Isaiah 48:16

KJV

¶ Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there [am] I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H7126} ye near {H7126} unto me, hear {H8085} ye this; I have not spoken {H1696} in secret {H5643} from the beginning {H7218}; from the time {H6256} that it was, there am I: and now the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, and his Spirit {H7307}, hath sent {H7971} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Come close to me, and listen to this: since the beginning I have not spoken in secret, since the time things began to be, I have been there; and now Adonai ELOHIM has sent me and his Spirit."

Berean Standard Bible

Come near to Me and listen to this: From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time it happened, I was there.” And now the Lord GOD has sent me, accompanied by His Spirit.

American Standard Version

Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; from the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord Jehovah hath sent me, and his Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 48:16 presents a profound and multifaceted prophetic declaration, likely from the divine Servant or Messiah, revealing God's unwavering commitment to open revelation from eternity past. It emphasizes the speaker's pre-existence and omnipresence, asserting that God's truth has never been hidden, contrasting with the deceptive practices of idols. The verse culminates in a remarkable Trinitarian hint, declaring that the speaker has been sent by "the Lord GOD, and his Spirit," underscoring a divine commission and the unity within the Godhead for the purpose of salvation and revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 48 concludes the first major section of the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-55), which focuses on God's promise of restoration for Israel after their Babylonian exile. This chapter specifically addresses Israel's stubbornness, idolatry, and unfaithfulness, yet simultaneously reaffirms YHWH's absolute sovereignty, His unique ability to declare the future, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. The preceding verses (Isaiah 48:1-11) highlight Israel's spiritual deafness and hardened hearts, despite God's clear past prophecies. Verses 12-15 reiterate God's role as Creator and Controller of history, particularly in raising up Cyrus as His instrument. Verse 16, therefore, serves as a climactic invitation and declaration, calling a disobedient people to "come near" and "hear" a foundational truth about God's character and the nature of His revelation, setting the stage for the subsequent Servant Songs.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile, a period of profound crisis and theological questioning for Israel. Surrounded by polytheistic cultures that practiced divination, secret rituals, and obscure oracles from their gods, the Israelites were prone to doubt YHWH's power and presence. The declaration "I have not spoken in secret from the beginning" directly challenges the secretive, manipulative, and often contradictory nature of pagan religious practices. It asserts the transparency and integrity of Israel's God, whose word is clear, public, and verifiable through fulfilled prophecy. This open communication stands in stark contrast to the hidden wisdom of the world or the deceptive whispers of false deities, providing a basis for trust and assurance in a time of national despair and spiritual confusion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it reinforces **God's Sovereignty and Omniscience**, demonstrating His control over history and His unique ability to declare events before they unfold, a theme pervasive in [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - God's Sovereignty and Comfort"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Transparency**, emphasizing that God's truth is not hidden but openly proclaimed, inviting trust rather than suspicion. This contrasts sharply with the "hidden" gods of the nations. Thirdly, the verse introduces or deepens the theme of the **Divine Messenger/Servant**, hinting at a figure who is both pre-existent ("from the time that it was, there am I") and divinely commissioned ("the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me"). This foreshadows the Servant of the Lord passages (e.g., [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord")) and the ultimate revelation of God's redemptive plan through a chosen individual. Finally, the subtle mention of "the Lord GOD, and his Spirit" acting in concert to send the speaker provides a remarkable Old Testament glimpse into the **Plurality within the Godhead**, a concept more fully revealed in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **secret (Hebrew, _çêther'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to cover," refers to a hidden place, a covert, or something done privately. In this context, it emphasizes that God's communication is not clandestine, obscure, or manipulative, unlike the oracles of pagan deities or the hidden wisdom of human philosophies. His revelation is open, clear, and accessible, intended to be heard and understood by all.
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This term signifies wind, breath, or a vital force, and by extension, the spirit of a rational being. Here, it refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, acting in concert with the Lord GOD (YHWH) to commission the speaker. Its inclusion highlights the active, personal involvement of the Holy Spirit in divine revelation and the sending of the Messiah, demonstrating a unity of purpose within the Godhead.
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This primitive root means "to send away, for, or out." In this verse, it denotes a divine commission and authority. The speaker is not acting on their own initiative but is specifically dispatched by the Lord GOD and His Spirit. This "sending" implies a mission of great significance, underscoring the speaker's role as an authorized agent of the divine will, a concept central to the identity and mission of the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Come ye near unto me, hear ye this;":** This is an urgent, direct summons from the speaker to the people of Israel. It's an invitation to draw close and pay careful attention, emphasizing the critical importance of the message about to be delivered. The imperative "hear" (shama') implies not just auditory reception but also understanding and obedience.
* **"I have not spoken in secret from the beginning;":** The speaker asserts the transparency and public nature of their communication. From the very outset of creation and history, God's revelation has been open and clear, never hidden or whispered in obscure ways. This contrasts with the secretive practices of pagan gods and underscores God's integrity.
* **"from the time that it was, there [am] I:":** This clause powerfully declares the speaker's pre-existence and eternal presence. Before anything existed, the speaker was already there, actively present at the very moment of creation and throughout all of history. It speaks to an eternal, timeless being, intimately involved in the fabric of existence from its inception.
* **"and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.":** This is the climactic declaration, revealing the source of the speaker's authority and mission. The speaker is divinely commissioned by "the Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) and "his Spirit." This statement points to a remarkable Trinitarian cooperation, where the Father (Lord GOD) and the Holy Spirit act together to send the speaker, who is often understood to be the pre-incarnate Messiah. It signifies a unified divine purpose in salvation history.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 48:16 employs several powerful literary devices. **Direct Address** ("Come ye near unto me, hear ye this") immediately engages the audience, creating a sense of urgency and personal invitation. This is followed by a strong **Assertion of Divine Authority** and **Truthfulness** ("I have not spoken in secret from the beginning"), which functions as a direct **Contrast** to the deceptive and hidden practices of false gods. The phrase "from the time that it was, there am I" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Timeless Presence** to convey the speaker's eternal existence and omnipresence, transcending the limits of created time. Finally, the concluding statement, "and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me," is a profound instance of **Prophetic Foreshadowing** and **Theological Revelation**, hinting at the Trinitarian nature of God and the divine commission of the Messiah, a concept further developed in the New Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 48:16 is a remarkable theological statement, often considered one of the clearest Old Testament hints at the plurality within the Godhead and the pre-existence of the Messiah. The speaker, who possesses eternal existence and has been present "from the beginning," declares a divine commission by both "the Lord GOD" and "his Spirit." This anticipates the New Testament revelation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, working in perfect unity for the redemption of humanity. It underscores that God's plan of salvation is not an afterthought but an eternal decree, openly revealed and executed through the cooperative work of the divine persons. The verse also solidifies the theme of God's transparent and trustworthy communication, contrasting His clear Word with the hidden deceptions of the world.

