Isaiah 46
BSB1 Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Their idols weigh down beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome, a load to the weary animal. 2 The gods cower; they crouch together, unable to relieve the burden; but they themselves go into captivity. 3 “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. 4 Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. 5 To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal? To whom will you compare Me, that we should be alike? 6 They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. 7 They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. 8 Remember this and be brave; take it to heart, you transgressors! 9 Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. 10 I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ 11 I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. 12 Listen to Me, you stubborn people, far removed from righteousness: 13 I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor.
Study Notes — Isaiah 46
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 46
- Themes from Isaiah 46
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 46
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 46 begins by describing the humiliation of the idols of Bel and Nebo, which cannot even save themselves, let alone their worshippers (Isaiah 46:1-2). In contrast, the true God is the one who carries His people from birth to old age, and who is the only one who can declare the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:3-4, Isaiah 46:10). The chapter also emphasizes the uniqueness of God, declaring that there is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 46:9). The idols are mere creations of human hands, but God is the Creator of all things, who is in control of history and the destiny of nations (Isaiah 46:11). The chapter concludes by calling God's people to trust in Him, and to remember that He is the one who has declared the end from the beginning, and who will accomplish all that He has planned (Isaiah 46:12-13).
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 46 is part of the larger section of Isaiah 40-48, which emphasizes the uniqueness of God and the futility of idolatry. This chapter is also part of the larger narrative of the book of Isaiah, which calls God's people to trust in Him and to remember that He is the one who has planned all of history. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the importance of trusting in Him.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to trust in the Lord, who is the only true God, and who is in control of all things. It reminds us that idols are mere creations of human hands, and have no power to save or deliver. As we read this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and to ask whether we are trusting in the Lord, or in idols.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 46 is a chapter that encourages believers to trust in the Lord, who is the only true God. It reminds us that idols are mere creations of human hands, and have no power to save or deliver. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, and calls God's people to trust in Him. In Isaiah 46:10, God declares that His counsel will stand, and that He will accomplish all His purpose.
Voices from the Church
“The idols of the heathen are nothing but the product of human skill and imagination, and they are as powerless as they are worthless.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The true God is the one who has planned all of history, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Humiliation of Idols (Isaiah 46:1-2) — The chapter begins by describing the humiliation of the idols of Bel and Nebo, which cannot even save themselves, let alone their worshippers.
- The Uniqueness of God (Isaiah 46:3-4, 9) — The chapter emphasizes the uniqueness of God, declaring that there is no other God besides Him. This is a reminder that God is the only true God, and that all other gods are mere idols.
- God's Sovereignty and Control (Isaiah 46:10-11) — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things, emphasizing that He is the one who has planned all of history, and who will accomplish all that He has planned.
- The Call to Trust (Isaiah 46:12-13) — The chapter concludes by calling God's people to trust in Him, and to remember that He is the one who has declared the end from the beginning, and who will accomplish all that He has planned.
- Conclusion (Isaiah 46:13) — The chapter ends with a statement of God's faithfulness and His commitment to His people.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is the one who has planned all of history, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. This is a doctrine that emphasizes God's control over all things, and encourages believers to trust in Him.
- The Futility of Idolatry
- The chapter emphasizes the futility and worthlessness of idols, which are mere creations of human hands, and have no power to save or deliver. This is a doctrine that reminds us that there is no other God besides the one true God.
- The Importance of Trust
- The chapter encourages believers to trust in the Lord, who is the only true God, and who is in control of all things. This is a doctrine that reminds us that trust in God is essential for our spiritual well-being and our relationship with Him.
- The Uniqueness of God
- The chapter emphasizes the uniqueness of God, declaring that there is no other God besides Him. This is a doctrine that reminds us that God is the only true God, and that all other gods are mere idols.
Lessons from Isaiah 46
- The Importance of Trusting in God — This chapter teaches us that trusting in God is essential for our spiritual well-being and our relationship with Him. We must turn away from idols and trust in the Lord, who is the only true God.
