Isaiah 46:11

"I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. I say: My counsel will stand, and I will do all that I please."

Key Reflection

This verse emphasizes God's omniscience and sovereignty, declaring that He knows the future outcomes of events from their inception and that His plans will come to pass as He desires. It underscores that no matter how distant or unforeseen future events may seem, they are part of His predetermined counsel.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Calling a ravenous bird from the east -There can be no doubt that Cyrus is intended here (see the notes atIsaiah 41:2,Isaiah 41:25). The east here means Persia. The word rendered ‘ravenous bird’ (עיט‛ayiṭ) is rendered ‘fowl’ inJob 28:7; ‘bird’ or ‘birds’ inJeremiah 12:9; ‘fowls’ inGenesis 15:11;Isaiah 18:6; and ‘ravenous birds’ inEzekiel 39:4. It does not occur elsewhere in the Bible. It is used here as an emblem of a warlike king, and the emblem may either denote the rapidity of his movements - moving with the flight of an eagle; or it may denote the devastation which he would spread - an emblem in either sense especially applicable to Cyrus.

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