Isaiah 46:1-13
Q.1. Will Babylon always prevail as a world power? Will the house of Israel rise again? Why is it futile to trust in idols? What did God promise Israel? How could He promise this? – (Isa.46:1-7)
Isaiah predicted that Babylon would take Judah into exile. Babylon’s gods would not stop her from being destroyed (Isa.46:1-2). However, even before destruction came upon the house of Jacob, God foretold a future for a remnant – Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your greying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you (Isa.46:4 c.f. Jn.21:18-19). He then reminded idol worshippers of the futility of trusting in these images – They lift it upon the shoulder and carry it; They set it in its place, and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may cry to it, it cannot answer; It cannot deliver him from his distress (Isa.46:7). None can compare with the Lord God – To whom would you liken Me and make Me equal and compare Me, that we would be alike? (Isa.46:5 c.f. Isa.46:9).
Q.2. What should Israel never forget? What makes the God of Israel unique amongst all other gods? Whom will God raise up to deliver His people? What will He accomplish? – (Isa.46:8-13)
Why is our God beyond comparison? He asked the nation to affirm His record from the past, which included – Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, `My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’ (Isa.46:10). That further confirmed God’s sovereignty and supremacy. He then reminded them about the coming King Cyrus – Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it. Surely, I will do it (Isa.46:11 c.f. Is.44:28; 45:1). At present the people of Israel are not in a right position before their holy God. However, there is a day coming when – I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off; And My salvation will not delay. And I will grant salvation in Zion, and My glory for Israel (Isa.46:13).