Yahweh’s image
Ancient temples were houses for the gods, represented by images. That is what Isaiah is talking about when he describes idolaters carrying their gold images, setting them in place, standing them up, and bowing to them (46:5-7).
Yahweh too brings something to His House. Isaiah 46:13 pictures Yahweh as a worshiper ascending to Zion with a gift for the house. What He sets up on Zion is His own righteousness, salvation, and His glory. Those are His contributions to the service of His house, the “image” to which Israel prostrates himself.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
In Medias Res
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