Meaning, commentary and cross references
Isaiah 46:9
“remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
NIV · New International Version
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.
WEB · World English Bible
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me.
What does Isaiah 46:9 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Isaiah 46:9
Remember the former things of old,.... The things that were from the beginning, or the ancient things done by the Lord, whether as the effects of power, wisdom, and goodness, or in wrath, or in mercy; such as the creation of the heavens, and the earth, and all things in them; the destruction of the old world, and of Sodom and Gomorrah; the bringing of Israel out of Egypt through the Red sea and wilderness, to Canaan's land, and all the wondrous things then done for them; which are so many proofs of the true deity of the God of Israel, in opposition to the idols of the Gentiles: for I am God, and there is none else; as he must needs be what did the above things: I am God, and there is none…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Isaiah 46:5–13
This is that which we have need to be reminded of again and again; for proof of it he refers, (1.) To the sacred history: "Remember the former things of old, what the God of Israel did for his people in their beginnings, whether he did not that for them which no one else could, and which the false gods did not, nor could do, for their worshippers. Remember those things, and you will own that I am God and there is none else." This is a good reason why we should give glory to him as a nonsuch, and why we should not give that glory to any other which is due to him alone, Exo 15:11.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Isaiah 46:9
Remember the former things. This is an explanation of the preceding statement; for he expresses more fully what he formerly meant, that is, that God hath testified of himself by sufficiently numerous proofs, and hath shewed what is his nature and greatness; and that not merely for two or three days, or for a few years, but at all times; for he had continued his benefits, and had incessantly bestowed his grace upon them. Hence he infers that the manifestations of his divinity, being so clear, ought to prevent them from giving their hearts to another. That I am God.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Isaiah 46:6–12 (WEB)
6Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down— yes, they worship. 7They bear it on their shoulder. They carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands there. It cannot move from its place. Yes, one may cry to it, yet it can not answer. It cannot save him out of his trouble. 8“Remember this, and show yourselves men. Bring it to mind again, you transgressors. 9Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me. 10I 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. 11I call a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. Yes, I have spoken. I will also bring it to pass. I have planned. I will also do it. 12Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness!
Cross references
- Isaiah 45:21–22
Declare and present it. Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has shown this from ancient time? Who has declared it of old? Haven’t I, the LORD? There is no other God besides me, a just God and a Savior. There is no one besides me.
- Isaiah 42:9
Behold, the former things have happened and I declare new things. I tell you about them before they come up.”
- Isaiah 46:5
“To whom will you compare me, and consider my equal, and compare me, as if we were the same?
- Psalms 111:4
- Deuteronomy 33:26
“There is no one like God, Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens for your help, in his excellency on the skies.
- Deuteronomy 32:7
Remember the days of old. Consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you.
- Isaiah 45:18
For the LORD who created the heavens, the God who formed the earth and made it, who established it and didn’t create it a waste, who formed it to be inhabited says: “I am the LORD. There is no other.
- Isaiah 65:17
“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered, nor come into mind.