FocusThe LORD's saving purpose
Connection to the wholeThe movement announces comfort, challenges idols, and develops the servant passages and invitations to receive the LORD's provision.
interpretation Isaiah 46:10
KJVDeclaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Read it in context
God's Sovereignty Over Idols and Future Events
Start reading at Isaiah 46:1 (Isaiah 46:1 to Isaiah 46:13).
The passage begins at the start of the chapter, establishing a clear unit of thought.
- 46:1 Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.
- 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.
- 46:3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:
- 46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
- 46:5 To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
- 46:6 They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.
- 46:7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
- 46:8 Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.
- 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
- 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
- 46:11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
- 46:12 Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:
- 46:13 I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Isaiah son of Amoz is the named prophet and the traditional author. The New Testament attributes passages from both earlier and later portions to Isaiah; scholars differ about the book's later composition and collection. Biblical references: Isaiah 1:1; John 12:38; John 12:39. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Isaiah 40:1–48:22): The LORD's people, called Jacob and Israel, are addressed with comfort, correction, and the assurance of His power over idols and empires. Babylon and its rulers are also addressed in judgment. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Judah and Jerusalem are the principal named audience, with messages also concerning Israel and other nations. Later portions address God's people in the horizon of exile, return, and restoration. Biblical references: Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 40:1; Isaiah 48:20. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is God's unique sovereignty, omniscience, and omnipotence, particularly His ability to declare and accomplish future events, contrasting Himself with the impotence of idols.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His unparalleled nature as the only true God who knows and controls all of history, from its beginning to its end. He declares that His plans ('counsel') are unchangeable and will certainly come to pass, fulfilling all His 'pleasure'.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is prophetic declaration and divine monologue, characterized by strong contrasts between God and idols, rhetorical challenges, and affirmations of God's unique power and knowledge.
When
- When was it written? Approximately 700 to 680 B.C. book background
- When does the event take place? The verse describes God's timeless attribute of knowing and declaring events 'from the beginning' to 'the end,' encompassing all of history. The specific prophecies in the surrounding context refer to future events for Israel, such as their deliverance from captivity through a 'ravenous bird from the east' (likely Cyrus, though not named here), which would occur after the time of writing. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The passage describes God's universal power and future events, but the prophecy itself was delivered in Jerusalem. book background
- Where was the author located? Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in God's Sovereignty Over Idols and Future Events (Isaiah 46:1 to Isaiah 46:13). Start reading at Isaiah 46:1. The passage begins at the start of the chapter, establishing a clear unit of thought.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is central to the argument in Isaiah 46, where God contrasts His eternal power and foreknowledge with the helplessness of Babylonian idols (Bel and Nebo) that must be carried by their worshippers. It establishes God's unique authority and ability to deliver His people, setting the stage for His promise to bring salvation and righteousness (Isaiah 46:11-13). stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? This verse points to Christ as the embodiment of God's eternal counsel and purpose. God's declaration of 'the end from the beginning' includes the foreordained plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, which was purposed 'before the foundation of the world' (1 Peter 1:20). Christ Himself is the 'Alpha and Omega,' the 'beginning and the end' (Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13), through whom God's pleasure and counsel are ultimately fulfilled. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today can find immense comfort and assurance in God's sovereign control. Knowing that God declares the end from the beginning and that His counsel will stand encourages trust in His unfailing plans, even amidst personal trials or global uncertainties. It calls us to rest in His wisdom and power, confident that He will accomplish all His good pleasure, and that His promises for our salvation and future are secure. interpretation
Cited: Isaiah 46:1-2, Isaiah 46:3-4, Isaiah 46:5-7, Isaiah 46:9, Isaiah 46:10, Isaiah 46:11, Psalm 33:11, Proverbs 19:21, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 21:6, Revelation 22:13
Who wrote it, and how we know
Isaiah the prophet
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz and names him throughout. The New Testament quotes both the earlier and later chapters as Isaiah's words.
Isaiah 1:1Isaiah 6:1John 12:38John 12:39
Early traditionJewish and Christian tradition holds the whole book to be Isaiah's.
What is debatedMany critical scholars propose a second and third author for chapters 40 and following, based on setting and style. John 12 quoting both sections as Isaiah is a significant argument against that view.
Related passages
- the end Isa 41:22-23 Isa 44:7 Isa 45:21 Gen 3:15 Gen 12:2-3 Gen 49:10,22-26 Num 24:17-24 Deut 4:24-31
- My counsel Isa 46:11 Isa 43:13 Ps 33:11 Ps 135:6 Prov 19:21 Prov 21:30 Dan 4:35 Acts 3:23
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Isaiah 46
Isaiah's opening locates his vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem in named royal reigns. The book includes warnings, narratives, and promises addressed to different settings. Identify the immediate audience before extending a promise or judgment to later readers. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Isaiah 1:1 Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah 40:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Isaiah
Isaiah's opening locates his vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem in named royal reigns. The book includes warnings, narratives, and promises addressed to different settings. Identify the immediate audience before extending a promise or judgment to later readers.
Isaiah 1:1 Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah 40:1
Judah confronted and hope announced
Isaiah 1:1–12:6FocusSin, judgment, and the promised ruler
Connection to the wholeThe opening visions confront Judah's rebellion while joining judgment with promises concerning the remnant and the Davidic ruler.
interpretation Oracles concerning the nations
Isaiah 13:1–23:18FocusThe LORD's judgment beyond Judah
Connection to the wholeThe series addresses surrounding nations and powers, locating Judah's troubles within a wider scene of divine judgment.
interpretation Judgment and deliverance
Isaiah 24:1–27:13FocusThe earth, the people, and renewed worship
Connection to the wholeThe scope widens through visions of judgment, praise, and gathering, linking the LORD's rule with His people's hope.
interpretation Warnings and the way of restoration
Isaiah 28:1–35:10FocusMisplaced trust and promised renewal
Connection to the wholeWarnings against false security and accounts of judgment lead into a vision of restoration and return.
interpretation Hezekiah's crisis
Isaiah 36:1–39:8FocusAssyria, deliverance, and Babylon
Connection to the wholeThe narratives connect trust and deliverance with an announcement concerning Babylon, bridging earlier warnings and later words of comfort.
interpretation FocusThe LORD's saving purpose
Connection to the wholeThe movement announces comfort, challenges idols, and develops the servant passages and invitations to receive the LORD's provision.
interpretation The community and the final hope
Isaiah 56:1–66:24FocusRighteousness, worship, and renewal
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapters confront ongoing sin while presenting the LORD's promised renewal, maintaining both warning and hope.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.