God had a grand picture for Israel. They had been trusting in their idols, but they would trust in Him one day - in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 41:14 is a key verse: "Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you," declares the LORD, "and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel." Why did he call Israel a worm? Psalm 22:6 says of Christ: "But I am a worm and not a man, A reproach of men and despised by the people." The term "worm" even described our King at one point. This is not a term describing the nations WORTH in the eyes of the Lord but its LOWLINESS. We used to sing, "Alas, and did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?" Someone changed it to "such a one as I." I think the first version is appropriate.
Starting in verse 21, we see God challenged the idols.
21 - Defend yourself, idols! What will you say for yourselves?
22 - Tell us the future. What is coming?
23 - Do good or evil. Just do SOMETHING so we know you are gods.
24 - Conclusion: You are of no account.
29 - "Behold, all of them are false; Their works are worthless, Their molten images are wind and emptiness.
So we know if any worship is directed away from the one true and living God it is also false, worthless, and empty. Let us put our trust in the Holy One of Israel!
Nathan