Isaiah 48:12

KJV

Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I [am] he; I [am] the first, I also [am] the last.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H8085} unto me, O Jacob {H3290} and Israel {H3478}, my called {H7121}; I am he; I am the first {H7223}, I also am the last {H314}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Listen to me, Ya'akov; Isra'el, whom I have called: I am he who is first; I am also the last.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called: I am He; I am the first, and I am the last.

American Standard Version

Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 48:12 presents a profound divine declaration from Yahweh to His covenant people, "Jacob and Israel, my called." In this pivotal statement, God reasserts His unique and eternal identity, proclaiming, "I am he; I am the first, I also am the last." This declaration serves as a foundational reminder of His absolute sovereignty, His timeless existence, and His unwavering faithfulness, intended to instill trust and obedience in a nation facing the challenges of exile and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter portion of the book of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), often referred to as "Second Isaiah" or the "Book of Comfort." Following chapters of severe judgment and warnings (e.g., [Isaiah 1-39](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1-39 - Judgment and Prophecy")), this section shifts to messages of hope, restoration, and divine comfort for Israel, particularly in the context of their impending or ongoing Babylonian exile. Chapter 48 specifically serves as a concluding summary of God's past dealings with Israel, highlighting their stubbornness and idolatry (e.g., [Isaiah 48:4-5](/isaiah/48-4 "Isaiah 48:4-5 - Israel's Stubbornness")) while simultaneously emphasizing God's foreknowledge and His commitment to deliver them for His own name's sake (e.g., [Isaiah 48:6-11](/isaiah/48-6 "Isaiah 48:6-11 - God's Foreknowledge and Deliverance")). Verse 12, therefore, anchors these promises in the unchangeable character of God Himself, providing the ultimate ground for their hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 48 is the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national and spiritual crisis for Israel. Having been conquered by Babylon (foretold in [2 Kings 24](/2_kings/24 "2 Kings 24 - Jehoiachin's Captivity")), the people of Judah were deported to a foreign land, surrounded by a dominant polytheistic culture. Babylon boasted a pantheon of powerful gods, and the exiles were tempted to question Yahweh's power and faithfulness in light of their suffering. In this environment, Isaiah's message is a direct challenge to Babylonian idolatry, asserting Yahweh's singular supremacy over all other deities. The address to "Jacob and Israel" is a poignant reminder of their covenant identity, tracing back to the patriarch [Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Becomes Israel"), signifying their unique relationship with God despite their current plight.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 48:12 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah 40-66. Firstly, it underscores God's **unique and singular identity** as the one true God, distinct from the impotent idols of Babylon. This declaration of "I am he" echoes the divine self-revelation of [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation as 'I AM'") and forms the basis for God's claim as the only one who can declare the end from the beginning (e.g., [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). Secondly, the phrase "I am the first, I also am the last" highlights God's **eternality and absolute sovereignty** over all creation and history. He is the Alpha and Omega, the source and ultimate goal, demonstrating His complete control over past, present, and future events, including Israel's exile and eventual restoration. Lastly, the address "my called" reinforces God's **enduring covenant faithfulness** to Israel, emphasizing their chosen status despite their disobedience, and affirming His commitment to fulfill His promises to them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, obedience, or consent. It is not merely a physical act of hearing but a call to listen with understanding, heed, and respond. In this context, it is an imperative for Israel to pay close attention to God's self-revelation and commands, especially in light of their past failures to obey.
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to call out to," this word signifies being addressed by name, invited, or chosen. Here, it emphasizes Israel's unique status as God's chosen people, set apart by His divine initiative and purpose. Despite their unfaithfulness, God reaffirms their identity as "my called," underscoring His enduring covenant relationship with them.
* **first (Hebrew, _riʼshôwn'_):** From a root meaning "head" or "beginning," this term denotes priority in place, time, or rank. It signifies God's pre-existence, His role as the originator of all things, and His supreme authority. He is before all things, the ultimate source from which all creation flows.
* **last (Hebrew, _ʼachărôwn'_):** Meaning "hinder" or "late," this word refers to that which comes at the end, in time or sequence. It signifies God's eternality, His ultimate finality, and His role as the one who brings all things to their appointed conclusion. Together with "first," it forms a comprehensive statement of His timeless and all-encompassing sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called":** This opening phrase is an urgent divine summons. "Hearken" (shama') is an imperative, demanding not just auditory reception but active, obedient listening. The double address, "Jacob and Israel," emphasizes God's personal and covenantal relationship with the entire nation, encompassing both their historical identity (Jacob, the supplanter) and their divinely transformed identity (Israel, he who strives with God). "My called" reaffirms their election and special status, reminding them that their existence as a people is by God's sovereign invitation and purpose.
* **"I [am] he":** This short, powerful declaration (Hebrew: *ani hu*) is a profound statement of divine identity and self-existence. It echoes the "I AM" of [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses") and asserts God's unique, incomparable being. It signifies that Yahweh is the only true God, self-sufficient, unchanging, and utterly distinct from any created thing or idol. It is a declaration of absolute uniqueness and exclusive deity.
* **"I [am] the first, I also [am] the last":** This climactic declaration defines God's eternality and absolute sovereignty. As "the first," God is the uncreated Creator, the origin of all existence, preceding all things in time and causality. As "the last," He is the ultimate end, the one who brings all history to its consummation, the final authority beyond whom there is nothing. This merism encompasses all of time and existence, affirming His comprehensive control over all creation, past, present, and future.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 48:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. The opening "Hearken unto me" is a direct and emphatic **Imperative**, demanding immediate and focused attention from the audience, underscoring the gravity of the divine speaker. The address "O Jacob and Israel" is a form of **Appellation** or **Direct Address**, personally calling out to the nation and reinforcing their unique covenant relationship with God. The phrase "I am he" is a powerful **Divine Self-Declaration**, an assertion of absolute identity and uniqueness, resonating with the "I AM" statements of the Old Testament. Most significantly, the declaration "I am the first, I also am the last" is a classic example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. By stating "first" and "last," God encompasses all of time and existence, signifying His eternality, His comprehensive sovereignty, and His absolute pre-eminence over all things. This also functions as a **Hyperbole** of sorts, emphasizing His boundless nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 48:12 is a cornerstone declaration of God's essential nature, affirming His timelessness, self-existence, and ultimate authority. It reveals a God who is not bound by the constraints of creation or history but stands outside and above them, orchestrating all things according to His sovereign will. This truth provides profound comfort and stability, assuring His people that their future, even amidst exile, is firmly in the hands of the One who was, and is, and is to come. It also underscores His faithfulness to His covenant, as the One who initiated the relationship with "Jacob and Israel" is also the One who will bring it to its promised fulfillment.