* [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word in the Beginning")
* [John 8:42](/john/8-42 "John 8:42 - Jesus Sent by God")
* [John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit Sent by the Father")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 48:16 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It assures us that God is not a distant, secretive deity but one who has always desired to make Himself known, speaking clearly and openly from the very beginning. This means we can approach His Word, the Bible, with confidence, knowing that its truths are not obscure riddles but divine revelation intended for our understanding and transformation. The verse also calls us to recognize the eternal presence of God in all circumstances, reminding us that He was "there" at the dawn of creation and remains intimately involved in every moment of our lives. Furthermore, understanding the divine commission of the "sent one" by the Lord GOD and His Spirit deepens our appreciation for the unified work of the Trinity in salvation. It encourages us to listen attentively to the voice of God, trust His unwavering truth, and participate in the mission of the "sent one" by sharing the openly revealed gospel with a world still searching for clear answers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance that God has "not spoken in secret from the beginning" impact your trust in His Word and His character?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God's eternal presence ("from the time that it was, there am I") provide comfort or challenge in your current life circumstances?**
* **How does the Trinitarian hint in this verse deepen your understanding of the cooperative work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in God's redemptive plan?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "me" who is speaking in Isaiah 48:16, and why is this verse significant?**

Answer: The identity of the speaker in Isaiah 48:16 is a subject of significant theological discussion, but many prominent biblical scholars and Christian traditions interpret "me" as the pre-existent Messiah, the Servant of the Lord, who is speaking prophetically. The verse is highly significant because it presents a remarkable Old Testament foreshadowing of the Trinity. The speaker, who claims eternal existence and presence "from the beginning," declares that "the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me." This implies a divine agent distinct from, yet in perfect unity with, both the Father (the Lord GOD) and the Holy Spirit. It points to the divine commission of the Messiah, who would later be revealed as Jesus Christ, sent by the Father and the Spirit to accomplish God's redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 48:16 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "me" who speaks with eternal authority, declaring presence "from the beginning," perfectly aligns with the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the pre-existent Word, through whom all things were made ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word in the Beginning")). His claim, "I have not spoken in secret," resonates with Jesus' public ministry, where He openly declared the truth of God's kingdom, contrasting His clear teachings with the hidden wisdom of the world ([John 18:20](/john/18-20 "John 18:20 - Jesus' Public Teaching")). Most profoundly, the declaration "and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me" is a powerful Old Testament echo of Jesus' repeated assertions of being "sent" by the Father. Jesus consistently affirmed, "I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me" ([John 8:42](/john/8-42 "John 8:42 - Jesus Sent by God")). Furthermore, the inclusion of "his Spirit" in the sending highlights the Trinitarian cooperation in the divine mission, a truth fully unveiled in the New Testament where the Father sends the Son, and the Son and the Father send the Spirit ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Father Sending the Spirit"), [John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit Sent by the Father")). Thus, Isaiah 48:16 is a prophetic gem, revealing the eternal, transparent, and divinely commissioned nature of the Messiah, Jesus, who perfectly embodies the unified will and work of the Triune God for humanity's salvation.

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

John 18:20

Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

John 20:21

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

John 20:22

And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Isaiah 45:19

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

John 3:34

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.