Isaiah 41:22
Isaiah 41:22 in Multiple Translations
“Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming.
Let 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.
Let them bring forth, and declare unto us what shall happen: declare ye the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or show us things to come.
Let the future be made clear to us: give us news of the past things, so that we may give thought to them; or of the things to come, so that we may see if they are true.
“Let them come and tell us what's about to happen. Let them explain the things of the past, so that we can think about them and discover the final outcome. Or they can tell us about the future.
Let them bring foorth, and let them tell vs what shall come: let them shew the former things what they be, that wee may consider them, and knowe the latter ende of them: either declare vs things for to come.
They bring nigh, and declare to us that which doth happen, The first things — what they [are] declare ye, And we set our heart, and know their latter end, Or the coming things cause us to hear.
“Let them announce and declare to us what will happen! Declare the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or show us things to come.
Let them bring them forth, and show us what shall happen: let them show the former things, what they are that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare to us things to come.
Let them come, and tell us all things that are to come: tell us the former things what they were: and we will set our heart upon them, and shall know the latter end of them, and tell us the things that are to come.
Bring them here to tell us what is going to happen! Ask them to tell us what things happened long ago, in order that we may think about those things, and learn if those things that they predicted really happened. Or, ask them to tell us about the future, in order that we can know what will happen.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 41:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יַגִּ֨ישׁוּ֙
וְ/יַגִּ֣ידוּ
לָ֔/נוּ
אֵ֖ת
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
תִּקְרֶ֑ינָה
הָ/רִאשֹׁנ֣וֹת
מָ֣ה
הֵ֗נָּה
הַגִּ֜ידוּ
וְ/נָשִׂ֤ימָה
לִבֵּ֨/נוּ֙
וְ/נֵדְעָ֣ה
אַחֲרִיתָ֔/ן
א֥וֹ
הַ/בָּא֖וֹת
הַשְׁמִיעֻֽ/נוּ
יַגִּ֨ישׁוּ֙
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
וְ/יַגִּ֣ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
לָ֔/נוּ
Prep | Suff
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תִּקְרֶ֑ינָה
qârâh
H7136
to meet
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
הָ/רִאשֹׁנ֣וֹת
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Art | Adj
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
הֵ֗נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
they(fem.)
Pron
הַגִּ֜ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
וְ/נָשִׂ֤ימָה
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
לִבֵּ֨/נוּ֙
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
וְ/נֵדְעָ֣ה
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
אַחֲרִיתָ֔/ן
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
N-fs | Suff
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
הַ/בָּא֖וֹת
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Art | V-Qal
הַשְׁמִיעֻֽ/נוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:22
יַגִּ֨ישׁוּ֙
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
וְ/יַגִּ֣ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לָ֔/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תִּקְרֶ֑ינָה
qârâh
H7136
"to meet"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to encounter, meet 1a2) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement) 1b2) to chance to be present 1b3) to come to meet 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto), meet, send good speed. See also: Genesis 24:12; 1 Samuel 28:10; Psalms 104:3.
הָ/רִאשֹׁנ֣וֹת
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Art | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הֵ֗נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
"they(fem.)"
Pron
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
הַגִּ֜ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
וְ/נָשִׂ֤ימָה
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
לִבֵּ֨/נוּ֙
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וְ/נֵדְעָ֣ה
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אַחֲרִיתָ֔/ן
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
הַ/בָּא֖וֹת
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַשְׁמִיעֻֽ/נוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
Study Notes — Isaiah 41:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 41:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:22
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:22
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:22
- Sermons on Isaiah 41:22
Context — Meaningless Idols
20so that all may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.”
21“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob.
22“Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming.
23Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. 24Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 45:21 | Speak up and present your case— yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me. |
| 2 | Isaiah 48:14 | Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The LORD’s chosen ally will carry out His desire against Babylon, and His arm will be against the Chaldeans. |
| 3 | Isaiah 44:7 | Who then is like Me? Let him say so! Let him declare his case before Me, since I established an ancient people. Let him foretell the things to come, and what is to take place. |
| 4 | Isaiah 46:10 | I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ |
| 5 | John 16:14 | He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you. |
| 6 | John 13:19 | I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He. |
| 7 | Isaiah 42:9 | Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.” |
| 8 | Isaiah 43:9–12 | All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses to vindicate them, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.” “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may consider and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, and after Me none will come. I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me. I alone decreed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. So you are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God. |
Isaiah 41:22 Summary
[Isaiah 41:22 is a challenge to the idols or false gods to predict the future or recall the past, to prove their power and authority. However, only God can do this, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where He declares the end from the beginning. This verse encourages us to reflect on God's faithfulness and trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Psalm 115:3. By doing so, we can live in confidence and trust, knowing that God is in control of all things, as declared in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main challenge presented in Isaiah 41:22?
The main challenge is for the idols or false gods to predict the future or recall the past, as seen in Isaiah 41:22, to prove their power and authority, similar to what God does in Isaiah 46:10.
Why does God ask the idols to tell the former things?
God asks the idols to tell the former things so that people may reflect on them and know the outcome, as stated in Isaiah 41:22, to demonstrate the idols' inability to do so, unlike God who declares the end from the beginning in Isaiah 46:10.
What is the purpose of announcing what is coming in Isaiah 41:22?