* [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's self-revelation as 'I AM'")
* [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - The Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no God.")
* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - Jesus' declaration as 'the First and the Last'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Isaiah 48:12 offers an anchor of unwavering truth in a world characterized by change and uncertainty. To know that God is "the first and the last" means that our lives are not random occurrences but are held within the purposeful plan of an eternal, sovereign God. This truth invites us to relinquish anxiety and trust in His ultimate control over all circumstances, both personal and global. It calls us to active listening ("Hearken unto me") to His Word, recognizing that His commands and promises are rooted in His unchanging character. Our worship is enriched by understanding His boundless nature, fostering a deep sense of awe and reverence for the One who transcends all time and space, yet intimately calls us "my called." In Him, we find our origin, our purpose, and our ultimate destiny, providing a steadfast hope that endures through every trial.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "I am the first, I also am the last" bring comfort or challenge to your current circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "hearken" more attentively to God's voice and obey His commands?**
* **How does understanding God's eternal nature impact your perspective on time, priorities, and the future?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be "my called" by such a powerful and eternal God?**

### FAQ
**What does "I am he" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "I am he" (Hebrew: *ani hu*) is a profound declaration of God's unique and self-existent identity. It asserts that Yahweh is the one true God, distinct from all false gods and idols. It emphasizes His absolute singularity, His uncreated nature, and His incomparable power. It echoes the divine name "I AM THAT I AM" revealed in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses"), signifying that God is eternally present, self-sufficient, and the ultimate reality.

**How does the declaration "I am the first, I also am the last" relate to God's sovereignty?**

Answer: This declaration signifies God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and history. As "the first," God is the originator and initiator of all things, pre-existing and bringing everything into being. As "the last," He is the ultimate end, the one who brings all things to their appointed conclusion and final judgment. This comprehensive statement means that God encompasses all of time and existence, from beginning to end, demonstrating His complete control, foreknowledge, and ultimate purpose for all things. It assures His people that He is working out His plan from eternity past to eternity future, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning").

**Why does God address Israel as "my called" in this verse?**

Answer: Addressing Israel as "my called" (Hebrew: *qârâʼ*) emphasizes their unique status as God's chosen people, set apart by His divine initiative and purpose. Despite their history of disobedience and their current state of exile, God reaffirms their covenant relationship. This serves as a reminder of His enduring faithfulness to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and assures them that their identity and future are still tied to His divine election, providing a basis for hope and restoration. It highlights that their calling is not based on their merit but on God's sovereign grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 48:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The declaration "I am he; I am the first, I also am the last" is a divine title that unequivocally points to the deity and eternality of God. Strikingly, this very title is repeatedly applied to Jesus in the New Testament, firmly establishing His co-equality and co-eternality with the Father. In the book of Revelation, the resurrected Christ declares, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore" ([Revelation 1:17-18](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17-18 - Jesus, the First and the Last, the Living One")). Again, He proclaims, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")). This direct appropriation of Yahweh's unique title to Jesus signifies that He is not merely a prophet or a king, but God incarnate, the one through whom all things were created and by whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). Just as God was "the first" to initiate creation and "the last" to bring about its consummation in the Old Testament, so Jesus Christ, as the eternal Son, is the Alpha and Omega of salvation history, the one who initiates and completes our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). He is the "called" of God, the ultimate Israelite, embodying God's perfect obedience and fulfilling God's covenant promises to His people through His life, death, and resurrection ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of 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

Isaiah 41:4

Who hath wrought and done [it], calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I [am] he.

Revelation 1:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 22:13

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.

Isaiah 43:11

I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.