Sovereign Control of God
July 5, 2025
Commentary
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 (also called Marduk) was the chief Babylonian god and Nebo was his son, the god of writing and learning. Together they 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, whereas 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.
Isaiah 46:1–13 (NET)
1 Bel kneels down, Nebo bends low. Their images weigh down animals and beasts. Your heavy images are burdensome to tired animals.
2 Together they bend low and kneel down; they are unable to rescue the images; they themselves head off into captivity.
3 “Listen to me, O family of Jacob, all you who are left from the family of Israel, you who have been carried from birth, you who have been supported from the time you left the womb.
4 Even when you are old, I will take care of you, even when you have gray hair, I will carry you. I made you and I will support you; I will carry you and rescue you.
5 To whom can you compare and liken me? Tell me whom you think I resemble, so we can be compared!
6 Those who empty out gold from a purse and weigh out silver on the scale hire a metalsmith, who makes it into a god. They then bow down and worship it.
7 They put it on their shoulder and carry it; they put it in its place and it just stands there; it does not move from its place. Even when someone cries out to it, it does not reply; it does not deliver him from his distress.
8 Remember this, so you can be brave. Think about it, you rebels!
9 Remember what I accomplished in antiquity. Truly I am God, I have no peer; I am God, and there is none like me,
10 who announces the end from the beginning and reveals beforehand what has not yet occurred; who says, ‘My plan will be realized, I will accomplish what I desire;’
11 who summons an eagle from the east, from a distant land, one who carries out my plan. Yes, I have decreed, yes, I will bring it to pass; I have formulated a plan, yes, I will carry it out.
12 Listen to me, you stubborn people, you who distance yourselves from doing what is right.
13 I am bringing my deliverance near, it is not far away; I am bringing my salvation near, it does not wait. I will save Zion; I will adorn Israel with my splendor.
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