Isaiah 46
Isaiah 46 can be divided into two main parts. The first part (verses 1–7) depicts the idols of Babylon—Bel and Nebo—being brought down. They are carried away by the people, turned into burdens on animals, and revealed as powerless beings that cannot save. In the following second part (verses 8–13), God declares that He is the true God and tells the people that only He has the power to save. God proclaims that He will accomplish what He planned from beginning to end, and He promises the people of Israel hope of restoration and salvation.
1verseBel bows down. Nebo stoops. Their idols are carried by animals, and on the livestock. The things that you carried around are heavy loads, a burden for the weary.
2verseThey stoop and they bow down together. They could not deliver the burden, but they have gone into captivity.
3verse“Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been carried from their birth, that have been carried from the womb.
4verseEven to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
5verse“To whom will you compare me, and consider my equal, and compare me, as if we were the same?
6verseSome 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.
7verseThey bear it on their shoulder. They carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands there. It cannot move from its place. Yes, one may cry to it, yet it can not answer. It cannot save him out of his trouble.
8verse“Remember this, and show yourselves men. Bring it to mind again, you transgressors.
9verseRemember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me.
10verseI declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. I say: My counsel will stand, and I will do all that I please.
11verseI call 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 planned. I will also do it.
12verseListen to me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness!
13verseI bring my righteousness near. It is not far off, and my salvation will not wait. I will grant salvation to Zion, my glory to Israel.
The Overall Meaning of Isaiah 46
This chapter contrasts the emptiness of idols with the truth of faith in God. Idols are made by people and have no ability to save themselves, but God, as the Creator and the Lord of history, brings everything to completion by Himself. No matter how great Babylon’s power may seem, human ability is powerless in the face of God’s plan. This emphasizes that only God is the true Savior, and at the same time urges caution regarding everything made by human hands while calling for trust in God.
Points for Reflection
- In your life, check whether there is an 'idol' you are relying on—or what you are putting ahead of God.
- It would be good to think about whether you have an attitude of paying attention to how and when God works, and of trusting His promises.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- You can reflect again on who it is that you should rely on and hold onto in the midst of difficulties.
- Challenge yourself to give greater attention to God’s plans and promises rather than your own plans, and to adjust the direction of your life.
