Isaiah - Chapter 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. Isaiah 46.2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. Isaiah 46.3 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: Isaiah 46.4 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. Isaiah 46.5 To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? Isaiah 46.6 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. Isaiah 46.7 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. Isaiah 46.8 Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. Isaiah 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, Isaiah 46.10 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: Isaiah 46.11 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. Isaiah 46.12 Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: Isaiah 46.13 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.

Isaiah : Chapter 46

The Power of God and the Powerlessness of Idols

In the book of Isaiah, chapter 46, we witness a striking confrontation between the powerlessness of idols and the infinite power of our God. This incisive text not only ridicules the gods of Babylon, but also elevates the God of Israel as the only One capable of saving His people. Through these verses, the Lord demonstrates His supremacy, reaffirming His constant concern for His people and His unique ability to predict and bring about the future.

Main Themes

Isaiah 46 addresses profound themes such as idolatry, divine sovereignty, and God's faithfulness to His children. This chapter invites us to reflect on how we place our trust and on the true power that sustains our lives.

Exploring Bible Passages

We invite you to explore with us five Bible passages that enrich our understanding of the eternal truths contained in this challenging chapter.

Hebrews 1:3

"The Son is the brightness of God's glory and the very embodiment of his being, upholding all things by the word of his power. After he had completed purification for our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." This verse echoes the theme of Isaiah 46:4, where God promises to sustain His people by applying them to Christ.

Philippians 1:6

"I am convinced that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This statement by Paul reflects God's promise in Isaiah 46:4 to sustain His people into old age.

Acts 17:29

"Therefore, since we are God's descendants, we should not think of the Godhead as something carved in gold, silver, or stone, made by human art and imagination." This verse underscores the criticism of idols in Isaiah 46:5-7, highlighting God's spiritual and transcendent nature.

Matthew 11:28

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus' invitation resonates with God's promise in Isaiah 46:4 to carry and sustain his people in times of trial.

Romans 9:28

"For the Lord will execute judgment on earth, swiftly and finally." Although Paul quotes Isaiah 10:22-23, this concept also echoes Isaiah 46:10-11, where God affirms that He will surely accomplish His purpose.

Conclusion

As we meditate on these passages, we are invited to recognize the greatness of our God and reject the idols that seek to turn us away from Him. May our faith be anchored in divine power, and may we always turn to Him for strength and comfort.