Isaiah 46:9

KJV

Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142} the former things {H7223} of old {H5769}: for I am God {H410}, and there is none else; I am God {H430}, and there is none {H657} like {H3644} me,

Complete Jewish Bible

"Remember things that happened at the beginning, long ago - that I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.

American Standard Version

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 46:9 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's absolute uniqueness, unparalleled sovereignty, and unchanging nature. In a world saturated with polytheism and idolatry, this verse serves as a divine summons to God's people, urging them to recall His historical acts of power and faithfulness as irrefutable evidence of His singular identity as the one true God, distinct from and superior to all false deities. It is a foundational statement affirming monotheism and the incomparable majesty of the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 46 is part of a larger section (chapters 40-48) often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah," addressed primarily to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. This section contrasts the impotence of Babylonian idols with the omnipotence and foreknowledge of Yahweh. Specifically, Isaiah 46 opens by satirizing the burden of idols, which must be carried by their worshippers, juxtaposing this with God's promise to carry His people from birth to old age, as stated in [Isaiah 46:3-4](/isaiah/46-3 "Isaiah 46:3-4 - God Carries His People"). Verse 9, therefore, serves as a climactic theological assertion within this polemic against idolatry, reinforcing the divine identity and authority that undergirds God's ability to deliver His people and declare the future, as further emphasized in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites in exile were surrounded by the opulent and pervasive polytheistic culture of Babylon. The Babylonians worshipped a vast pantheon of gods, with Marduk as the chief deity, and engaged in elaborate rituals involving idol processionals, as described in [Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Burden of Idols"). This environment posed a significant temptation for the exiles to assimilate, adopt local deities, or question the power of their own God, Yahweh, who seemed to have allowed their defeat and captivity. Isaiah's message directly counters this existential crisis by affirming Yahweh's singular power and authority over all nations and their gods, drawing a sharp distinction between the living God and lifeless idols, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic literature, such as in [Psalm 115](/psalm/115 "Psalm 115 - The Futility of Idols").
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Isaiah 46](/isaiah/46 "Isaiah 46 - God's Uniqueness and Sovereignty") and particularly verse 9 is the **absolute uniqueness and sovereignty of God**. The repeated declaration "I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me" underscores Yahweh's incomparable nature, setting Him apart from all other deities, real or imagined. This leads to the theme of **monotheism**, asserting that Yahweh is not merely the best god, but the *only* God. Another crucial theme is the **call to remember God's past faithfulness**. "Remember the former things of old" is an imperative to recall God's mighty acts of creation, covenant, and deliverance, such as the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Deliverance at the Red Sea"), which serve as a basis for trusting His future promises. This remembrance directly contrasts with the **futility of idolatry**, a pervasive theme in Isaiah where the prophet meticulously exposes the powerlessness and absurdity of man-made gods, as seen in [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention." In this context, it is not a passive recollection but an active, intentional call to bring to mind and acknowledge God's past actions. It implies a mindful engagement with history as a testimony to God's character and power, serving as a foundation for present faith and future hope. The imperative form emphasizes the urgency and necessity of this spiritual discipline for the exiles.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** Shortened from _ʼayil_, this term denotes "strength" and, as an adjective, "mighty." It specifically refers to the Almighty, though it can also be used for any deity. In Isaiah 46:9, its use alongside _ʼĕlôhîym_ reinforces the absolute power and might of Yahweh. The repetition "I am God (_ʼêl_)... I am God (_ʼĕlôhîym_)" underscores His singular and ultimate authority.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This is a plural form of _ʼĕlôah_, typically meaning "gods in the ordinary sense." However, when used with the article or in specific contexts like this, it refers to the supreme God. It can also be applied deferentially to magistrates or as a superlative. Here, in conjunction with _ʼêl_, it emphasizes the fullness, majesty, and comprehensive nature of Yahweh's divine being, asserting His supremacy over all other supposed "gods" and powers.
* **like (Hebrew, _kᵉmôw'_):** This word functions as a comparison, meaning "as, thus, so; according to, in comparison of." In the phrase "none like me," it powerfully conveys the idea of incomparability. There is no other being, divine or otherwise, that can be likened to Yahweh in terms of power, character, foreknowledge, or redemptive capacity. This negates any polytheistic notions and establishes His unique ontological status.
* **old (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** Properly meaning "concealed, i.e. the vanishing point," this term generally refers to "time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity." In "former things of old," it emphasizes the ancient, enduring nature of God's past acts and His eternal existence. It points to a history of divine intervention that stretches back into the distant past, providing a deep well of evidence for His consistent character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember the former things of old:":** This is an imperative command, urging the audience to actively recall and reflect upon God's past acts of power, deliverance, and covenant faithfulness throughout Israel's history. "Former things of old" refers to significant historical events like the Exodus, the giving of the Law, and God's sustained provision in the wilderness, all of which demonstrated His unique power and unwavering commitment to His people.
* **"for I am God, and there is none else;":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the command to remember. God declares His singular identity as the one true God (_ʼêl_), asserting His absolute exclusivity. The phrase "none else" (Hebrew: _'ên 'ôd_) emphatically negates the existence or validity of any other deity, directly challenging the polytheism of the surrounding cultures and affirming strict monotheism.
* **"I am God, and there is none like me,"**: This reiteration of divine identity, using the more comprehensive term _ʼĕlôhîym_, further emphasizes God's unparalleled nature. The declaration "none like me" (Hebrew: _'ên kâmôni_) highlights His incomparability in character, power, wisdom, and purpose. He is utterly unique, possessing attributes that no other being, real or imagined, can claim. This reinforces His supreme sovereignty and capacity to fulfill His promises.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 46:9 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic restatement of "I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me." This serves to underscore the absolute certainty and foundational nature of God's unique identity and sovereignty. It functions as a declarative statement, a divine self-attestation that leaves no room for doubt or polytheistic compromise. There is also clear **Contrast** at play, though implicit in this single verse, it is explicit in the surrounding chapter. God's self-description as incomparable stands in stark opposition to the impotent, man-made idols discussed elsewhere in [Isaiah 46](/isaiah/46 "Isaiah 46 - The Folly of Idols"). The call to "Remember" is an **Imperative**, a direct command that engages the audience, inviting them into a theological reflection on history as proof of God's character. This also functions as a form of **Didacticism**, teaching the people about the nature of God through historical evidence. Finally, the entire verse is an example of **Divine Self-Declaration**, where God Himself speaks to reveal His essence, power, and exclusive claim to deity, a hallmark of prophetic literature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 46:9 is a cornerstone of biblical theology, articulating the radical monotheism that defines Israel's faith and distinguishes it from all other ancient religions. It asserts God's absolute uniqueness, not merely as the greatest among many, but as the *only* true God. This truth is foundational to understanding His sovereignty over creation, history, and the destiny of humanity. The divine imperative to "remember the former things of old" establishes a crucial theological principle: God's past actions are the irrefutable proof of His unchanging character and His capacity to fulfill future promises. This historical faithfulness provides the basis for trust and hope, especially in times of crisis or doubt. The verse's polemic against idolatry extends beyond physical statues to challenge anything that usurps God's rightful place in human hearts and lives, calling for exclusive devotion to the one who alone is God.