- The Futility of Idolatry — The chapter emphasizes the futility and worthlessness of idols, which are mere creations of human hands, and have no power to save or deliver. We must remember that there is no other God besides the one true God.
- God's Sovereignty and Control — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things, emphasizing that He is the one who has planned all of history, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. We must trust in God's sovereignty and control over all things.
- The Uniqueness of God — The chapter emphasizes the uniqueness of God, declaring that there is no other God besides Him. We must worship God alone, and remember that He is the only true God.
- The Call to Trust — The chapter concludes by calling God's people to trust in Him, and to remember that He is the one who has declared the end from the beginning, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. We must trust in God and remember His faithfulness and commitment to us.
Themes from Isaiah 46
- The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches that God is the one who has planned all of history, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. This is a theme that emphasizes God's control over all things, and encourages believers to trust in Him.
- The Futility of Idolatry — The chapter emphasizes the futility and worthlessness of idols, which are mere creations of human hands, and have no power to save or deliver. This is a theme that reminds us that there is no other God besides the one true God.
- The Importance of Trust — The chapter encourages believers to trust in the Lord, who is the only true God, and who is in control of all things. This is a theme that reminds us that trust in God is essential for our spiritual well-being and our relationship with Him.
- The Uniqueness of God — The chapter emphasizes the uniqueness of God, declaring that there is no other God besides Him. This is a theme that reminds us that God is the only true God, and that all other gods are mere idols.
- The Call to Worship — The chapter concludes by calling God's people to worship Him, and to remember that He is the one who has declared the end from the beginning, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. This is a theme that reminds us that worshiping God is essential for our spiritual well-being and our relationship with Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some idols that you may be trusting in, and how can you turn away from them and trust in the Lord?
- How does the doctrine of God's sovereignty encourage you to trust in Him?
- What are some ways that you can apply the doctrine of the futility of idolatry to your own life?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on the uniqueness of God encourage you to worship Him alone?
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's sovereignty and control over all things, even in difficult circumstances?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Humiliation of Idols (Isaiah 46:1-2)
| Isaiah 46:1 | The chapter begins by describing the humiliation of the idols of Bel and Nebo, which cannot even save themselves, let alone their worshippers. |
| Isaiah 46:2 | The idols are described as being loaded on animals, which is a picture of their powerlessness and worthlessness. |
2. The Uniqueness of God (Isaiah 46:3-4, 9)
| Isaiah 46:3 | The chapter emphasizes the uniqueness of God, declaring that He is the one who has carried His people from birth to old age. |
| Isaiah 46:4 | God is described as the one who has planned all of history, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. |
| Isaiah 46:9 | The chapter emphasizes the uniqueness of God, declaring that there is no other God besides Him. |
3. God's Sovereignty and Control (Isaiah 46:10-11)
| Isaiah 46:10 | The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things, emphasizing that He is the one who has planned all of history, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. |
| Isaiah 46:11 | God is described as the one who will accomplish all that He has planned, and who will not be thwarted by anyone or anything. |
4. The Call to Trust (Isaiah 46:12-13)
| Isaiah 46:12 | The chapter concludes by calling God's people to trust in Him, and to remember that He is the one who has declared the end from the beginning, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. |
| Isaiah 46:13 | The chapter ends with a statement of God's faithfulness and His commitment to His people. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 46?
The main theme of Isaiah 46 is the sovereignty of God and the futility of idolatry. The chapter emphasizes God's control over all things, and encourages believers to trust in Him.
What is the significance of the idols of Bel and Nebo in Isaiah 46?
The idols of Bel and Nebo are significant because they represent the false gods of the nations, which are powerless and worthless. The chapter uses these idols to contrast the true God, who is the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator.
How does Isaiah 46 relate to the rest of the book of Isaiah?
