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:

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}:

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.

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.’

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;

Isaiah 46:10 stands as a powerful declaration of God’s unique attributes: His unparalleled foreknowledge and absolute sovereignty. This verse is central to understanding the nature of the God of Israel, especially when contrasted with the impotent idols of the surrounding nations.

Context

This passage in Isaiah is part of a larger prophetic discourse where God challenges the false gods of Babylon, particularly Bel and Nebo, whose statues are depicted as being carried away as plunder, unable to save themselves or their worshippers (Isaiah 46:1-2). In stark contrast to these lifeless deities, the Lord emphasizes His eternal power and ability to control history from its inception to its conclusion. The audience, facing or having experienced the Babylonian captivity, needed reassurance that their God was not like the gods of their captors, but was truly sovereign over all events, including their exile and future restoration.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge and Omniscience: The phrase "Declaring the end from the beginning" highlights God's perfect and complete knowledge of all time, past, present, and future. He doesn't merely predict; He declares what He has already purposed to do. This profound insight into God's mind is a unique attribute, setting Him apart from any created being or false god.
  • Absolute Sovereignty and Unchangeable Will: God states, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." This affirms that God's plans and purposes are immutable and irresistible. No human scheme or opposing force can thwart His ultimate will. His "pleasure" refers not to arbitrary whims, but to His perfect, righteous, and sovereign design for creation and humanity. For a similar declaration of God's ultimate control, see Daniel 4:35.
  • Reliability of Prophecy: Because God declares "the things that are not yet done" and ensures His counsel stands, every prophecy He utters will inevitably come to pass. This provides immense confidence in the fulfillment of all His promises, from the coming of the Messiah to the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The certainty of God's word is also beautifully articulated in Isaiah 55:11.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "counsel" (עֵצָה - `etsah) denotes a deliberate plan, purpose, or decree, emphasizing God's intentionality. The verb "shall stand" (קוּם - qum) conveys the idea of rising, enduring, or being firmly established, indicating the unwavering nature of His will. Furthermore, "pleasure" (חֵפֶץ - chephets) implies God's delight and sovereign purpose, not mere caprice, reinforcing that His actions are always aligned with His perfect character.

Practical Application

In a world often marked by uncertainty, chaos, and human failings, Isaiah 46:10 offers profound comfort and assurance. It reminds us that God is actively involved in history, orchestrating events according to His perfect plan. This truth encourages believers to:

  • Trust in God's Control: We can rest knowing that no circumstance, no human decision, and no evil scheme can ultimately derail God's overarching purpose. His foreknowledge means He is never surprised.
  • Find Peace in His Sovereignty: When faced with anxiety about the future, this verse calls us to surrender our worries to the One who declares the end from the beginning. Our hope is not in human ability or fleeting circumstances, but in God's unchangeable will. The Apostle Paul affirms God's working all things according to His purpose in Ephesians 1:11.
  • Live with Confidence: Understanding God's absolute sovereignty empowers us to live boldly, knowing that His promises are sure and His purposes will prevail, bringing ultimate glory to His name.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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