Isaiah 46 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Isaiah 46

The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah, who lived during the reigns of several Judean kings in the 8th century BCE. Isaiah was known for his powerful messages of judgment and hope, as he spoke on behalf of God to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah continues his prophecy in this chapter, addressing the false gods of Babylon and contrasting them with the one true God of Israel. He foretells the downfall of Babylon’s idols and the ultimate triumph of the Lord, who alone is worthy of worship and trust. This passage foreshadows the captivity of Judah in Babylon and God’s promise to deliver His people, as we have seen in previous chapters.

The prophet reminds the people that their God is not like the lifeless idols of the nations, but is the eternal, all-powerful Creator who has carried them from birth and will continue to sustain them. This message of hope and reassurance is crucial as the people of Judah face an uncertain future under Babylonian rule. Let us reflect on the sovereignty of our God and remind ourselves of the futility of placing our trust in anything or anyone other than Him.

Isaiah 46:1-4

The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 46:1-4 calls attention to the idols Bel and Nebo, which were objects of worship in Babylon at that time. Bel, also known as Marduk, was the chief god of the Babylonian pantheon, while Nebo was considered the god of wisdom and writing. Here, Isaiah declares that these idols are being carried by beasts of burden, and they are being borne as heavy loads that wear out the animals. This imagery serves to highlight the absurdity of worshipping man-made idols that are powerless and must be carried around by their worshippers.

The message conveyed in this section of the verse is a powerful one about the futility of idol worship. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God’s people are warned against putting their trust in idols or false gods. The Ten Commandments given to Moses specifically command the Israelites not to have any other gods before the one true God (Exodus 20:3). This theme is reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are urged to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). The contrast between the feeble idols that must be carried by their worshippers and the Almighty God who carries His people serves as a reminder of the superiority and sovereignty of the one true God. Isaiah reminds the people of Israel of God’s faithfulness and care for them from their birth, from their earliest days as a nation in verse 3. God is portrayed as a loving Father who sustains His children, carrying them from the womb and caring for them even in their old age. This imagery underscores the enduring nature of God’s love and protection for His people throughout their entire lives.

This message of God’s faithfulness and protection is a recurring theme in the Bible. David reflects on the intimate knowledge that God has of each individual in Psalm 139, from before their birth until the end of their days. The prophet Jeremiah also speaks of God’s plan for his people, assuring them of His constant care and watchful eye (Jeremiah 29:11). This reassurance of God’s continuous presence and provision serves as a source of hope and comfort for believers in times of trial and uncertainty. Isaiah 46:1-4 delivers a powerful message about the folly of idol worship and the enduring faithfulness of God towards His people. It underscores the importance of placing our trust in the Almighty God who carries us from the womb to old age, rather than in false gods that are powerless and require human effort to be sustained. This passage serves as a timeless reminder of God’s sovereignty, love, and protection, and encourages believers to place their complete trust in Him alone.

Isaiah 46:5-7

We can break down several important sections in Isaiah 46:5-7 for a deeper understanding of the message within these verses.

1. “To whom will you liken Me and make Me equal, And compare Me, that we should be alike?” – This opening question from God challenges the people to consider who or what could be compared to Him. This serves to highlight the incomparable nature of God, emphasizing His uniqueness and unmatched greatness. Throughout the Bible, this theme is reiterated in various verses, such as in Psalm 89:6 which declares, “For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord?”

2. “They lavish gold out of the bag, And weigh silver on the scales; They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; They prostrate themselves, yes, they worship.” – This section depicts the foolishness of idolatry, where people craft gods out of materials like gold and silver, attributing divine qualities to them. This act of worshiping man-made idols is a clear contrast to the true God who created the heavens and the earth. The Bible consistently warns against idolatry, highlighting its emptiness and futility. The command in Exodus 20:3-4 states, “You shall have no other gods before me.” You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.”

3. “They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it And set it in its place, and it stands; From its place it shall not move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer Nor save him out of his trouble.” – This section underscores the powerlessness of idols to respond or provide salvation when their worshipers are in need. The recurring theme in the Bible is the contrast between the living God who hears prayers and acts on behalf of His people, and the lifeless idols that are incapable of offering any help. Human hands made their idols of silver and gold, as written in Psalm 115:4-7. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Isaiah 46:5-7 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s incomparable nature, the foolishness of idolatry, and the inability of man-made gods to offer true salvation. It calls on us to worship the one true God who is alive, hears our prayers, and is mighty to save.

