Isaiah 41:21-24
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
21 Present your case, says the Lord;[a]
bring forward your arguments, says the King of Jacob.
22 Let them draw near and foretell to us
what it is that shall happen!
What are the things of long ago?
Tell us, that we may reflect on them
and know their outcome;
Or declare to us the things to come,[b]
23 tell what is to be in the future,
that we may know that you are gods!
Do something, good or evil,
that will put us in awe and in fear.
24 Why, you are nothing
and your work is nought;
to choose you is an abomination!
Footnotes
- 41:21–29 This indictment of Babylonian gods is patterned on a legal trial, in which they are challenged to prove power over events of history and so justify their status as gods (vv. 21–24). Israel’s God, on the other hand, has foretold and now brings to pass Israel’s deliverance (vv. 25–27). The accused are unable to respond (vv. 28–29). By such polemics (see also 43:12) the prophet declares that all gods other than the Lord are nonexistent; this implicit claim of monotheism later becomes explicit (see 43:10–11; 45:5–7, 14, 18, 21–22; 46:9; and note on 44:6).
- 41:22 Things of long ago…things to come: there are no predictions attributed to idols that have since been fulfilled. Second Isaiah makes frequent reference to “things of long ago,” sometimes in conjunction with “things to come” or “new things” in connection with the Lord’s activity (cf. 42:9; 43:9, 18; 46:9–10; 48:3–8); both the old things (e.g., creation, exodus) and the new things (release from exile) God brings to pass (cf. 51:9–11), which is why he can declare them beforehand.
Isaiah 41:21-24
New International Version
21 “Present your case,(A)” says the Lord.
“Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob’s King.(B)
22 “Tell us, you idols,
what is going to happen.(C)
Tell us what the former things(D) were,
so that we may consider them
and know their final outcome.
Or declare to us the things to come,(E)
23 tell us what the future holds,
so we may know(F) that you are gods.
Do something, whether good or bad,(G)
so that we will be dismayed(H) and filled with fear.
24 But you are less than nothing(I)
and your works are utterly worthless;(J)
whoever chooses you is detestable.(K)
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