46:1-4Cyrus would carry out God’s judgment against Babylon. Bel was the chief deity of the Babylonians; Nebo was the god of Science and learning. These gods, however, needed animals and People to carry them around and could not even save themselves from being taken into captivity. They had no power at all. In contrast, our God created us and cares for us. His love is so enduring that he will care for us throughout our lifetime and even through death.
Life Application Study BibleIsaiahChapter 46
Isaiah 46
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 1165, 1166
46Isaiah 46
1The poor beasts stagger under the weight.
2Both the idols and their owners are bowed down.The gods cannot protect the people,and the people cannot protect the gods.They go off into captivity together.
3“Listen to me, descendants of Jacob,all you who remain in Israel.Thave cared for you since you were born.Yes, I carried you before you were born.
4Twill be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age.I made you, and I will care for you.I will carry you along and save you.
5“To whom will you compare me?Who is my equal?
6Some people pour out their silver and goldand hire a craftsman to make a god from it.Then they bow down and worship it!
7They carry it around on their shoulders,and when they set it down, it stays there.It can’t even move!And when someone prays to it, there is no answer.It can’t rescue anyone from trouble.
8“Do not forget this! Keep it in mind!Remember this, you guilty ones.
9Remember the things I have done in the past.For I alone am God!I am God, and there is none like me.
10Only I can tell you the futurebefore it even happens.Everything I plan will come to pass,for I do whatever I wish.
11J will call a swift bird of prey from the east—a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding.I have said what I would do,and I will do it.
12“Listen to me, you stubborn peoplewho are so far from doing right.
13For I am ready to set things right,not in the distant future, but right now!I am ready to save Jerusalem*and show my glory to Israel.
Prediction of Babylon’s Fall
47 1“Come down, virgin daughter of Babylon, and sit in the dust.For your days of sitting on a throne have ended.O daughter of Babylonia,* never again will you be
Textual footnotes
- 46:13 Hebrew Zion.
Life Application Notes 3 notes
46:8-11Israel was tempted to waver between the LORD God and pagan gods. Isaiah affirms the sole lordship of God. God is unique in his knowledge and in his control of the future. His consistent purpose is to carry out what he has planned. When we are tempted to pursue anything that promises pleasure, comfort, peace, or security apart from God, we must remember our commitment to God.
46:13Much of the book of Isaiah speaks of a future deliverance when we will all live with God in perfect peace. God offers not only this future hope but also help for our present needs. His righteousness is near us, and we do not have to wait for his salvation.
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Study feature · page 1166
150 years before it happened. At thistime, Babylon had not yet emerged as the mightiest force on earth, the proud empire that would destroy Judah and Jerusalem. But the Babylonians, Judah’s captors, would become captives themselves in 539 B.C. God, not Babylon, has the ultimate power. He used Babylon to punish his sinful people; he would use Medo-Persia to destroy Babylon and free his people. 47:8, 9 Caught up in the pursuit of power and pleasure, Babylon believed in its own greatness and claimed to be the only power on earth. Babylon felt completely secure, and Nebuchadnezzar, its king, exalted himself as a “god.” But the true God taught Nebuchadnezzar a powerful Jesson by taking everything away from him