Isaiah 46

Isaiah 46:1

BEl, Nebo] names of chiefe Idols of Babylon Isaiah 21:9. Jer. 50. 2. and 51. 44 Is bowed down] that is to say, the Babylonians seeing their City taken, have thought to save their gods, taking them down, and speedily loading them upon beasts of carriage.

Isaiah 46:2

They sloop] namely, all those idols They could not] namely, the Babylonians. Others, the idols themselves Themselves] namely, the idols, which the heathen were wont to carry away captive, together with the conquered nations, 1 Samuel 5:2. Jeremiah 43:12. Daniel 11:8. Hosea 10:6.

Isaiah 46:3

Which are] I have not born you, as idolaters do bear their idols, but I have borne you my selfe, that is to say, have taken you even from your first beginning into my care and protection, see Exodus 19:4. Deuteronomy 1:31. Psal. 22. 10. and 71. 6, 18 Isaiah 63:9.

Isaiah 46:4

I have made] and not you me, as the idolaters do their gods. Now this ought to be understood, as well of the naturall creation as of the spirituall regeneration, see upon Isai. 29. 23.

Isaiah 46:5

That we may] or to make us alike or equall one with the other.

Isaiah 46:8

Remember] hee directs his speech to the people of Israel, which were run into idolatry, exhorting them to conversion Shew your selves men] the Italian, be upon good ground;forsaking the vaine prejudices of customs, examples, traditions, and opinions, take the word of God and true reason for the grounds of your discourses and resolutions.

Isaiah 46:9

Former things] namely, the workes and miracles formerly done for the deliverance of my people, by which I have shewed my selfe to be the true everlasting God.

Isaiah 46:11

From the East] namely, out of Persia, which is easterly from Babylon. Bird] namely, Cyrus, who shall fall upon Babylon like a Falcon, or some such like ravenous bird My counsell] whom I have chosen in my counsell. or who shall put my decree in execution Have purposed it] namely, appointed and determined it within my selfe.

Isaiah 46:12

That are far] who through your misdeeds make your selves unworthy to be dealt withall by me as innocents, with favour and clemency, and to be defended by me.

Isaiah 46:13

My righteousnesse] namely, my grace and good will, which in Scripture is often called righteousnesse.