What does "long ago I ordained it" teach about God's eternal plans? Context of the Phrase Isaiah 37:26: “Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; from days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble.” What “Long Ago I Ordained It” Reveals • God’s plans pre-date history itself—His decrees were set “from days of old.” • He does not improvise; every event unfolds according to a design already fixed. • The same God who declared the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) actively brings His will to pass in real time. • Even the rise and power of enemy nations occur only because He allows and channels them for His purposes (cf. Proverbs 16:4). Supporting Passages • Psalm 33:11 – “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.” • Ephesians 1:4-5 – “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world… according to the good pleasure of His will.” • Acts 2:23 – Jesus was “delivered up by the deliberate plan and foreknowledge of God.” • Job 42:2 – “I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” • 2 Kings 19:25 – parallel to Isaiah 37:26, underscoring consistency in God’s revelation. Characteristics of God’s Eternal Plans • Eternal: set before creation began. • Comprehensive: encompassing nations, kings, personal destinies, and redemption history. • Unchangeable: not revised or abandoned (Numbers 23:19). • Sovereignly Executed: He Himself “has brought it to pass,” ensuring fulfillment. Why This Matters Today • Confidence: nothing escapes His control, so believers can rest in His promises (Romans 8:28). • Humility: human power is allowed, limited, and directed by God; pride is baseless (Daniel 4:35). • Hope: the God who pre-planned judgment also pre-planned salvation through Christ (1 Peter 1:20). • Perseverance: knowing history unfolds by divine design encourages steadfast faith amid turmoil. Key Takeaways • “Long ago I ordained it” affirms that every detail of history operates under God’s timeless decree. • His plans are not merely foreknown but foreordained—actively willed and certain. • The same sovereign hand that directed Assyria’s rise also directs the believer’s life, assuring that His good purposes will unfailingly prevail. |
    |