Add parallel Print Page Options

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,[a]
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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 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.

22 “Tell us, you idols,
    what is going to happen.(A)
Tell us what the former things(B) were,
    so that we may consider them
    and know their final outcome.
Or declare to us the things to come,(C)
23     tell us what the future holds,
    so we may know(D) that you are gods.
Do something, whether good or bad,(E)
    so that we will be dismayed(F) and filled with fear.

Read full chapter

See, the earlier things have come to pass,
    new ones I now declare;
Before they spring forth
    I announce them to you.

Read full chapter

See, the former things(A) have taken place,
    and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
    I announce(B) them to you.”

Read full chapter

Let all the nations gather together,
    let the peoples assemble!
Who among them could have declared this,
    or announced to us the earlier things?[a]
Let them produce witnesses to prove themselves right,
    that one may hear and say, “It is true!”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 43:9 Who among them…?: God, and only God, can foretell the future because it is he who brings it to pass. The argument from prediction is an important theme in Second Isaiah and occurs also in 41:22; 43:10; 44:7–8, 26.

All the nations gather together(A)
    and the peoples assemble.
Which of their gods foretold(B) this
    and proclaimed to us the former things?
Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,
    so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”

Read full chapter

Who is like me? Let him stand up and declare,
    make it evident, and confront me with it.
Who of old announced future events?
    Let them foretell to us the things to come.

Read full chapter

Who then is like me?(A) Let him proclaim it.
    Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
    and what is yet to come—
    yes, let them foretell(B) what will come.

Read full chapter

10 At the beginning I declare the outcome;
    from of old, things not yet done.
I say that my plan shall stand,
    I accomplish my every desire.

Read full chapter

10 I make known the end from the beginning,(A)
    from ancient times,(B) what is still to come.(C)
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,(D)
    and I will do all that I please.’

Read full chapter