Isaiah46

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 Burden of Babylon's Gods

1
Bel is bowed downe: Nebo is fallen: their idoles were vpon the beastes, and vpon the cattell: they which did beare you, were laden with a wearie burden.
2
They are bowed downe, and fallen together: for they coulde not rid them of the burden, and their soule is gone into captiuitie.

Yahweh Carries His People

3
Heare ye me, O house of Iaakob, and all that remaine of the house of Israel, which are borne of me from the wombe, and brought vp of me from the birth.
4
Therefore vnto olde age, I the same, euen I will beare you vntill the hoare heares: I haue made you: I will also beare you, and I will cary you and I will deliuer you.

The Folly and Impotence of Idols

5
To whom will ye make me like or make me equall, or copare me, that I should be like him?
6
They draw gold out of the bagge and weigh siluer in the balance, and hire a goldsmith to make a god of it, and they bowe downe, and worship it.
7
They beare it vpon the shoulders: they carie him and set him in his place: so doeth he stand, and cannot remoue from his place. Though one crie vnto him, yet can he not answere, nor deliuer him out of his tribulation.

Remember the Uniqueness of God

8
Remember this, and be ashamed: bring it againe to minde, O you transgressers.
9
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none other God, and there is nothing like me,
10
Which declare the last thing from the beginning: and from of olde, the things that were not done, saying, My counsell shall stand, and I will doe whatsoeuer I will.
11
I call a birde from the East, and the man of my counsell from farre: as I haue spoken, so will I bring it to passe: I haue purposed it, and I will doe it.

A Promise of Imminent Salvation

12
Heare me, ye stubburne hearted, that are farre from iustice.
13
I bring neere my iustice: it shall not be farre off, and my saluation shall not tarie: for I wil giue saluation in Zion, and my glory vnto Israel.
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