Isaiah 48:14
All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; which among them hath declared these things? The LORD hath loved him: he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans.
Original Language Analysis
כֻלְּכֶם֙
H3605
כֻלְּכֶם֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וּֽשֲׁמָ֔עוּ
yourselves and hear
H8085
וּֽשֲׁמָ֔עוּ
yourselves and hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מִ֥י
H4310
מִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
4 of 15
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
הִגִּ֣יד
which among them hath declared
H5046
הִגִּ֣יד
which among them hath declared
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה
these things The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
these things The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה
him he will do
H6213
יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה
him he will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֶפְצוֹ֙
his pleasure
H2656
חֶפְצוֹ֙
his pleasure
Strong's:
H2656
Word #:
12 of 15
pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)
בְּבָבֶ֔ל
on Babylon
H894
בְּבָבֶ֔ל
on Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
13 of 15
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
Cross References
Isaiah 43:9Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.Isaiah 41:22Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.
Historical Context
Cyrus issued the decree allowing Jewish return (Ezra 1:1-4) and was called 'anointed' (45:1), terms usually reserved for Davidic kings. This prophetic specificity, naming him 150 years beforehand, is unparalleled in ancient literature.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'love' for pagan Cyrus demonstrate sovereign freedom beyond ethnic boundaries?
- What does Cyrus's role teach about how God uses unbelieving leaders to accomplish His purposes today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The rhetorical 'Which among them hath declared these things?' challenges all false gods to prophesy like Yahweh. The identification of Cyrus as 'The LORD hath loved him' shocks by applying covenant language to a pagan king. This demonstrates God's sovereign freedom to choose instruments and shows that His purposes transcend ethnic Israel, preparing for Gentile inclusion in the church.