Isaiah 45:11
Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
קְד֥וֹשׁ
the Holy One
H6918
קְד֥וֹשׁ
the Holy One
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
4 of 14
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְיֹצְר֑וֹ
and his Maker
H3335
וְיֹצְר֑וֹ
and his Maker
Strong's:
H3335
Word #:
6 of 14
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
שְׁאָל֔וּנִי
Ask
H7592
שְׁאָל֔וּנִי
Ask
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
8 of 14
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בָּנַ֛י
concerning my sons
H1121
בָּנַ֛י
concerning my sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Isaiah 48:17Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.Jeremiah 33:3Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.Mark 11:24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.Ezekiel 36:37Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.Isaiah 29:23But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.Isaiah 43:21This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.Isaiah 60:21Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.Jeremiah 31:9They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Joshua 10:12Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
Historical Context
Rather than questioning God's methods (verse 9-10), Isaiah encourages asking about God's revealed purposes. There's a difference between presumptuous challenging and faithful inquiry.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between questioning God's wisdom and asking about His promises?
- How can you boldly approach God in faith about His declared purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God identifies Himself as 'the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker' before challenging: 'Ask me of things to come...command ye me.' The Hebrew 'tsavah' (command) seems shocking - can creatures command God? Yet the context suggests asking about God's work with His 'sons' and the 'work of my hands.' Faith can boldly ask God about His promises.