by Ester yusufu | 4 February 2021 08:46 pm02
To understand this, let’s look at Isaiah 41:7
“So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith; He who smooths with the hammer inspired him who strikes the anvil, saying, ‘It is ready for the soldering’; Then he fastened it with pegs, that it might not totter.”
The term anvil—used by metalworkers to hammer and shape metals such as gold, silver, or bronze. After melting the metal in fire to soften it, artisans would place it on the anvil and pound it into the desired form. This was an essential step in crafting images or idols.
In Isaiah 41, this process is described in the context of idol-making. The craftsman carves a wooden image, the goldsmith overlays it with metal, and then another strikes the anvil to give it its final form.
This verse is part of a larger prophetic critique of idolatry. God, through the prophet Isaiah, exposes the vain efforts of people making lifeless idols—objects that cannot speak, see, hear, save, or protect. Despite all the effort and cooperation between workers, the final product is something that must be nailed down so it won’t fall over (Isaiah 41:7). That in itself shows its powerlessness.
This theme is repeated throughout Isaiah:
“The workman molds an image, The goldsmith over spreads it with gold, And the silversmith casts silver chains.”
— Isaiah 40:19
Yet these images, however refined, cannot respond, move, or help—they are utterly powerless.
Immediately after describing the idol-makers, God turns to speak to His people, Israel, with words of comfort and assurance. He reminds them that He alone is their Creator, Redeemer, and Protector:
“But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions… Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
— Isaiah 41:8–10
God makes it clear: unlike idols, He is living, present, and faithful to His people. He promises to give them strength, uphold them, and defend them.
God’s call is for His people to turn away from man-made, powerless substitutes and instead place their full trust in Him alone.
“I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.”
— Isaiah 42:8
Just as God challenged Israel to abandon idols, He is calling us today to examine our hearts. Are there “Anvil moments” in our lives—places where we invest time, money, or effort into things that ultimately cannot save or satisfy?
The promise is this: If we let go of spiritual and physical idolatry, and turn to the living God, He will be with us, strengthen us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand.
“Fear not… I will help you,” says the LORD and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
— Isaiah 41:14
May the Lord bless you as you put your trust in Him .
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2021/02/04/what-is-a-anvil/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.