The smith with the tongs, &c. "The smith was more or less. sacred person, and the iron foundry was an annex of heathen temples. "Mounds of scorioe and iron slag are found near many heathen temples. Note the contrast exhibited (apparently on purpose) in 1 Kings 6:7.
Related Commentaries of Isaiah 44:12
Isaiah 44:12
12 The smith with the tongsb both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.