Isaiah 46:10

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Declaring {H5046} the end {H319} from the beginning {H7225}, and from ancient times {H6924} the things that are not yet done {H6213}, saying {H559}, My counsel {H6098} shall stand {H6965}, and I will do {H6213} all my pleasure {H2656}:

Complete Jewish Bible

At the beginning I announce the end, proclaim in advance things not yet done; and I say that my plan will hold, I will do everything I please to do.

Berean Standard Bible

I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 46:10 stands as a foundational declaration of God's unparalleled nature, asserting His absolute sovereignty over all creation and history. In stark contrast to the impotent idols of Babylon, the Lord proclaims His unique ability to orchestrate and declare the entirety of time—from its inception to its ultimate conclusion—ensuring that His divine purposes and perfect will are immutably established and unfailingly accomplished. This verse underscores God's omniscient foreknowledge and irresistible power, offering profound reassurance of His control and the certainty of His promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 46 is part of a larger section (chapters 40-48) often referred to as "The Book of Comfort" or "The Great Deliverance," where the prophet addresses the exiles in Babylon. This chapter specifically contrasts the true God of Israel with the false, burdensome gods of Babylon, namely Bel and Nebo. Verses [Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Burden of Babylon's Idols") vividly portray these idols as helpless burdens, carried by animals into captivity, unable to save themselves or their worshippers. In stark opposition, [Isaiah 46:3-4](/isaiah/46-3 "Isaiah 46:3-4 - God Carries His People") highlights Yahweh's tender care for His people, carrying them from birth to old age. Verse 10, therefore, serves as the climactic theological assertion of God's unmatched power and knowledge, providing the ultimate reason why He, unlike the idols, is capable of delivering His people and fulfilling His promises. It is a direct challenge to polytheism and a powerful affirmation of monotheism.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period of immense national trauma and theological crisis for Israel. The people of Judah had been conquered, their temple destroyed, and their leaders deported. In this context, they were surrounded by a dominant culture that worshipped a vast pantheon of gods, whose power was often perceived through the success of their respective nations. The Babylonians boasted of their gods' triumph over Yahweh, as evidenced by Jerusalem's fall. Isaiah's prophecy directly confronts this worldview, exposing the futility of idol worship and reaffirming Yahweh's singular, supreme authority. The practice of carrying cultic images in processions was common in the ancient Near East, especially during military victories or religious festivals, making the imagery of idols being carried away as plunder particularly humiliating and effective in demonstrating their impotence, sharply contrasting with the God who carries His people.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 46:10 encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the book of Isaiah and biblical theology as a whole. Firstly, it champions **Divine Foreknowledge and Omniscience**, emphasizing that God's knowledge is not merely predictive but declarative, extending from the very beginning to the ultimate end of all things. This sets Him apart from all created beings and false deities, none of whom can genuinely declare "the end from the beginning." Secondly, the verse powerfully asserts **Absolute Sovereignty and Unchangeable Will**. God's declaration, "[My counsel shall stand](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God's Unchanging Counsel"), and I will do all my pleasure," underscores that His plans are immutable, irresistible, and will inevitably come to pass, regardless of human opposition or historical contingencies. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Dominion Over All"). Finally, it reinforces the **Reliability and Efficacy of God's Word and Prophecy**. Because God declares what is not yet done and ensures His counsel stands, every promise and prophecy He utters is guaranteed fulfillment. This provides immense assurance for the exiles regarding their promised restoration and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, a truth beautifully articulated in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Power of God's Word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Declaring (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** From H5046, this word means "to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain." In this context, it signifies God's authoritative and public proclamation of His sovereign plan, not merely a prediction based on foresight, but a definitive statement of what He has purposed and will bring to pass. It implies an active, intentional disclosure of future events.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh'_):** From H6098, meaning "advice; by implication, plan; also prudence." This term refers to God's deliberate, well-thought-out, and unchangeable purpose or design. It highlights the intentionality and wisdom behind His actions, emphasizing that His will is not arbitrary but flows from His perfect character and profound wisdom. It is a divine decree, a fixed resolve.
* **Pleasure (Hebrew, _chêphets'_):** From H2656, meaning "pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind); acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired, matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly." This word indicates God's sovereign will and delight. It's not a fleeting whim but His settled, good, and perfect purpose that He takes delight in accomplishing. It underscores that God's actions are driven by His own inherent goodness and ultimate design, bringing Him satisfaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Declaring the end from the beginning":** This clause asserts God's unique attribute of comprehensive foreknowledge and control over all of time. He does not merely react to events but has ordained and declared their ultimate conclusion from their very inception. This is a profound statement of His omniscience and pre-existence, distinguishing Him absolutely from any created being or false god who operates within the constraints of time.
* **"and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done":** This phrase reiterates and expands upon the previous one, emphasizing the vast scope of God's declaration. It encompasses all future events, even those that seem distant or impossible from a human perspective. God's knowledge and power extend to every detail of history, ensuring that what He has purposed in "ancient times" (eternity past) will be brought to fruition, even if it has not yet occurred.
* **"saying, My counsel shall stand":** Here, God's declaration shifts from His foreknowledge to His unshakeable will. "My counsel" refers to His deliberate plans and purposes. The verb "shall stand" (KJV) conveys permanence, stability, and immutability. It means God's plans are firmly established, cannot be thwarted, and will endure irrespective of opposition.
* **"and I will do all my pleasure":** This final clause affirms God's absolute power and determination to execute His will. "My pleasure" refers to His sovereign delight and purpose. It signifies that God not only purposes His plans but also possesses the infinite power to bring every aspect of them to pass. Nothing can prevent Him from accomplishing everything He desires, ensuring the ultimate fulfillment of His divine design.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 46:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Contrast** is central, as the verse immediately follows the depiction of helpless Babylonian idols being carried away, setting God's active, omniscient, and sovereign power against their inanimate impotence. The phrase "Declaring the end from the beginning" is a form of **Merism**, using two extremes ("end" and "beginning") to encompass the totality of time and events, highlighting God's complete control over all history. The declaration "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure" functions as a powerful **Divine Assertion** or **Self-Attestation**, where God Himself proclaims His unique attributes and unwavering resolve. This rhetorical strategy serves to bolster the faith of a beleaguered people by emphasizing the unassailable nature of their God's character and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 46:10 is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty and providence. It teaches that God is not merely a spectator of history but its author and director, orchestrating all events according to His perfect will. This truth provides immense comfort and stability, reminding believers that even in chaos, God remains firmly in control, working all things for His glory and the good of His people. His foreknowledge is not passive observation but an active declaration of His predetermined plan, which He then infallibly executes. This understanding undergirds the reliability of all His promises, from the covenant with Abraham to the coming of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

