Isa 48:14-16 | NET2full | STEP | All of you, gather together and listen ! Who among them announced these things ? The Lord ’s ally will carry out his desire against Babylon ; he will exert his power against the Babylonians .

‏ Isaiah 48:14-16

14 All of you, gather together and listen!
Who among them ^{▼▼sn This probably refers to the idol gods (see v. 5).} announced these things?
The Lord’s ally ^{▼▼tn Or “friend,” or “covenant partner.”} ^{▼▼sn The Lord’s ally is a reference to Cyrus.} will carry out his desire against Babylon;
he will exert his power against the Babylonians. ^{▼▼tn Heb “and his arm [against] the Babylonians.”}
15 I, I have spoken—
yes, I have summoned him;
I lead him and he will succeed. ^{▼▼tn Heb “and his way will be prosperous.”}
16 Approach me—listen to this!
From the very first I have not spoken in secret;
when it happens, ^{▼▼tn Heb “from the time of its occurring.”} I am there.”
So now, the Sovereign Lord has sent me, accompanied by his Spirit. ^{▼▼sn The speaker here is not identified specifically, but he is probably Cyrus, the Lord’s “ally” mentioned in vv. 14-15.}