Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne [by me] from the belly, which are carried from the womb:
Hearken {H8085} unto me, O house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290}, and all the remnant {H7611} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, which are borne {H6006} by me from the belly {H990}, which are carried {H5375} from the womb {H7356}:
"Listen to me, house of Ya'akov, all who remain of the house of Isra'el: I have borne you from birth, carried you since the womb.
“Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth.
Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borneby mefrom their birth, that have been carried from the womb;
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Deuteronomy 1:31
And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. -
Isaiah 51:7
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart [is] my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. -
Psalms 71:6
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise [shall be] continually of thee. -
Psalms 22:9
But thou [art] he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope [when I was] upon my mother's breasts. -
Psalms 22:10
I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou [art] my God from my mother's belly. -
Isaiah 10:22
For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. -
Isaiah 51:1
¶ Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock [whence] ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit [whence] ye are digged.
Isaiah 46:3 is a profound declaration of God's enduring and intimate care for His people, Israel. It directly addresses the "house of Jacob" and the "remnant of the house of Israel," highlighting God's continuous sustenance from their very inception. This verse stands in stark contrast to the preceding verses, where Isaiah describes the pagan gods of Babylon being carried by their worshippers, emphasizing the unique and incomparable nature of the true God.
Context
This verse is situated within a powerful section of Isaiah (chapters 40-48) where God declares His sovereignty, omnipotence, and unique ability to predict and accomplish future events, especially the deliverance of Israel from Babylonian captivity. Isaiah 46 specifically contrasts the impotent idols of Babylon, such as Bel and Nebo (mentioned in verse 1), which are burdens to their worshippers, with the Lord, who is the burden-bearer for His people. God challenges Israel to "Hearken unto me," calling them to remember His faithfulness and power in light of the impending exile and promised restoration. This invitation to listen underscores the intimate relationship God desires with His chosen nation, reminding them of His steadfast love and unwavering support, especially when facing hardship and the temptation of idolatry. This passage powerfully illustrates the incomparable nature of the true God compared to man-made deities.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew words used, "borne" (נָשָׂא, nasa) and "carried" (עָמַס, amas), both convey the idea of lifting, supporting, or carrying a burden. In this context, they highlight God's active role in sustaining His people. The phrases "from the belly" (מִבֶּטֶן, mi-beten) and "from the womb" (מֵרֶחֶם, me-rechem) are powerful metaphors. They do not just refer to physical birth but symbolically represent the entire duration of Israel's national existence, from its inception as a people through Abraham and Jacob, to their present state, and into the future. It's a vivid picture of God's intimate involvement from the very beginning of life, demonstrating His continuous, foundational care.
Practical Application
For believers today, Isaiah 46:3 offers immense comfort and assurance. This verse reminds us that the same God who sustained Israel throughout its history also sustains us. He is not a distant deity but a God who is intimately involved in our lives from our spiritual birth onwards. In times of uncertainty, weakness, or fear, we can find solace in knowing that God continues to carry us. He is our strength when we are weak, our guide when we are lost, and our constant companion through every stage of life. Unlike anything else we might rely on, God is eternally capable and committed to His children, much like He carried Israel through the wilderness. This verse calls us to trust in His unfailing providence and to cast our burdens upon Him, knowing that He has always been and always will be our faithful carrier.