Isaiah 46:9
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
Original Language Analysis
זִכְר֥וּ
Remember
H2142
זִכְר֥וּ
Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
רִאשֹׁנ֖וֹת
the former things
H7223
רִאשֹׁנ֖וֹת
the former things
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
2 of 11
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
מֵעוֹלָ֑ם
of old
H5769
מֵעוֹלָ֑ם
of old
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֵל֙
for I am God
H410
אֵל֙
for I am God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
6 of 11
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
ע֔וֹד
H5750
ע֔וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
and there is none else I am God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
and there is none else I am God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Isaiah 42:9Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.Psalms 111:4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.Isaiah 46:5To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?Deuteronomy 32:7Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.Deuteronomy 33:26There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.Isaiah 45:18For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.Isaiah 65:17For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.Isaiah 45:14Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.
Historical Context
For exiles who had forgotten Jerusalem (Psalm 137), remembering ancient covenant promises seemed impossible. Yet Isaiah insists that God's nature ('I am God') transcends immediate circumstances and guarantees restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does rehearsing God's past faithfulness in your life strengthen present faith?
- What 'former things' has God done that anchor your hope in His future promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The command 'remember the former things of old' calls Israel to rehearse redemptive history (Exodus, wilderness, conquest) as basis for future hope. The declaration 'I am God, and there is none else' emphasizes absolute monotheism and covenant exclusivity. Remembering God's past faithfulness is not nostalgia but theological foundation for present faith and future hope (Deuteronomy 8:2).