Isaiah 46

Isaiah 46 opens with a vivid depiction of the Babylonian idols, Bel and Nebo, bowing down and being carried as burdens into captivity, unable to save themselves or their worshippers. In stark contrast, the Lord declares His eternal care for Israel, having carried them from birth and promising to sustain them even into old age. He asserts His unique identity as the only God, incomparable to man-made idols, and assures that His divine counsel and purpose will stand, bringing salvation swiftly.

The chapter begins by illustrating the impotence of the Babylonian gods, Bel and Nebo, who are depicted as heavy burdens on beasts, stooping and going into captivity, unable to deliver themselves. This imagery sharply contrasts with the Lord's declaration to the house of Jacob, reminding them that He has carried them from the womb and will continue to sustain them into their old age, as their Creator and Deliverer. God challenges His people to whom they will liken Him, exposing the folly of idolatry where men lavish gold to create gods that are immobile, silent, and powerless to save. He calls them to remember His unique nature, emphasizing that He is God alone, without equal, who declares the end from the beginning. The Lord affirms that His counsel shall stand, and He will accomplish all His pleasure, including raising a 'ravenous bird' from the east to execute His will. He concludes by assuring the 'stouthearted' that His righteousness and salvation are near and will not tarry, promising to place salvation in Zion for Israel.

Isaiah 46 commences with a powerful indictment against the idols of Babylon, Bel and Nebo, portraying them as bowing down and stooping. These once revered deities are reduced to mere burdens, loaded upon beasts and cattle, which are themselves weary. The idols, far from delivering their worshippers, are themselves carried into captivity, demonstrating their utter helplessness and lack of divine power. Following this vivid scene, the Lord addresses the house of Jacob and the remnant of Israel, reminding them of His enduring and intimate care. He declares that He has borne them from the womb and will continue to carry them even to their old age and hoar hairs, emphasizing His role as their Creator, Sustainer, and Deliverer. The prophet then poses a rhetorical question, challenging Israel to whom they might liken or compare the Almighty God. This leads to a scathing critique of idolatry, describing how people lavish gold and silver to hire a goldsmith, who fashions an idol. This man-made god is then borne upon the shoulder, set in its place, and cannot move or answer cries for help, proving its inability to save. The Lord urges His people to remember these truths and to show themselves as men, recalling His past deeds and His unique identity. He reiterates that He is God alone, and there is none like Him, distinguishing Himself by His ability to declare the end from the beginning and to foretell things not yet done from ancient times. God firmly states that His counsel shall stand, and He will accomplish all His pleasure, specifically mentioning His intention to call a 'ravenous bird' from the east to execute His purpose. Finally, He addresses those who are 'stouthearted' and far from righteousness, assuring them that His righteousness is near and will not be far off, and His salvation shall not tarry, promising to establish salvation in Zion for the glory of Israel.