Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 41:29

"Behold, all of them, their works are vanity [and] nought; their molten images are wind and confusion." — Isaiah 41:29 (ASV)

Behold, they are all vanity - They are unable to predict future events; they are unable to defend their friends or to injure their enemies. This is the conclusion of the trial or debate (see notes on Isaiah 41:1), and that conclusion is that they were completely lacking strength and were entirely unworthy of trust and respect.

Their molten images - (See the note on Isaiah 40:19).

Are wind - They have no solidity or power. The doctrine of the whole chapter is that trust should be placed in God, and in Him alone. He is the friend of His people, and He is able to protect them. He will deliver them from the hand of all their enemies, and He will always be their God, protector, and guide. The idols of the pagan have no power, and it is folly, as well as sin, to trust in them or to suppose that they can aid their friend.

It may also be added that it is equally vain to trust in any being for salvation but God. He alone is able to protect and defend us, and it is a source of unspeakable consolation now, as it was in the past, that He is the friend of His people; and that, in times of deepest darkness and distress, He can raise up deliverers, as He did Cyrus, and will in His own way and time rescue His people from all their calamities.