Old Testament
Isaiah 48:14
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All of you, gather together and listen! Which among them has declared these things? The LORD has loved him: he will carry out his purpose against Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans.
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All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; which among them hath declared these things? The LORD hath loved him: he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans.
What Isaiah 48:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God calls people to come together and listen to His message. He challenges them to consider who among their idols or false gods has predicted the future accurately. The Lord expresses His love for a chosen individual, likely referring to Cyrus, who will fulfill God's plans against Babylon. This indicates that God is in control of history and will use His chosen servant to execute His will against the Chaldeans, who are associated with Babylon. The emphasis is on God's sovereignty and the certainty of His plans, contrasting the impotence of idols. This verse reassures believers that God actively works through history to achieve His purposes, demonstrating His power and love for His people.
How to apply Isaiah 48:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's plans, even when circumstances seem dire. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives and history, guiding events according to His purpose. We should seek to understand His will and remain faithful, knowing He has a plan for us.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 48:14 mean?
Isaiah 48:14 calls people to listen to God's message and challenges them to consider who among their idols has accurately predicted the future. It highlights God's love for a chosen individual, likely Cyrus, who will carry out God's plans against Babylon, emphasizing God's control over history.
What is the significance of God's chosen servant in Isaiah 48:14?
In Isaiah 48:14, God's chosen servant, often interpreted as Cyrus, is significant because he is used by God to fulfill divine purposes against Babylon. This illustrates God's sovereignty and His ability to work through individuals to achieve His will.
What does the phrase 'his arm shall be on the Chaldeans' mean in Isaiah 48:14?
The phrase 'his arm shall be on the Chaldeans' in Isaiah 48:14 indicates that God's power and authority will be directed against the Chaldeans, who are associated with Babylon. It signifies God's judgment and the execution of His plans through His chosen servant.
How does Isaiah 48:14 relate to the theme of idolatry?
Isaiah 48:14 contrasts the true God with idols by questioning which of the idols has foretold the future. This emphasizes the impotence of idols compared to God's sovereignty and ability to declare and fulfill His plans.
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