Isaiah 46:10
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:
Original Language Analysis
מַגִּ֤יד
Declaring
H5046
מַגִּ֤יד
Declaring
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
מֵֽרֵאשִׁית֙
from the beginning
H7225
מֵֽרֵאשִׁית֙
from the beginning
Strong's:
H7225
Word #:
2 of 13
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
וּמִקֶּ֖דֶם
and from ancient times
H6924
וּמִקֶּ֖דֶם
and from ancient times
Strong's:
H6924
Word #:
4 of 13
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶעֱשֶֽׂה׃
and I will do
H6213
אֶעֱשֶֽׂה׃
and I will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
תָק֔וּם
shall stand
H6965
תָק֔וּם
shall stand
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
10 of 13
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Psalms 33:11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.Isaiah 43:13Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?Isaiah 45:21Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.Psalms 135:6Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.Acts 5:39But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.Isaiah 44:7And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.Isaiah 46:11Calling 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.Hebrews 6:17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Historical Context
This prophecy specifically anticipated Cyrus (named in 44:28, 45:1) freeing Israel 150 years future, demonstrating God's exhaustive foreknowledge. The fulfillment validated biblical prophecy against pagan divination.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's control over history's 'end' from its 'beginning' give you peace about current events?
- What areas of life do you struggle to trust God's sovereign counsel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's ability to declare 'the end from the beginning' demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over history, not as fatalistic determinism but as purposeful providence. The phrase 'My counsel shall stand' (Hebrew: ya'qum) means established, fulfilled, accomplished - God's decreed will cannot be thwarted. This foundational to Reformed theology's confidence in divine election, effectual calling, and certain glorification.