* [Psalm 33:11](/psalm/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans in a Man's Heart, But the Lord's Purpose Will Stand")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God Works All Things According to His Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and often overwhelming challenges, Isaiah 46:10 offers an anchor for the soul. It calls us away from anxiety and fear, inviting us to rest in the profound truth of God's absolute control. When we face personal trials, national crises, or global upheavals, this verse reminds us that nothing catches God by surprise. He has declared the end from the beginning, and His counsel will stand. This understanding cultivates a deep sense of peace, knowing that our lives and the trajectory of history are held firmly in the hands of an omniscient, omnipotent, and benevolent God. It empowers us to live with courage, to pray with confidence, and to serve with unwavering hope, trusting that His ultimate purposes will prevail, bringing about His perfect will and ultimate glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God "declaring the end from the beginning" impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's "counsel" and "pleasure" to stand? What steps can you take to deepen that trust?**
* **How does God's absolute sovereignty, as proclaimed in this verse, provide comfort and hope in times of uncertainty or fear?**
* **What practical implications does God's unchangeable will have for your prayer life and your efforts in ministry or daily work?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God declares "the end from the beginning"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies God's unique and comprehensive knowledge of all time—past, present, and future—and His absolute control over it. It means that from eternity past, God has already purposed and ordained the entire course of history, including its ultimate conclusion. He doesn't merely foresee events; He orchestrates them according to His divine plan. This sets Him apart from all created beings and false deities, who are bound by time and limited in their knowledge. It underscores His omniscience and omnipotence.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of free will?**

Answer: Isaiah 46:10 primarily emphasizes God's sovereignty and foreknowledge, asserting that His "counsel shall stand" and He will "do all [His] pleasure." While this verse doesn't directly address human free will, it establishes the theological framework that God's ultimate purposes will be accomplished regardless of human choices. The Bible teaches both God's sovereignty and human responsibility. The mystery lies in how these two truths coexist, but the verse assures us that God's overarching plan will never be thwarted. His purposes are so vast and His power so great that even within the realm of human freedom, His divine will is ultimately realized. For example, [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Deliberate Plan and Foreknowledge") speaks of Jesus being delivered up "by the definite plan and foreknowledge of God," yet crucified by lawless men.

**Why is it important for God's "counsel" to "stand" and for Him to "do all His pleasure"?**

Answer: It is crucial because it guarantees the reliability of God's promises and the certainty of His redemptive plan. If God's counsel could be thwarted or His pleasure unfulfilled, then His promises would be unreliable, and there would be no assurance of salvation, justice, or the ultimate triumph of good over evil. This verse provides the bedrock for faith, assuring believers that God's character is consistent, His power is limitless, and His word is trustworthy. It means that the hope of the gospel, the return of Christ, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom are not mere possibilities but certainties because they are part of God's unchangeable "counsel" and "pleasure."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 46:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "end from the beginning" that God declares is supremely realized in the grand narrative of redemption, which culminates in Christ. From eternity past, God's "counsel" (His eternal plan) was to reconcile humanity to Himself through His Son. This divine "pleasure" was to send the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") to bear the sins of the world, a plan declared and purposed before the [foundation of the world](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World"). Christ's birth, life, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension were not accidental events but the precise execution of God's unchangeable will, "according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Definite Plan and Foreknowledge")). Through Christ, God's purpose to establish His kingdom and bring all things under His headship is being accomplished ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - The Mystery of God's Will Fulfilled in Christ")). The certainty that God "will do all my pleasure" provides the unwavering assurance that Christ's return and the final consummation of His kingdom are as sure as His first coming, bringing about the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heavens and New Earth") where God's pleasure will be fully realized.

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.

Cross-References

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Psalms 33:11

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Ephesians 1:9

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Ephesians 1:11

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

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?

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.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.