What is the meaning of Isaiah 46?

Isaiah 46 is a profound chapter in the Book of Isaiah, rich with theological significance and a deep message about the sovereignty of God over idols and false gods. This chapter, consisting of thirteen verses, is a part of the larger section of Isaiah often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66). Here, the prophet Isaiah addresses the people of Israel, who are either in or anticipating exile in Babylon, offering them hope and a renewed understanding of their relationship with God.

The chapter opens with a vivid portrayal of the Babylonian gods Bel and Nebo being carried away on beasts of burden. These images of idolatry being carted off are symbolic and serve to underscore the impotence of these deities. The text says:

"Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on beasts and cattle. These things you carry are loaded as burdens on weary animals. They stoop, they bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity" (Isaiah 46:1-2, NRSV).

The scene is almost ironic. The gods that the Babylonians worshipped, which were supposed to protect and guide them, are shown as powerless objects that need to be carried away. This imagery is intended to highlight the futility of idolatry. Unlike the living God of Israel, these idols are lifeless and dependent on human effort for their movement, let alone their existence.

In stark contrast, verses 3-4 present a powerful depiction of God's enduring care and faithfulness to His people:

"Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save" (Isaiah 46:3-4, NRSV).

Here, God reminds Israel of His unwavering support and sustenance from their inception as a people to their old age. Unlike the idols that need to be carried, God is the one who carries His people. This divine assurance is meant to inspire trust and reliance on God, who is both the Creator and Sustainer.

Verses 5-7 further emphasize the absurdity of idolatry by comparing the living God to the lifeless idols:

"To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, as though we were alike? Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales — they hire a goldsmith, who makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries out to it, it does not answer or save anyone from trouble" (Isaiah 46:5-7, NRSV).

The futility of idol worship is laid bare. The idols are human creations, fashioned from gold and silver, carried about by their worshippers, and utterly incapable of responding to prayers or providing any form of salvation. This stark contrast is designed to lead the Israelites away from idolatry and towards a renewed faith in the one true God.

The subsequent verses (8-11) call the people to remember the former things and recognize God's unique sovereignty and eternal purpose:

"Remember this and consider, 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 no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention,' calling a bird of prey from the east, the man for my purpose from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have planned, and I will do it" (Isaiah 46:8-11, NRSV).

God's declaration here is a powerful reminder of His omniscience and omnipotence. He alone can declare the end from the beginning, and His plans are unassailable. The reference to "a bird of prey from the east" is commonly interpreted as a reference to Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who would eventually conquer Babylon and allow the Israelites to return to their homeland. This prophecy underscores God's control over history and His ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His divine purposes.

In the final verses (12-13), there is a call to listen and a promise of salvation:

"Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from deliverance: I bring near my deliverance, it is not far off, and my salvation will not tarry; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory" (Isaiah 46:12-13, NRSV).

God addresses those who are "stubborn of heart" and assures them that His deliverance is imminent. The promise of salvation being placed in Zion signifies a future hope for Israel, a restoration not just of their physical land but of their spiritual relationship with God.

In summary, Isaiah 46 is a chapter that contrasts the impotence of idols with the supreme power and faithfulness of God. It calls the people of Israel to reject idolatry and trust in the God who has carried them from their inception and will continue to carry them into the future. The chapter serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all creation, His control over history, and His unwavering commitment to His people. Through vivid imagery and powerful declarations, Isaiah 46 reassures the Israelites of God's imminent deliverance and encourages them to place their faith in Him alone.