Isaiah 46:5-13
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Summary
- None of the false gods can be compared with the true God, the one who declares "from the beginning" what will happen in "the end" (v. 10).
- None of God's purposes shall fail, including his plan to use Cyrus (a king who was not yet born) to accomplish his will. (The past few chapters have made reference to Cyrus, even stating what his name would be.)
Details and/or Comments
- The context focuses on the judgment of Babylon and the deliverance of God's people.
- A future king, named Cyrus, is alluded to in v. 11. In previous chapters, Cyrus has been referred to by name (44:28 and 45:1); and various statements have been made, describing what he would do (such as 41:2, 25).
- These last two verses illustrate the nature of prophecy. Historically, Cyrus came from the east (41:2 - Persia), but by way of the north (41:25 - Babylon). These two verses might have seemed contradictory, until it was fulfilled!
Scripture
Isaiah 46 – God's purposes will stand.
| Scripture Passage | Comments and Links |
| Isa 46:5 "To whom will you liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? | Who can you compare God to? Nobody! (The answer is implied. See also v. 9+.) |
| Isa 46:6 Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down--yes, they worship.
Isa 46:7 They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands, from its place it shall not move: yes, one may cry to it, yet it can not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. |
A contrast between the true God (v. 5; also v. 8+) and the false gods (v. 6-7).
The foolishness of trusting in powerless idols that are one's own invention! |
| Isa 46:8 "Remember this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, you transgressors.
Isa 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; Isa 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; |
Remember that I am the ONLY God – the God who knows and controls the future. My purposes will stand.
God declares what will be in the future, and he will accomplish it. There is no guesswork or probability involved. (See also v. 11.) |
| Isa 46:11 calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yes, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it. | A reference to God's calling of Cyrus (not yet born) to do his will. |
| Isa 46:12 Listen to me, you stout-hearted, who are far from righteousness:
Isa 46:13 I bring near my righteousness, it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not wait; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. |
A description of part of God's purpose for the future: The righteous God will bring his salvation/deliverance to Israel (perhaps a reference to deliverance through Cyrus). |
Scripture Passages
(Only books that have relevance to this study have active links. The others are in italics.)
Genesis • Exodus • Leviticus • Numbers • Deuteronomy • Joshua • Judges • Ruth • 1 Samuel • 2 Samuel • 1 Kings • 2 Kings • 1 Chronicles • 2 Chronicles • Ezra • Nehemiah • Esther • Job • Psalms • Proverbs • Ecclesiastes • Song of Solomon • Isaiah • Jeremiah • Lamentations • Ezekiel • Daniel • Hosea • Joel • Amos • Obadiah • Jonah • Micah • Nahum • Habakkuk • Zephaniah • Haggai • Zechariah • Malachi Matthew • Mark • Luke • John • Acts • Romans • 1 Corinthians • 2 Corinthians • Galatians • Ephesians • Philippians • Colossians • 1 Thessalonians • 2 Thessalonians • 1 Timothy • 2 Timothy • Titus • Philemon • Hebrews • James • 1 Peter • 2 Peter • 1 John • 2 John • 3 John • Jude • Revelation |
—— To avoid any copyright issues, all Scripture is either from a public domain translation (such as the World English Bible), my own translation, or a combination of these. ——
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The name "Yahweh," when present in an Old Testament passage, represents the Hebrew name for the God of the Bible.
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Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.
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