Isaiah 48:5
I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.
Original Language Analysis
וָאַגִּ֤יד
declared
H5046
וָאַגִּ֤יד
declared
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
מֵאָ֔ז
I have even from the beginning
H227
מֵאָ֔ז
I have even from the beginning
Strong's:
H227
Word #:
3 of 13
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
בְּטֶ֥רֶם
H2962
בְּטֶ֥רֶם
Strong's:
H2962
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
תָּב֖וֹא
it to thee before it came to pass
H935
תָּב֖וֹא
it to thee before it came to pass
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֑יךָ
I shewed
H8085
הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֑יךָ
I shewed
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
תֹּאמַר֙
it thee lest thou shouldest say
H559
תֹּאמַר֙
it thee lest thou shouldest say
Strong's:
H559
Word #:
8 of 13
to say (used with great latitude)
עָשָׂ֔ם
hath done
H6213
עָשָׂ֔ם
hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
Babylonian victory and subsequent Persian conquest both fulfilled Isaiah's prophecies, preventing Israel from attributing events to Marduk or other gods. The naming of Cyrus 150 years in advance (44:28) was particularly evidential.
Questions for Reflection
- What blessings in your life might you wrongly attribute to secondary causes rather than God's direct provision?
- How can you cultivate habits that preserve God's glory in all your experiences?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God predicted the future specifically 'lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them' - His detailed prophecies prevent false attribution of His works to idols. This demonstrates that one purpose of biblical prophecy is to secure God's exclusive glory. When God alone predicts and fulfills specific events, He proves His unique deity against all pretenders.