Isaiah 48:14
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.
ISAIAH 48:14
Verse 14 broadens the horizon from God’s sovereignty to His involvement with nations: “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.” The call to assemble highlights a public, communal hearing of God’s purposes. The reference to Babylon and the Chaldeans points to God’s political judgments and interventions in world history. The line “The LORD hath loved him” likely refers to Cyrus the Persian king, under whom Israel would return from exile, and who would fulfill God’s plan. This demonstrates that God works through unlikely means and nations to accomplish His ends.
The verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty over nations and His purposeful orchestration of political events for the sake of His people and His glory. It also introduces the theme of God using unlikely instruments to fulfill prophetic promises, a recurrent motif in Isaiah.
For today, consider how God might be at work through unexpected leaders or circumstances. Practical takeaway: discern God’s hand in political and cultural developments, not simply align with one’s preferred outcomes. Pray for discernment to see how God’s larger plan is unfolding, and be prepared to respond with faith and obedience when changes come, especially those that seem disruptive but lead toward restoration and renewal.
Cross-References: Isaiah 45:1-7; Daniel 2:21; Jeremiah 25:9-12; Romans 13:1-2; Psalm 33:12