Isaiah 46:8-11

A powerful passage in Isaiah 46:8-11 speaks of the sovereignty and uniqueness of God. Rebels, remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart.”
Here, the verse opens with a call to remember and reflect on the truth being presented. The term “rebels” is used here to address those who may have strayed from God’s commands or forgotten His power. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s faith and not turning away from God. God is saying to remember the former things, those of long ago, and declaring that there is no other God like Him.”
This section emphasizes the incomparable nature of God. It urges the listeners to recall the events of the past where God’s power was displayed and to recognize that there is no other being like Him. God’s uniqueness and supremacy are central themes in the Bible, reinforcing the belief in monotheism and the concept that God is above all gods.

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”
Here, God declares His omniscience and omnipotence. He reveals that He has knowledge of all things, including the future, and that His divine purposes will always come to fruition. This reaffirms the idea that God is in control of all things and that His will shall prevail. This message of trust and reliance on God’s sovereignty is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.

“From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.”
This section illustrates God’s ability to call forth and use various instruments to accomplish His will. It exemplifies His power to orchestrate events according to His plan, even using nations or individuals to fulfill His purposes. This echoes other passages in the Bible where God uses people like Cyrus, king of Persia, as a tool for His plans (Isaiah 45:1). Isaiah 46:8-11 delivers a potent message about the sovereignty, power, and uniqueness of God. It serves as a reminder to trust in God’s control over all things, to reflect on His past works, and to have faith in His plans for the future. The passage encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God’s purposes will ultimately prevail.

Isaiah 46:12-13

The Lord speaks through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 46:12-13, declaring, “Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness.” I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.” This portion of the scripture addresses the stubbornness of heart found in the people of Israel at the time and serves as a promise of salvation and righteousness from the Lord.

The mention of the “stubborn-hearted” highlights the rebellious nature of the Israelites who had turned away from God’s commandments and righteousness, choosing to follow their own ways. This rebellion had led them away from the path of righteousness and had distanced them from God. However, despite their disobedience, God assures them that His righteousness is near and His salvation is imminent.

The promise of bringing righteousness near and not delaying salvation demonstrates God’s faithfulness and mercy towards His people. Even though they had strayed, God was ready to forgive and restore them to a place of righteousness. This message of hope and redemption is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God’s unwavering love for His people and His willingness to forgive and redeem those who turn back to Him.

The mention of granting salvation to Zion and splendor to Israel is significant in the broader context of Biblical prophecy. Zion symbolizes the people of God and their spiritual restoration, while Israel represents the chosen nation through whom God’s plan for redemption and salvation would ultimately be fulfilled. This promise of salvation and splendor reflects God’s ultimate plan to redeem His people and bring glory to His name.

This passage in Isaiah echoes similar sentiments found in other parts of the Bible, where God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and salvation are consistently proclaimed. “Psalm 85:10 writes, ‘Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.’”” This verse underscores the interconnectedness of God’s righteousness and salvation, emphasizing His merciful nature and His desire to reconcile with His people. Isaiah 46:12-13 reminds us of God’s unchanging character and His willingness to forgive, redeem, and restore those who turn back to Him. It serves as a powerful message of hope and encouragement for all who may have strayed from God’s path, reassuring them of God’s promise of salvation and righteousness.

After Isaiah 46

The Lord had spoken through the prophet Isaiah, reminding the people of Israel that He alone is God, the one who created and sustains all things. He had carried them since their birth and would continue to do so, even in their old age. The Lord declared that He would accomplish His purpose, for His plans cannot be thwarted. The reverend knew that the message of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness would provide great comfort and hope to the people as the chapter drew to a close. He also recognized that the next chapter would delve deeper into the Lord’s judgment upon the idols and false gods that the people had turned to, a sobering reminder of the consequences of forsaking the one true God. With a heavy heart, the reverend prepared to guide his flock through the challenging truths that lay ahead, ever mindful of the steadfast love and unwavering power of the Almighty.