Isaiah 46 - Introduction

The Downfall of the gods of Babylon

In this and the two following Chapter s the person of Cyrus is only incidentally referred to; the leading idea is now the overthrow of Babylon, and the emancipation of Israel from its tyranny. Ch. 46 begins with the fall of the deitiesof the city; and from their proved impotence, as contrasted with the omnipotence of Jehovah, proceeds to draw lessons for various classes among the exiles. The unity of the oracle is disputed by Duhm and Cheyne in so far as Isaiah 46:6 are concerned, and the removal of these verses would somewhat modify the reasoning of the chapter. As it stands, however, the natural divisions are the following:

(1) Isaiah 46:1. A contrast between the Babylonian gods and the God of Israel; while these share the fate of their worshippers and are borneaway in shameful flight, Jehovah is the bearerof His people, making its history and leading it to final victory.

(2) Isaiah 46:5. The scene described in Isaiah 46:1 f. suggests another sarcastic passage (after the manner of Isaiah 40:18-20; Isaiah 44:9-20) on the folly of idolatry in general.

(3) Isaiah 46:8. A renewed appeal (see Isaiah 41:21-29, &c.) to the argument from prophecy, in which, with unwonted severity, the hearers are addressed as "rebels" (Isaiah 46:8).

(4) Isaiah 46:12. Addressing the opponents of Jehovah's purpose, the prophet announces the speedy deliverance of Israel as the goal to which events are hastening.