Isaiah 46
Summary for Isa 46:1-2: 46:1-2 a This taunt was against the self-contradiction of Babylonian religion. 46:1 b Marduk-bel was the most important god in the Babylonian pantheon. Bel (similar to “Baal”) designated lordship.• Nebo (Nabu, Nebu), the patron deity of Babylonian scribes, was thought to be the son of Marduk-bel.
• Instead of being paraded in glory at a Babylonian festival, these gods would be hauled away on ox carts and disposed of, rejected by the Babylonian people.
46:3 c Those who remain in Israel refers to the remnant that would be left alive after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
• The Lord, the Creator of humanity, cares for and carries his people (contrast the Babylonian idols that must be carried instead).
• since you were born ... before you were born: The Lord chose Israel even before they were a nation (see also 49:5 d).
Summary for Isa 46:8-13: 46:8-13 e Many of the exiles would be completely discouraged and not believe the prediction of God’s rescue. God challenged this unbelief.
46:10 f God knows the future before it even happens; he has comprehensive control over all events, and all his acts match his words (41:4 g, 26 h). He is the First and the Last (44:6 i; 48:12 j).
46:11 k The swift bird of prey from the east refers to Cyrus, the Persian king (see study note on 41:2).
46:12 l Formerly, Israel cared little for doing right (literally righteousness; see also 58:2 m; 59:9 n).
46:13 o The good news for Israel was that God was coming to set things right (literally I will bring my righteousness near; see 40:9 p; 51:5 q).
• show my glory to Israel: Unlike a craftsman who bestows material splendor on an idol (44:13 r), the Lord bestows true dignity on his people.
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