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.
And who, as I, shall call {H7121}, and shall declare {H5046} it, and set it in order {H6186} for me, since I appointed {H7760} the ancient {H5769} people {H5971}? and the things that are coming {H857}, and shall come {H935}, let them shew {H5046} unto them.
Who is like me? Let him speak out! Let him show me clearly what has been happening since I set up the eternal people; let him foretell future signs and events.
Who then is like Me? Let him say so! Let him declare his case before Me, since I established an ancient people. Let him foretell the things to come, and what is to take place.
And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I established the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and that shall come to pass, let them declare.
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Isaiah 41:26
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. -
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 46:9
Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me, -
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: -
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. -
Genesis 17:7
¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. -
Genesis 17:8
And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
Isaiah 44:7 presents a profound challenge from God, emphasizing His unique sovereignty, foreknowledge, and power over history. This verse is part of a larger discourse where God contrasts Himself, the true Creator and Redeemer, with the powerless idols worshiped by other nations and even by some in Israel.
Context
The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-48, focuses on themes of comfort, redemption, and God's incomparable nature. As the exiles in Babylon faced uncertainty and the allure of pagan deities, God through Isaiah reminds them of His singular ability to declare the future and bring His plans to pass. This passage directly confronts the futility of idolatry by highlighting what only the true God can do: predict and orchestrate history. It serves as a powerful reassurance to His chosen people, "the ancient people" (Israel), that He is in control and will fulfill His promises, including their return from exile.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew verb translated "call" (קָרָא - qara) here carries the sense of proclaiming or summoning events into being. "Declare" (וְיַגִּיד - v'yaggid) means to announce or make known. The phrase "set it in order" (וְיַעַרְכֶהָ - v'ya'arkehah) implies arranging, preparing, or putting things in their proper sequence, emphasizing God's meticulous control over time and events. "Ancient people" (עַם עוֹלָם - am 'olam) literally means "people of eternity" or "people of old," referring to Israel chosen long ago.
Practical Application
For believers today, Isaiah 44:7 offers immense comfort and a firm foundation for faith. In a world full of uncertainty and change, this verse reminds us that God is not surprised by anything. He knows the end from the beginning and is actively working out His purposes. We can trust His plans, even when they are not immediately clear, because He is the sovereign God who "sets it in order." This truth encourages us to rely on His wisdom and power rather than being swayed by the fluctuating circumstances of life or the empty promises of worldly idols. It calls us to worship Him alone, recognizing His unparalleled uniqueness and authority over all things, including our own futures and the future of the world, culminating in the new heavens and new earth.