Isaiah 45:11
Isaiah 45:11 in Multiple Translations
Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “How dare you question Me about My sons, or instruct Me in the work of My hands?
Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
Thus saith Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: Ask me of the things that are to come; concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands, command ye me.
The Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, says, Will you put a question to me about the things which are to come, or will you give me orders about my sons, and the work of my hands?
This is what the Lord says, the Holy One of Israel, your Creator: You can ask me about things to come. But are you going to lecture me about my children and what I do?
Thus saith the Lord, the holy one of Israel, and his maker, Aske me of things to come concerning my sonnes, and concerning the workes of mine hands: commande you me.
Thus said Jehovah, The Holy One of Israel, and his Former: Ask Me of the things coming concerning My sons, Yea, concerning the work of My hands, ye command Me.'
The LORD, the Holy One of Israel and his Maker says: “You ask me about the things that are to come, concerning my sons, and you command me concerning the work of my hands!
Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
Thus saith the Lord the Holy One of Israel, his maker: Ask me of things to come, concerning my children, and concerning the work of my hands give ye charge to me.
Yahweh, the Holy One of the Israeli people, the one who created Israel, says this to them: “◄Why do you ask questions about what I do for you, my children?/You should not ask questions about what I do for you, my children.► [RHQ] ◄Why do you tell me about the work that I should do?/You should not tell me about the work that I should do.► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 45:11
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 45:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּֽה
אָמַ֧ר
יְהוָ֛ה
קְד֥וֹשׁ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
וְ/יֹצְר֑/וֹ
הָ/אֹתִיּ֣וֹת
שְׁאָל֔וּ/נִי
עַל
בָּנַ֛/י
וְ/עַל
פֹּ֥עַל
יָדַ֖/י
תְּצַוֻּֽ/נִי
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֧ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
קְד֥וֹשׁ
qâdôwsh
H6918
holy
Adj
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/יֹצְר֑/וֹ
yâtsar
H3335
to form
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
הָ/אֹתִיּ֣וֹת
ʼâthâh
H857
to come
Art | V-Qal
שְׁאָל֔וּ/נִי
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בָּנַ֛/י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
פֹּ֥עַל
pôʻal
H6467
work
N-ms
יָדַ֖/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
תְּצַוֻּֽ/נִי
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 45:11
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֧ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
קְד֥וֹשׁ
qâdôwsh
H6918
"holy"
Adj
Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.
Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/יֹצְר֑/וֹ
yâtsar
H3335
"to form"
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
הָ/אֹתִיּ֣וֹת
ʼâthâh
H857
"to come"
Art | V-Qal
To arrive or come to a place, it can also mean to bring something. It is used in the Bible to describe the coming of people, events, or things.
Definition: 1) to come, arrive 1a) (Qal) to come (of men, time, beasts, calamity) 1b) (Hiphil) to bring Aramaic equivalent: a.tah (אֲתָה "to come" H0858)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be-, things to) come (upon), bring. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 41:5; Psalms 68:32.
שְׁאָל֔וּ/נִי
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בָּנַ֛/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פֹּ֥עַל
pôʻal
H6467
"work"
N-ms
A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.
Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.
יָדַ֖/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
תְּצַוֻּֽ/נִי
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
Study Notes — Isaiah 45:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 45:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 45:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 45:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 45:11
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 45:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11
- Sermons on Isaiah 45:11
Context — God Calls Cyrus
9Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker— one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’?
10Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What have you begotten?’ or to his mother, ‘What have you brought forth?’”
11Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “Concerning things to come, do you question Me about My sons, or instruct Me in the work of My hands?
12It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. It was My hands that stretched out the heavens, and I ordained all their host. 13I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 33:3 | Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know. |
| 2 | Isaiah 48:17 | Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go. |
| 3 | Mark 11:24 | Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 36:37 | This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock. |
| 5 | Ephesians 2:10 | For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. |
| 6 | Isaiah 29:23 | For when he sees his children around him, the work of My hands, they will honor My name, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and they will stand in awe of the God of Israel. |
| 7 | Isaiah 60:21 | Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified. |
| 8 | Joshua 10:12 | On the day that the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 43:21 | The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise. |
| 10 | Hosea 1:10 | Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ |
Isaiah 45:11 Summary
[This verse means that God is saying, 'I am the Creator and I know what I am doing, so trust Me and do not try to tell Me how to do My job.' As it says in Psalm 138:8, 'The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me', we can trust that God has a plan and it is good. We should approach God with humility and reverence, recognizing that He is all-powerful and sovereign, as seen in Job 42:2, where it says 'I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to be the 'Maker' of Israel?
In Isaiah 45:11, God is emphasizing His role as the Creator of Israel, much like a potter shapes clay, as seen in Isaiah 64:8, where it says we are the clay and He is the Potter, and also in Jeremiah 18:6, where God is compared to a potter who has the right to shape and mold His creation.
Is God saying we should never question Him?
While God is saying 'How dare you question Me' in Isaiah 45:11, He is not saying we should never ask questions or seek understanding, but rather, we should approach Him with humility and reverence, as seen in Psalm 111:10, which says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
What does it mean to 'instruct' God in the work of His hands?
Instructing God in the work of His hands means trying to tell God how to do His job, or thinking we know better than Him, which is a form of pride and arrogance, as warned against in Proverbs 16:18, where it says pride goes before destruction.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that God is sovereign and all-powerful, and we should trust in His wisdom and plan, even when we do not understand, as seen in Romans 11:33-36, where it says God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to 'instruct' God, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
- How can I cultivate a sense of reverence and humility when approaching God, and what does that look like in my daily life?
