Isaiah Chapter 46 Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Isaiah 46:1–2
"Bel bows down, N'vo stoops low; their idols are borne by animals, beasts of burden. The loads you yourselves were carrying are now burdening tired animals. They stoop and bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity."
This passage speaks of the fact that the false gods of Babylon were unable to stand against the judgement of God as the Medes and the Persians conquered Babylon[cite: 3].
Isaiah 46:3–5
"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. Till your old age I will be the same - I will carry you until your hair is white. I have made you, and I will bear you; yes, I will carry and save you. To whom will you liken me and equate me? With whom will you compare me, as if we were similar?"
God reminds the people of Judah and the remnant from the northern kingdom that he has taken care of them from the very start and he will continue to do so[cite: 3].
They had a history of falling into idolatry so God asks them which of their idols is like him and able to take care of them[cite: 3].
Isaiah 46:6–7
"They squander the gold from their bags and weigh silver on a scale; they hire a goldsmith to make a god, before which they fall down and worship! It is borne on shoulders and carried, then set in its place; and there it stands. From its place it does not move. If one cries to it, it cannot answer or save anyone from his troubles."
This passage speaks of the fact that the Babylonians were rich and used that wealth to create these idols that they bowed down to but, in the end, the idols could not help them against the judgement of God[cite: 3].
Isaiah 46:8–10
"Remember this, and stand firm. Keep it in mind, you rebels. '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. 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.'"
God calls his people to remember the futility of idolatry and the fact that they are a covenant people[cite: 3].
He goes on to say that he is going to keep that covenant and there will be judgement in the end for those that reject his plan[cite: 3].
Isaiah 46:11–13
"I call a bird of prey from the east, the man I intended, from a distant country. I have spoken and will bring it about; I have made a plan, and I will fulfill it. Listen to me, you stubborn people, so far from righteousness: I am bringing my justice nearer, it is not far away; my salvation will not be delayed, I will place my salvation in Tziyon for Isra'el my glory."
Once again we see the calling of Cyrus the king of Persia that we saw in the last chapter and God says that it is going to happen[cite: 3].
Even with all that they have seen, the people are stubborn and refuse to listen but God's plan does not change or be delayed[cite: 3]. That plan is for salvation and the establishment of his kingdom where God will be glorified[cite: 3].