41:25 41:25

Isaiah 41:26

41:27 41:27

Bible Versions

Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, [He is] righteous? yea, [there is] none that sheweth, yea, [there is] none that declareth, yea, [there is] none that heareth your words.
Who hath declared {H5046} from the beginning {H7218}, that we may know {H3045}? and beforetime {H6440}, that we may say {H559}, He is righteous {H6662}? yea, there is none that sheweth {H5046}, yea, there is none that declareth {H8085}, yea, there is none that heareth {H8085} your words {H561}.
Who said this at the start, so we could know, or foretold it, so we could say, "He's right"? In fact, no one said it; no one foretold it - the fact is, nobody hears what you say.
Who has declared this from the beginning, so that we may know, and from times past, so that we may say: ‘He was right’? No one announced it, no one foretold it, no one heard your words.
Who hath declared it from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is right? yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that showeth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

Isaiah 41:26 stands as a powerful declaration of God's unique sovereignty and foreknowledge, challenging the impotent claims of idols and false gods. The verse emphasizes that only the true God can declare events "from the beginning" and accurately predict the future, thereby proving His divine righteousness.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in Isaiah 41 where the Lord directly confronts the nations and their idols. God is preparing to deliver Israel from Babylonian captivity, and He uses this opportunity to demonstrate His unparalleled power and unique ability to control history. He challenges the pagan deities to prove their divinity by foretelling future events, particularly the rise of Cyrus, the Persian king, who would be His instrument for Israel's deliverance. The repeated phrases "none that sheweth," "none that declareth," and "none that heareth your words" powerfully underscore the utter silence and powerlessness of false gods in contrast to the living God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Exclusive Foreknowledge: The central theme is God's unparalleled ability to declare events "from the beginning" (merosh, meaning from the head or earliest point) before they happen. This is a hallmark of His divinity, distinguishing Him from all human or created powers. This concept is further reinforced in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares the end from the beginning.
  • The Impotence of Idols: The verse highlights the absolute inability of idols and false gods to predict, declare, or even hear. They are lifeless, voiceless entities, utterly devoid of power or insight. This theme is common in Isaiah, contrasting God's living word with the deadness of idols, as seen in Isaiah 44:7.
  • Divine Righteousness Proven by Prophecy: God's capacity to accurately foretell the future serves as irrefutable proof of His justice and integrity ("He is righteous"). His plans unfold precisely as He declares, validating His character and ensuring His promises will be fulfilled.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "declared from the beginning" comes from the Hebrew words migged (to declare, tell, make known) and merosh (from the head, from the beginning). This emphasizes not just a general foretelling but a comprehensive, foundational declaration of future events. The word "righteous" (Hebrew: tsaddiq) refers to God's just, upright, and faithful character. His ability to perfectly predict and execute His will demonstrates His inherent righteousness and reliability.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 41:26 offers immense comfort and a call to trust. In a world full of uncertainty and competing claims to truth, this verse reminds us that only the God of the Bible possesses true foreknowledge and control. We can find peace in His plan, knowing that He has declared the end from the beginning and that His purposes will stand (Psalm 33:11). It encourages us to put our faith not in fleeting ideologies or human predictions, but in the unchanging, all-knowing God who hears our words and faithfully declares His own.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 41:22

    Let them bring [them] forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they [be], that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.

  • Isaiah 44:7

    And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

  • Isaiah 45:21

    Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside me.

  • Habakkuk 2:18

    What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

  • Habakkuk 2:20

    But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

  • Isaiah 43:9

    Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, [It is] truth.
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