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Overview

Isaiah 46 is continuing the trend of discussing the impotency of idolatry. This chapter focuses on the impotent idols of Babylon. YHWH is alone in existence and power. 

Isaiah 46:1-2

Bel bows down; Nebo stoops; their idols are on beasts and livestock; these things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts. They stoop; they bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.

Bel was the chief god of the Babylonians. Nebo was the god of scribes or of wisdom. These gods are basically idols of wood. Impotent. Unable to respond. Blocks of wood are not personal beings. They can’t save. They are truly worthless.

Isaiah 46:8-11

“Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.

Remember. Stand firm. This is when orthodoxy compels you to orthopraxy. As my seminary professor once said, “Theology is life.” Our knowledge of God should drive us to fear Him, revere Him—-not act like gods ourselves. God is so wonderful, so powerful, so wise. He is not human. He does not lie. If He says something, He will do it. 

Isaiah 46:12-13

“Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness: I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”

These two verses remind us that God is always near, ready to forgive. We are the ones who are stubborn. We are the ones who roam away from Him. If you feel far from Him, talk to God about it. Listen to His voice. Come back home.