Isaiah 46:12
Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְע֥וּ
Hearken
H8085
שִׁמְע֥וּ
Hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
לֵ֑ב
H3820
לֵ֑ב
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 6
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Isaiah 46:3Hearken 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:Psalms 119:150They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.Jeremiah 2:5Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?Isaiah 48:4Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;Psalms 49:1Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:Psalms 76:5The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.Ephesians 2:13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Historical Context
This indictment targeted both pagan nations and apostate Israelites who trusted military strength rather than God's promise. The 'stouthearted' includes those who stayed in Babylon rather than returning with Ezra's remnant.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you 'stouthearted' - stubbornly resistant to God's way of salvation?
- How does self-righteousness keep people 'far from righteousness' while thinking themselves near?
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Analysis & Commentary
The address to 'stouthearted' (Hebrew: abir leb, mighty/stubborn of heart) describes proud rebels 'far from righteousness' who resist God's deliverance. The irony is that God's offer of near salvation (v. 13) is rejected by those who think themselves righteous. This foreshadows Pharisees rejecting Christ - those far from righteousness don't recognize their distance.