Isaiah 46 is part of the larger section of Isaiah 40-48, which emphasizes the uniqueness of God and the futility of idolatry. The chapter is also connected to the larger narrative of the book of Isaiah, which calls God's people to trust in Him and to remember that He is the one who has planned all of history.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 46:1 → Jeremiah 51:44 | The humiliation of the idols of Bel and Nebo is also described in Jeremiah 51:44, which emphasizes the powerlessness and worthlessness of these idols. |
| 2 | Isaiah 46:3-4 → Psalm 71:18 | The uniqueness of God is also emphasized in Psalm 71:18, which declares that God is the one who has carried His people from birth to old age. |
| 3 | Isaiah 46:9 → Deuteronomy 4:35 | The uniqueness of God is also emphasized in Deuteronomy 4:35, which declares that there is no other God besides Him. |
| 4 | Isaiah 46:10 → John 1:1 | The sovereignty of God is also emphasized in John 1:1, which declares that Jesus Christ is the Word of God, who has planned all of history and will accomplish all that He has planned. |
| 5 | Isaiah 46:11 → Romans 11:36 | The sovereignty of God is also emphasized in Romans 11:36, which declares that God is the one who has planned all of history, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. |
| 6 | Isaiah 46:12 → Hebrews 11:1 | The call to trust in God is also emphasized in Hebrews 11:1, which declares that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. |
| 7 | Isaiah 46:13 → 2 Timothy 2:13 | The faithfulness of God is also emphasized in 2 Timothy 2:13, which declares that God is faithful, and that He will not forsake His people. |
| 8 | Isaiah 46:1-13 → Revelation 1:8 | The sovereignty of God and the uniqueness of God are also emphasized in Revelation 1:8, which declares that Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. |
Sermons on Isaiah 46
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Timelessness of God by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of our sinful condition and the consequences it brings. He highlights that God, in His kindness a |
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A Word for Those Who Want to Know God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and how it relates to our modern times. He highlights Daniel's prophecy about an increase in travel and knowledge in the l |
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Jehovah-Nissi by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hungering for God and wanting to know who He is. The message is part of a series of eight or nine messages. The speaker enc |
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Death Is Only a Shadow by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of progressing in the Christian walk beyond the initial stages of faith. Many believers tend to stay in the shallow knowledge |
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The Making of an Apostle by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crying out to God from the depths of our being rather than living superficially. He warns against receiving messages from m |
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Worship and Witness by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parable of the sower from the eighth chapter of the gospel of Luke. He emphasizes the contrast between those who receive the word of God |
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Things to Come and the Way to Escape by Hal Lindsey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unique perils that the current generation is facing. He mentions that there are three main perils: runaway nuclear proliferation, pollutio |
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The Supremacy of Christ by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus Christ in His eternality, constancy, knowledge, wisdom, authority, providence, power, purity, trustworthiness, justice, patience, obed |
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The Ark and the Rebuilding of the Temple by Grant Jeffrey | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the word of God as an absolute foundation of truth. They express their logical and skeptical nature, stating that they beli |
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Tokens of His Compassion - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on the enduring love and faithfulness of God throughout history, emphasizing the reliability of His promises and the eternal nature of His Word. It acknowledge |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 46
In this chapter, we see the vanity and weakness of idols, and the power and wisdom of the one true God. The idols of Bel and Nebo are described as being unable to save themselves, let alone their worshippers. In contrast, the true God is the one who has carried His people from birth to old age, and who has planned all of history. The chapter calls God's people to trust in Him, and to remember that He is the one who has declared the end from the beginning, and who will accomplish all that He has planned. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the idols are vanities, and the Lord is the truth; and it is our duty to trust in Him, and to wait for His salvation.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Humiliation of Idols
The chapter begins by describing the humiliation of the idols of Bel and Nebo, which cannot even save themselves, let alone their worshippers. This is a stark contrast to the true God, who is the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator.
The Uniqueness of God
The chapter emphasizes the uniqueness of God, declaring that there is no other God besides Him. This is a reminder that God is the only true God, and that all other gods are mere idols.
The Call to Trust
The chapter concludes by calling God's people to trust in Him, and to remember that He is the one who has declared the end from the beginning, and who will accomplish all that He has planned.