The purpose is to test the idols' ability to predict the future, and if they fail, it proves they are not gods, as stated in Isaiah 41:23-24, and to highlight God's unique ability to declare the future, as seen in Daniel 2:28-29 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse relates to the concept of God's sovereignty by demonstrating God's power and authority over all things, including the ability to declare the future, as stated in Psalm 115:3 and Isaiah 14:24-27, which is a key aspect of His sovereignty.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can reflect on God's faithfulness in my life, just as Isaiah 41:22 encourages reflection on the former things?
- How can I apply the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 41:22, to my daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can I trust God's declaration of the future, as stated in Isaiah 46:10, and how can I live in light of that trust?
- What are some idols or false gods that I may be tempted to trust in, and how can I turn to God instead, as encouraged in Isaiah 41:21-24?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:22
Let them bring them forth,.... Not their reasons, as before, but their gods; let them cause them to come nigh, let them appear in court, and speak for themselves, when their worshippers have said all
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:22
Let 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:22
Let them; either the idols; or, which is all one, the idolaters in the name and by the help of their idols. What shall happen; all future events; which he divides into two sorts in the following clause, the former and the latter, as we shall see. Let them show the former things; which is not to be understood of such things as are past, for such things might easily be known by men from history, much more by the devils who possessed and acted in their idols; but of such things as should shortly come to pass, which may be better discerned than those things which are yet at a great distance. So he propounds the easiest part first. Let us try whether they can foretell those things which are even at the door, and if so we will try them further. Let them tell us what things shall happen, and in what order, which first, and which last. That we may consider them, Heb. and we will set our heart to it; we will allow the argument its due weight, and either fairly answer it, or give up our cause against idols. And know; that we may know, or let us know by their information. The latter end of them; the consequence of them, whether the events did answer to their predictions, or what things happened next after those former things. Declare us things for to come, to wit, hereafter, or after a long time; which limitation may be easily gathered, both from the opposition of this clause to the former, and from the next following clause, where it is so limited and explained.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:22
Isaiah 41:22 Let 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.Ver. 22. Let them bring forth, and show what shall happen.] By such arguments as these, Cleanthes in Cicero testifieth, though himself were a heathen, that the deity might he known. And whereas it may he objected that the Delphic devil had foretold things to come, it is answered, that the devil cannot foretell all future things, nor anything infallibly, and of himself; but either as it is revealed unto him by God, as was Ahab’ s fall at Ramoth Gilead; or as he foreseeth it in the causes, signs, or prophecies of Holy Scripture, wherein he is not a little skilled. Lib. ii. De Nat. Deorum.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:22
(22) The former things.—Not, as the Authorised Version suggests, the things of the remote past, but those that lie at the head, or beginning of things to come—the near future. Can the false gods predict them as the pledge and earnest of predictions that go farther? Can they see a single year before them? We note that the challenge exactly corresponds to Isaiah’s own method of giving “signs” that his words are not idly spoken (Isaiah 7:10-14; Isaiah 38:7-8). The other meaning is maintained, however, by some critics as more in harmony with Isaiah 43:18. The things “for to come” lie, as it were, in the middle future, the “hereafter” of Isaiah 41:23, in the more remote. All are alike hidden from the gods of the heathen oracles.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:22
22. bring them forth and shew] It is assumed that the “strong arguments” must be predictions. the former things] i.e. “things past” (from the standpoint of the speaker) as opposed to things still future (things to come). The expression (hβ-rξ’shτnτth) occurs with great frequency in the first part of this prophecy. Sometimes the stress lies on the event, sometimes on the prediction; but in reality the phrase includes both ideas—“past events as predicted.” So here the challenge is to produce past predictions which have been already verified by the event. There is no ground whatever for the view of Delitzsch and others that in this verse hβ-rξ’shτnτth refers to events still future, but in the immediate future, as opposed to the more remote future (“things to come”). See G. A. Smith, Exposition, p. 121, note. the latter end of them] their issue. Sense and parallelism are undoubtedly improved if (with Duhm) we transpose the last two clauses, reading the closing lines thus: the former things, what they are do ye announce, that we may lay it to heart; or the coming things let us hear, that we may know their issue.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:22
Let them bring them forth - Let the idols, or the worshippers of idols, bring forth the evidences of their divine nature and power.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:22
22, 23. Let them… show us what shall happen — The main challenge is, as to the power of idols to foretell events.
Sermons on Isaiah 41:22
| Sermon | Description | |
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The More Sure Word by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Skip leads a study on Isaiah 44 through 46. He highlights the richness and significance of these chapters and expresses his excitement to delve into them. Th |
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(Reformation Within Protestantism): Faith in Practice by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when God speaks, His words have multiple applications and are true for anyone who believes them. He asserts that nothing in history, ph |
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Attributes of God - Holiness Righteousness and Soveriegnty by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of beauty and how it is often used to judge people's worth. He emphasizes that Jesus, despite not having physical beauty, came in |
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The Attributes of God - Part 4 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping God for his unchangeable character and faithfulness. He highlights the need for believers to bear the family res |
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John the Baptist Willing to Be Excelled - Part 2 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the early days of their conferences at Abigail, where a group of people gathered to learn about Jesus. They emphasize that Jesus is the sour |
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K-525 Tv Show Part 9 the Name of Jesus by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the crucifixion of Jesus and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He describes how Jesus was poured out like water, his bones were out |
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Why I Believe That Jesus Christ Is God in Human Form by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as God in human form, arguing that if He is not divine, then Christians are idolaters for worshiping Him. |