This rhetorical question means, who would be so foolish as to fashion an idol when it does not profit anyone? The whole idea of making idols seemed ridiculous to Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 40:18; Isaiah 43:7; Isaiah 43:10). [source][source][source]
"Isaiah points to the mere humanity of the craftsmen (10-11), their frailty (12) and the Prayer of Manasseh -dominated conceptions governing their theology (13)." [1][source]
Context Summary
Isaiah 44:1-11 - "besides Me There Is No God"
What gracious promises are given throughout Scripture, not only to God's children, but to their seed! Here the thirsty soul, longing for love, sympathy, God, is promised an abundant supply. See John 4:13-14; Revelation 22:17. But notice the extreme beauty of the further response, which shall be made by the young followers of our Lord:
One shall say, I am the Lord's, Isaiah 44:5. What ecstasy such a declaration causes to a parent's heart! Young friends, do not be satisfied till you have confessed Christ. Say, I am the Lord's. Another shall write on his hand, unto the Lord; that is, he shall dedicate his hand to do God's work in the world. Oh, to write a similar declaration on every member of our body! Another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord; that is, shall write these words on a blank sheet of paper, and his own name beneath them.
Again we have the conflict with the idols of the heathen, Isaiah 44:6-11. But what chance have their votaries when confronted by the glad and assured testimony of those who have seen the King in His beauty! [source]
Chapter Summary: Isaiah 44
1God comforts the church with his promises 7The vanity of idols 9And folly of idol makers 21He exhorts to praise God for his redemption and omnipotence
What do the individual words in Isaiah 44:10 mean?
Whowould forma godor an imagemoldnothing[That] profits him