1. conflatus est Bel contritus est Nabo facta sunt simulacra eorum bestiis et jumentis onera vestra gravi pondere usque ad lassitudinem
2. contabuerunt et contrita sunt simul non potuerunt salvare portantem et anima eorum in captivitatem ibit
3. audite me domus Jacob et omne residuum domus Israël qui portamini a meo utero qui gestamini a mea vulva
4. usque ad senectam ego ipse et usque ad canos ego portabo ego feci et ego feram et ego portabo et salvabo
5. cui adsimilastis me et adæquastis et conparastis me et fecistis similem
6. qui confertis aurum de sacculo et argentum statera ponderatis conducentes aurificem ut faciat deum et procidunt et adorant
7. portant illud in umeris gestantes et ponentes in loco suo et stabit ac de loco suo non movebitur sed et cum clamaverint ad eum non audiet de tribulatione non salvabit eos
8. mementote istud et fundamini redite prævaricatores ad cor
9. recordamini prioris sæculi quoniam ego sum Deus et non est ultra Deus nec est similis mei
10. adnuntians ab exordio novissimum et ab initio quæ necdum facta sunt dicens consilium meum stabit et omnis voluntas mea fiet
11. vocans ab oriente avem et de terra longinqua virum voluntatis meæ et locutus sum et adducam illud creavi et faciam illud
12. audite me duro corde qui longe estis a justitia
13. prope feci justitiam meam non elongabitur et salus mea non morabitur dabo in Sion salutem et Israheli gloriam meam
Footnotes:
46:1-2 - Babylon’s idols, such as Bel and Nebo, are portrayed as useless burdens that cannot save. This contrasts with the power of the living God, who sustains His people (see also Psalm 115:4-8 and Jeremiah 10:5).
46:3-4 - God reminds His people that He has carried them from birth and will continue to sustain them into old age. This promise reaffirms God’s faithfulness and care (see also Deuteronomy 32:11-12 and Matthew 28:20).
46:8-10 - God challenges His people to remember that He is unique and declares the end from the beginning. This highlights His omniscience and the fulfillment of His promises (see also Isaiah 42:9 and Revelation 22:13).
46:11:00 - God affirms that He will fulfill His intentions, mentioning a "bird of prey" that will carry out His plan. This reference may allude to Cyrus as God's agent (see also Isaiah 45:1 and Ezra 1:1-2).
46:12-13 - God urges the rebellious to listen, for His justice is near, and He will bring salvation to Israel. This message reinforces God's patience with His people (see also 2 Peter 3:9 and Isaiah 51:5).
Verses related to Liber Isaiae, 46:
Isaiah chapter 46 contrasts the powerlessness of idols with the power of God. How does the Lord demonstrate His superiority? This incisive text ridicules the gods of Babylon while exalting the God of Israel as the only one capable of saving. The chapter reaffirms God's care for His people and His ability to predict and fulfill the future. Isaiah 46 addresses themes such as idolatry, divine sovereignty, and faithfulness. Investigate with us five biblical passages that expand your understanding of the eternal truths of this challenging chapter.
Hebrews 1:3: "The Son is the resplendence of God's glory and the exact expression of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After having performed purification from sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." - This verse echoes the theme of Isaiah 46:4, where God promises to sustain his people by applying them to Christ.
Philippians 1:6: "I am convinced that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." - This statement by Paul reflects God's promise in Isaiah 46:4 to support his people until old age.
Acts 17:29: "Therefore, since we are descendants of God, we should not think that the Divinity is similar to a sculpture of gold, silver or stone, made by the art and imagination of man." - This verse echoes the critique of idols in Isaiah 46:5-7, emphasizing the spiritual nature of God.
Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Jesus' invitation reflects God's promise in Isaiah 46:4 to carry and sustain his people.
Romans 9:28: "For the Lord will execute his sentence on earth, quickly and definitively." - Paul cites Isaiah 10:22-23, but the concept also echoes Isaiah 46:10-11, where God claims that he will fulfill his purpose.
FAQ:
What does Isaiah 46 say about idols?
Isaiah 46 describes idols as powerless and useless, contrasting with God's sovereign power. Idols are made of gold and silver, but they cannot save or help in times of need. (Isaiah 46:5-7)
What does God say about His people in Isaiah 46?
God promises to protect and save His people, even in difficult times. He declares that He is the only God, eternal and sovereign, and that His plan for Israel is secure. (Isaiah 46:3-4)
How does God present himself in Isaiah 46?
God presents Himself as the only true God, who controls the destiny of nations and acts on behalf of His people. He is immutable and eternal, unlike idols. (Isaiah 46:9-10)
What does it mean for God to "carry" His people?
God promises to carry His people like a father caring for his child. He offers them continual protection from birth to old age. (Isaiah 46:3-4)
What is the difference between God and idols in Isaiah 46?
Idols are man-made and can do nothing by themselves, while God is eternal, Creator of all things, and able to save. (Isaiah 46:6-7)
