Connect Isaiah 46:11 with another scripture about God's faithfulness to His word. Isaiah 46 in its setting • Isaiah 46 addresses Judah’s temptation to trust idols during Babylonian dominance. • The chapter contrasts lifeless idols with the living God who carries His people (vv. 3-4) and controls history (vv. 9-10). • Verse 11 climaxes the argument: “From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man for My purpose. Truly I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will also do it.” God’s self-attestation in Isaiah 46:11 • “I have spoken” – divine revelation is clear, final, authoritative. • “I will bring it to pass” – execution follows proclamation without fail. • “I have planned it” – every event rests on God’s eternal counsel. • “I will also do it” – perfect correspondence between Word and deed. Another witness: Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” Harmonizing the two passages • Same twofold claim – God speaks. – God performs. • Same guarantee – His nature excludes deceit or change. – His sovereignty ensures fulfillment. • Same pastoral effect – Idols fail; the Lord never fails. – Trust rests on an unbreakable track record. Supporting echoes across Scripture • “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.” (Psalm 33:11) • “So is My word that goes out from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and prosper in the purpose for which I send it.” (Isaiah 55:11) • “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) Life-shaping takeaways • Confidence: every spoken promise, prophecy, command, and covenant stands secure because the Speaker is unfailing. • Stability: circumstances wobble, but the divine plan never wavers; hearts find rest in that certainty. • Obedience: the sure Word summons wholehearted submission, knowing He will finish what He starts. |