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Isaiah 46

Isa 46, Is 46


Isaiah 46

1 Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.

2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

5 To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?

6 They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.

7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.



8 Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.

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,

10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

12 Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:

13 I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

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Summary and the Meaning of Isaiah Chapter 46

Isaiah 46 is a chapter in the Book of Isaiah, one of the prophetic books of the Old Testament of the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible. This chapter, like the rest of Isaiah, is a product of the prophet Isaiah's divine inspiration and carries a profound message about the sovereignty of God and the futility of idolatry. It provides a stark contrast between the one true God and the false gods that the people of Israel and Babylon worshipped.

The chapter begins with a depiction of the gods of Babylon, Bel and Nebo, stooping and bowing down, being unable to save themselves, let alone their worshippers. This imagery serves to highlight the impotence of these idols, which are nothing more than human creations. The idols are described as being a burden to their carriers, emphasizing their powerlessness and their inability to provide any real aid or comfort to those who worship them.

The Sovereignty of God

In stark contrast to the impotent idols, the chapter then shifts focus to the omnipotent God. Unlike the false gods that need to be carried, the one true God declares that He has been carrying His people from their birth and will continue to do so even to their old age. This portrayal of God as a loving and caring parent is a powerful testimony to His enduring love and faithfulness. He promises to rescue those who are burdened and weighed down, a direct contrast to the false gods who are themselves burdens.

The chapter further emphasizes God's sovereignty by declaring that His purposes will stand and that He will do all that He pleases. This is a powerful affirmation of God's omnipotence and His absolute control over all of creation. He is not a god who reacts to events but the God who shapes history according to His divine will.

The Futility of Idolatry

The chapter underscores the futility of idolatry by contrasting the impotent idols with the omnipotent God. The idols are described as being unable to answer or save, emphasizing their powerlessness. In contrast, God declares that there is no other like Him, a reminder of His unique and unparalleled power and authority. The chapter thus serves as a powerful indictment against idolatry and a call to worship the one true God.

The idols of Babylon are depicted as being burdensome and powerless, a stark contrast to the God of Israel who carries His people and has the power to save. This contrast serves to highlight the absurdity of idol worship and the wisdom of placing one's trust in God. The chapter thus serves as a powerful call to abandon idolatry and to turn to God, the only source of true salvation and comfort.

God's Foreknowledge and Providence

Isaiah 46 also highlights God's foreknowledge and providence. God declares that He makes known the end from the beginning and that His purpose will stand. This is a powerful affirmation of God's omniscience and His absolute control over all events. It serves as a reminder that nothing happens outside of God's knowledge or control and that He is working all things according to His divine plan.

The chapter also underscores the reliability of God's word. God declares that He has spoken, and He will bring it to pass. This is a powerful assurance of the certainty and reliability of God's promises. It serves as a reminder that God is not a man that He should lie, and that His word is trustworthy and dependable. This assurance provides comfort and hope to those who put their trust in Him.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Isaiah 46 is a powerful chapter that underscores the sovereignty of God and the futility of idolatry. It serves as a stark reminder of the impotence of idols and the omnipotence of God. It underscores the wisdom of placing one's trust in God and the folly of idol worship. The chapter also highlights God's foreknowledge and providence, providing comfort and hope to those who put their trust in Him.

The chapter's message is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. In a world filled with false gods and idols, it serves as a powerful call to turn away from these empty and powerless things and to turn to the one true God who alone has the power to save and to provide comfort and hope. It is a call to trust in God's sovereignty, to rely on His providence, and to find comfort in His enduring love and faithfulness.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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