 42:17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.

“pray” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
  • Job 42:8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

“near” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Deuteronomy 25:9 Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.
  • 2 Kings 2:5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.