Isaiah 43:13

Yea, before the day [was] I [am] he; and [there is] none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

Yea, before the day {H3117} was I am he; and there is none that can deliver {H5337} out of my hand {H3027}: I will work {H6466}, and who shall let {H7725} it?

Since days began, I have been he. No one can deliver from my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?"

Even from eternity I am He, and none can deliver out of My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”

Yea, since the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who can hinder it?

Commentary

Context of Isaiah 43:13

Isaiah 43 is a powerful chapter in the Old Testament, where the prophet Isaiah delivers a message of comfort and assurance to the nation of Israel, who are facing or have experienced exile and hardship. The preceding verses emphasize God's unique identity as the only God, the Creator, and the Redeemer of His people. He reminds Israel of His past acts of deliverance, such as bringing them out of Egypt, and promises future restoration. Verse 13, in particular, serves as a foundational declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and power, reinforcing His ability to fulfill His promises of redeeming His chosen people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Eternal Nature: The phrase "before the day was I am he" profoundly declares God's timeless existence. He is not bound by the constraints of time; He existed before creation and will exist forever. This emphasizes His unchangeable character and His pre-eminence over all things, highlighting His identity as the Alpha and Omega.
  • Absolute Sovereignty and Power: "None that can deliver out of my hand" speaks to God's unparalleled might and control. What He holds, protects, or purposes, no one can snatch away or thwart. This offers immense comfort to those who are in His hand, and a formidable warning to those who oppose Him. This echoes similar assurances found in the New Testament about God's secure grip on His people.
  • Unchallengeable Will: "I will work, and who shall let it?" underscores God's omnipotent will. The word "let" here means to hinder or prevent. God declares that when He purposes to act, no power, human or spiritual, can stand in His way or stop His divine plan from unfolding. His counsel stands, and He performs all His pleasure, as also seen in Daniel 4:35.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I am he" is a direct echo of God's self-revelation, reminiscent of the divine name Yahweh or "I AM THAT I AM" (Exodus 3:14). It asserts God's self-existence, eternal nature, and unique deity. The Hebrew verb for "was" (hayah) and "am" (hu', meaning "he") combine to emphasize timeless being. The word translated "let" in the KJV is shuv in Hebrew, meaning "to turn back" or "to hinder," powerfully conveying the idea that no one can reverse or impede God's actions.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 43:13 offers profound reassurance and a call to trust. When facing uncertainty, fear, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse reminds us that God is ultimately in control. His plans cannot be thwarted, and His promises are secure. It encourages us to rest in His sovereign power, knowing that He is working out His perfect will, even when circumstances seem chaotic. This verse is a foundation for faith, reminding us that our eternal security and future hope are held firmly in the unshakeable hand of the Almighty.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 14:27

    For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

  • Isaiah 46:10

    Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

  • Psalms 90:2

    Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.

  • Job 9:12

    Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou?

  • John 8:58

    Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

  • Hebrews 13:8

    Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

  • Deuteronomy 32:39

    ¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.