* [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The LORD is God; there is no other")
* [Psalm 96:5](/psalm/96-5 "Psalm 96:5 - The LORD made the heavens")
* [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The LORD is the true God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 46:9 offers profound comfort and challenge for contemporary believers. In a world increasingly saturated with competing ideologies, self-help philosophies, and material pursuits that often function as modern idols, this verse calls us back to the singular truth of God's incomparable nature. Remembering God's past faithfulness—both in biblical history and in our personal lives—is not mere nostalgia but an active spiritual discipline that fortifies our faith. When faced with anxieties about the future, the knowledge that "He is God, and there is none like Him" reminds us that our hope is anchored in an unchanging, all-powerful, and all-knowing Creator who holds all things in His hands. This truth liberates us from the burden of self-reliance and the futility of seeking ultimate satisfaction or security in anything less than God Himself, empowering us to live with confident trust and unwavering devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "former things of old" (biblical events, personal experiences) does God want you to remember today to strengthen your faith?**
* **In what ways might modern "idols" (e.g., career, wealth, social media, self-image) subtly compete for God's unique place in your life?**
* **How does the truth that "there is none like Him" impact your perspective on current challenges or uncertainties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more intentionally "remember" God's faithfulness in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "the former things of old" refer to in Isaiah 46:9?**

Answer: "The former things of old" refers to God's past acts of power, faithfulness, and deliverance throughout Israel's history. This includes pivotal events like the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Deliverance at the Red Sea"), the giving of the Law at Sinai, the miraculous provision in the wilderness, and the fulfillment of past prophecies. These historical interventions served as irrefutable evidence of Yahweh's unique identity, sovereignty, and ability to fulfill His promises, providing a foundation for the exiles' trust in His future plans for their restoration. The prophet Isaiah frequently references these past acts to bolster the people's faith, as seen in [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Do Not Dwell on the Past").

**How does Isaiah 46:9 challenge polytheism?**

Answer: Isaiah 46:9 directly challenges polytheism through its emphatic declaration, "I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me." This statement asserts Yahweh's absolute exclusivity and incomparability. It's not merely claiming that Yahweh is *a* god or even the *greatest* god, but that He is the *only* true God, and no other being can be likened to Him in power, character, or authority. This stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of ancient Babylon, where multiple gods were worshipped. The surrounding verses in [Isaiah 46](/isaiah/46 "Isaiah 46 - The Folly of Idols") further highlight this challenge by satirizing the impotence of idols that must be carried by their worshippers, unlike the living God who carries His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 46:9's profound declaration of God's unique and incomparable nature finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "former things of old" that God's people were to remember were shadows and promises pointing to the ultimate "new thing" that God would do through His Son. The very "God" who declares "there is none else; there is none like me" is revealed fully in Christ, who is the [exact imprint of His nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory"). Jesus himself claimed divine prerogatives that echoed Isaiah's declaration, stating, "[I and the Father are one](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father are One")," and "[Whoever has seen me has seen the Father](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")." He is the visible image of the invisible God, the one through whom [all things were created](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ") and in whom [all the fullness of God dwells bodily](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ"). Thus, the incomparable God of Isaiah 46:9 is the God who humbled Himself to become flesh in Jesus, demonstrating His unique power not only in creation but supremely in redemption through the cross and resurrection, proving there is truly [no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - No Other Name for Salvation") but that of Jesus Christ.

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

Psalms 111:4

He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion.

Isaiah 42:9

Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

Isaiah 46:5

¶ To whom will ye liken me, and make [me] equal, and compare me, that we may be like?

Deuteronomy 33:26

¶ [There is] none like unto the God of Jeshurun, [who] rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

Deuteronomy 32:7

¶ Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

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.

Isaiah 45:22

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.