Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryIsaiah 46

The Folly of Idolatry.This section shows the uselessness of idols and the faithfulness of God. Isaiah highlights how idols like Bel and Nebo, worshipped in Babylon, cannot save their followers. In contrast, the Lord

v. 3: God now speaks directly to Israel: “Hearken to me, O house of Jacob!” (Isaiah 46:3 ). He reminds them that he is not like the powerless idols. Even though Israel is weak and only a small remnant remains, God has always been their protector and will continue to be.

v. 4: God wants Israel to remember that he has cared for them from the very beginning. I have made you and carried you from the womb (Isaiah 46:3–4 ). God formed Israel as a nation, protected them when they were small and defenseless, and has always been gentle and kind, even when they acted foolishly or stubbornly. He carried them as a loving parent carries a child, just like he did when he brought them out of Egypt (Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:11 ). God’s care has never stopped; it continues to this day. This is true for all believers—God’s grace keeps us going, just as his providence gives us life. Many of God’s people have found comfort in knowing that he has cared for them since birth (Psalm 22:9–10; 71:5–6, 17 ).God promises that he will never abandon his people, even in old age. Even to your old age I am he (Isaiah 46:4 ). When Israel is weak and needs help, God will still be there. He does not change, even if they do. The same God who supported them in the past will continue to carry them, bear their troubles, and deliver them from danger. He will bring them out of Babylon, just as he once brought them out of Egypt (Deuteronomy 33:27 ). This promise is not just for Israel as a nation, but for every believer, especially those who are elderly or feel weak. Even when others may lose patience, God will always remain faithful, supporting and comforting his people until the end.

The Folly of Idolatry; The Divine Prerogative Asserted.This section continues the promise of Israel’s deliverance through Babylon’s destruction. God challenges idol worshippers, especially among the Israelites, to see how empty their idols are compared to the living God. He proves his uniqueness by reminding them of his power to declare the future and fulfill his plans. God also speaks to those stubbornly resisting his will, assuring them that his salvation is near and will soon come to Zion.v. 5: God asks the people, To whom will you liken me? . He shows how foolish it is to try to make an image of the infinite and eternal God. There is no true comparison between God and anything created. No one has ever seen God’s form or can make anything that even comes close. It is wrong to put any creature on the same level as the Creator (Isaiah 40:18, 25 ).

v. 6: People spend a lot of money and effort to make idols. They lavish gold out of the bag and weigh silver in the balance to create these images or to pay the craftsmen . This shows how much people can waste on false worship, while some who claim to serve God are not willing to sacrifice anything for him. The idolaters value their idols so much, but God warns that even loving money or possessions can be a form of idolatry (Colossians 3:5 ).

v. 7: After making the idol, they have to carry it themselves and put it in its place. They bear him upon their shoulders and set it where it will stand, and it cannot move from that spot . The idol is lifeless and helpless, yet people bow down and worship it. They pray to it, even though it cannot answer or help them in any trouble. This shows how foolish it is to put trust in something made by human hands.

v. 8: God tells them to remember these things and use their minds: Remember this, and show yourselves men . He urges them to act wisely, not foolishly like animals or little children. God wants them to think about all the times he has proven that idols are powerless. He invites them to remember, reflect, and turn back to him.

v. 9: God repeats, I am God, and there is none like me . He reminds them of history—how he did things for Israel that no other god could do. God deserves all the glory because he is unique (Exodus 15:11 ). Only God can declare the end from the beginning and tell what will happen long before it does (Isaiah 46:10 ). His plans always succeed, and no one can stop them (Psalm 135:6 ).

v. 10: God alone can predict the future. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done . His counsel will stand. What he plans, he will do. God’s promises about raising up Cyrus to deliver Israel prove that he is in control and his word will always come true (Ecclesiastes 3:11 ).

v. 11: God says he will call a ravenous bird from the east—Cyrus, the Persian king . Cyrus will carry out God’s plan, even though he does not know God. This shows that God can use anyone to fulfill his purpose, even people who do not believe in him. God declares, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass. Once God decides something, it will happen, no matter what.

v. 12: God then speaks to the stout-hearted—those who are proud and stubborn . This can mean either the Babylonians who refuse to show mercy or the Jews who doubt God’s promises. Some people are far from righteousness because of pride or unbelief. The Jews, for example, missed God’s righteousness because they tried to get it by their own efforts instead of by faith (Romans 9:31–32; 10:3 ).

v. 13: God promises that salvation is coming soon. I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry (Isaiah 46:13 ). God will save his people and bring glory to Israel. This will happen in Zion, where salvation and the Redeemer will come (Isaiah 2:3; 59:20; Romans 11:26; Zechariah 9:9 ). Even if it seems slow, God’s salvation will come at the right time, so his people should wait and trust him (Psalm 85:9 ).