Sovereign Control of God

Isaiah 46:1–13
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Isaiah’s prediction of deliverance for the people of Israel begins with a statement that shows the supremacy of the Lord over the false gods being recognized in the nations (vv. 1-2). Bel was the Babylonian seen god and Mebo was his son, the god of writing and learning (v. 1). Both of them together could not stop Cyrus from carrying out God’s judgment against Babylon. In striking contrast the God of Israel sustains and carries His people (vv. 3-4).

The idea in this passage is that the gods of Babylon will not help them. The description of their idols being carried away upon beasts and carriages may have reference to the attempt of the Babylonian people to flee from the coming Persian conquest. These gods are nothing more than the product of the craftsman and goldsmith. They must be carried from place to place, where as the God of Israel is the one who is in control and carries nations from place to place (vv 5-7). Don’t forget this (v. 8)!

Israel was tempted to waiver between the Lord God and heathen gods. Isaiah affirms the sole lordship of God. The people of Babylon were reminded that God is the only God; He is unique (v. 9). Proof of His uniqueness includes His knowledge and control of the future, exemplified in His ability to bring Cyrus from the “east,” like “a ravenous bird,” to accomplish His plans (vv. 10-11). The “stout (stubborn) hearted” and those “far from righteous” (v. 12) were the Babylonians. God would bring against them His righteousness (in the form of Cyrus), who would carry out God’s righteous will. This would result in the salvation of Zion (v. 13).

Application

God has plans and a purpose to carry out in each of our lives. How comforting it is to know that my God cared for me before I was born (Ps 139:13-16), when I get old, and each moment in between.