- What are some things I am questioning God about, and how can I trust in His sovereignty and plan, even when I do not understand?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's wisdom and plan to a specific situation in my life right now?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 45:11
Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker,.... He whose name alone is Jehovah, who is glorious in holiness, the Sanctifier of his people, and the Maker of them, both as creatures,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 45:11
Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. Thus saith the Lord ... Ask me of things to come ... command ye me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11
His Maker; Israel’ s Maker, who not only created him, as I did all others, but made him a new creature, and a peculiar people to myself. Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me: the words thus rendered contain a concession or permission; and the sense may be this, Although the potter doth not give an account to the clay, nor parents to their children; yet I will so far condescend to you, as to be at your command in this matter, to give you an account of these great actions of mine, for which you quarrel with me. As for the expression, command ye me, though it seem to be harsh, yet there are instances in Scripture of such wonderful condescensions, as when it is said, that the Lord will make his people in heaven to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them, . But the words seem to be better rendered interrogatively, as they are by some interpreter, Do you, or will you, ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of mine hands will ye command me? Will you not allow me that liberty which yourselves take, of disposing of my own children and works as I see fit? Must I give you an account of. these matters? Will you set bounds to me by your commands, that I shall do this, and not that, according to your good pleasure? This is intolerable boldness in you; and yet I am able to give a good account of my actions. And the account is given in the following verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11
Isaiah 45:11 Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.Ver. 11. Thus saith the Lord, &c., ] q.d., Leave off such insolent and unbecoming language, and learn of me about what ye should rather busy yourselves. Ask me of things to come.] Me, and not your wizards. Have recourse to "my prophets; believe them, and ye shall prosper." Let your patient mind be known to all men; the Lord is at hand for your deliverance. Command ye me.] This is a wonderful expression, and doth notably set forth the power of prayer. Luther, it seemeth, well understood the latitude of this royal charter, saith one, when praying for the recovery of a godly useful preacher who was far gone in a consumption, among other passages he let fall this transcendent rapture of a daring faith, "Let my will be done," but then he falls off sweetly, "My will, Lord, because thy will." Mr Burr.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11
(11) Ask me of things to come . . .—As it stands, the verse calls men to consult the Holy One of Israel, and not the oracles of the heathen, about the future, to leave His works to His own control, and this falls in with Isaiah 44:25-26. A slight alteration of the text gives a meaning much more coherent with the immediate context: Will ye question me concerning things to come, concerning my sons . . . will ye command me! This was what they were practically doing when they murmured against the providence of God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11
Verse 11. Ask me of things to come - "And he that formeth the things which are to come"] I read ויוצר veyotser, without the ו vau suffixed; from the Septuagint, who join it in construction with the following word, ὁποιησαςταεπερχομενα. "Do ye question me." - תשאלוני tishaluni, Chald. recte; praecedit ת tau; et sic forte legerunt reliqui Intt. - Secker. "The Chaldee has, more properly, תשאלוני tishaluni, with a ת tau preceding; and thus the other interpreters probably read." The learned bishop therefore reads the passage thus: - "Thus saith Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel; And he that formeth the things which are to come; Do ye question me concerning my children? And do ye give me directions concerning the work of my hands?"
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 45:11
11. The last two verses were probably spoken by the prophet in his own name; here Jehovah addresses the same persons, introducing Himself as the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 41:14) and his maker (Isaiah 45:9). If the text be quite accurate, ask me must mean “ask me, but do not criticise me,” and command me must mean “leave to my care” (as 1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Samuel 6:21; 2 Samuel 7:11). But Cheyne well observes that these parallels are not exact, the verb being used of a charge laid on an inferior by a superior; and it is doubtful if it could be suitably employed of committing anything to the charge of God. He supposes that by an easily explicable omission of a consonant an imperf. has been changed into an imper.; and his translation is perhaps more forcible than any that can be obtained from the received text: concerning things to come (Isaiah 41:23, Isaiah 44:7) will ye question (i.e. “interrogate” in a hostile sense) me? and concerning … the work of my hands will ye lay commands upon me? concerning my sons] should (according to the accents) be taken with what follows (as R.V.); but the phrase is irrelevant and should probably be omitted as a gloss based on Isaiah 45:10.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 45:11
Thus saith the Lord - This verse is designed still further to illustrate the general subject referred to in this chapter, and especially to show them, that instead of complaining of his designs, or
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11
11-13. Ask me of things concerning my sons — Very differently ought the true Israelite to do. He should ask the Maker of all what is to be the outcome of things in Israel at a time when they seem bordering upon ruin.
Sermons on Isaiah 45:11
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The Ingredients of Closet Prayer by Al Whittinghill | The video is a sermon on the importance of prayer in the Christian life. The speaker emphasizes that prayer is essential and nothing else can take its place. They quote various scr |
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Prayer and the Future by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's will. He references the story of Elijah and the drought, highlighting how Elijah fer |
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Praying in the Name by Samuel Chadwick | Samuel Chadwick preaches on the incredible power and promises of prayer, emphasizing the Old Testament examples and assurances of deliverance, help, guidance, and grace to those wh |
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What Is Prayer by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee explores the profound mystery of prayer, emphasizing that it is not merely about the quantity of our prayers but their alignment with God's will. He poses critical que |
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Challenge Thy Mountain in the Lord by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the powerful concept of commanding God's work with faith and confidence, drawing examples from biblical figures like Joshua, Elijah, Luther, and Je |
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Christ's Great Commands by Colin Peckham | Colin Peckham emphasizes the importance of the missionary principles established by Jesus Christ. He highlights the significance of prayer as the foundation of missionary work, str |
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Dependable Priest by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews 4:14 and the concept of Jesus as a dependable high priest. He emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to our faith and reminds t |