Isaiah 46

The Lord Carries Israel

1 Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast. Parallel theme: Isaiah 2:20, 21:9, Exodus 12:12, 1 Samuel 5:3, Jeremiah 10:5, 50:2, 51:44, 51:47, 51:52 +4

2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. Parallel theme: Judges 18:24, 2 Samuel 5:21, Jeremiah 48:7

3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: References Israel: Isaiah 10:22, 44:21, 48:1. Parallel theme: Isaiah 1:9, 37:4, 51:1, 51:7, Exodus 19:4, Deuteronomy 1:31, Psalms 71:6 +5

4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. Parallel theme: Isaiah 41:4, 43:25, Psalms 48:14, 71:18, 92:14, Malachi 3:6, Romans 11:29, Hebrews 1:12, 13:8, James 1:17 +5

5 To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? Parallel theme: Isaiah 40:18, 40:25, Exodus 15:11, Psalms 86:8, 89:6, 89:8, 113:5, Jeremiah 10:16, Philippians 2:6, Colossians 1:15 +5

6 They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a godGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity.: they fall down, yea, they worship. References God: Acts 17:29

7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor saveSave: יָשַׁע (Yasha). The Hebrew yasha (יָשַׁע) means to save or deliver—rescue from danger or distress. This is the root of 'Jesus' (Yeshua), meaning 'YHWH saves.' God alone is Savior: 'I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour' (Isaiah 43:11). him out of his trouble. Salvation: Isaiah 45:20. Parallel theme: Isaiah 46:1, Jeremiah 10:5

8 Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.

9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, References God: Isaiah 45:14, 45:18, Deuteronomy 33:26. Parallel theme: Isaiah 42:9, 46:5, 65:17, Deuteronomy 32:7, Psalms 111:4 +3

10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Parallel theme: Isaiah 43:13, 44:7, 45:21, 46:11, Psalms 33:11, 135:6, Proverbs 19:21, 21:30, Acts 5:39, Hebrews 6:17 +5

11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. Parallel theme: Isaiah 38:15, 41:2, 41:25, Numbers 23:19, Ezra 1:2, Job 23:13, Psalms 76:10, 119:24, Acts 5:39, Ephesians 1:11 +5

12 Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: Parallel theme: Isaiah 46:3, 48:4, Psalms 49:1, 76:5, 119:150, Jeremiah 2:5, Ephesians 2:13 +2

13 I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvationSalvation: יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah). The Hebrew yeshuah (יְשׁוּעָה) means salvation or deliverance—rescue from danger or enemies. This is the root of 'Jesus' (Yeshua), meaning 'YHWH saves.' shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. Salvation: Isaiah 12:2, 51:5, 62:11. Righteousness: Isaiah 61:3, 61:11. Glory: Isaiah 43:7, 44:23. Parallel theme: Joel 3:17, Habakkuk 2:3, 1 Peter 2:6 +5