Isaiah 48:16

Come near to Me and listen to this: From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time it happened, I was there." And now the Lord GOD has sent me, accompanied by His Spirit.

Study Bible

Come near to Me
This phrase is an invitation to intimacy and understanding. In the Hebrew context, drawing near to God is often associated with worship and reverence. The call to "come near" suggests a personal relationship and a willingness to listen and obey. It reflects God's desire for His people to approach Him with open hearts, ready to receive His wisdom and guidance.

and listen to this
Listening in the biblical sense goes beyond mere hearing; it implies obedience and action. The Hebrew word for "listen" often carries the connotation of heeding or paying attention with the intent to follow. This phrase underscores the importance of not just hearing God's words but allowing them to transform one's life.

From the beginning I have not spoken in secret
This statement emphasizes God's transparency and faithfulness. Unlike the pagan gods of the time, who were often shrouded in mystery and secrecy, the God of Israel is open and clear in His communication. The phrase "from the beginning" suggests that God's plans and purposes have been consistent and unchanging, reinforcing His reliability and trustworthiness.

from the time it happened, I was there
Here, the text highlights God's omnipresence and sovereignty. The phrase indicates that God is not only aware of events as they unfold but is actively present and involved. This assurance of God's presence provides comfort and confidence to believers, knowing that He is always with them, guiding and sustaining them through every circumstance.

And now the Lord GOD has sent me
This part of the verse introduces the concept of divine commissioning. The speaker, often understood to be the prophet Isaiah or a messianic figure, is sent by God with a purpose. The phrase "the Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes the authority and power behind the sending, indicating that the mission is of utmost importance and backed by divine mandate.

accompanied by His Spirit
The mention of "His Spirit" signifies the empowerment and guidance provided by the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God is often associated with wisdom, strength, and prophetic insight. This phrase assures that the mission is not carried out in human strength alone but is supported and directed by the Spirit, ensuring its success and alignment with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
The prophet who is delivering God's message to the people of Israel. He is a central figure in the book of Isaiah, serving as God's mouthpiece.

2. The Lord GOD
Refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who is sovereign and actively involved in the affairs of His people.

3. The Spirit
The Holy Spirit, who is mentioned as accompanying the one sent by the Lord GOD, indicating divine empowerment and presence.

4. Israel
The primary audience of Isaiah's message, God's chosen people who are being called to listen and respond to His word.

5. The Beginning
Refers to the time of creation or the inception of God's plans, emphasizing His eternal nature and foreknowledge.

Teaching Points

God's Eternal Presence
God has been present and active from the beginning of time. This assures us of His sovereignty and faithfulness throughout history and in our lives today.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is integral to God's mission, empowering and guiding His messengers. We, too, are empowered by the Spirit to fulfill God's purposes.

The Call to Listen and Obey
Just as Israel was called to listen, we are invited to draw near to God and heed His word. This requires intentionality and openness to His guidance.

God's Revelation is Not Secret
God desires to be known and has revealed Himself openly through His word and actions. We are encouraged to seek understanding and share His truth with others.

The Sending of God's Servants
God sends His servants with a purpose, accompanied by His Spirit. We are called to recognize our own sending and mission in the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's eternal presence from "the beginning" impact your trust in Him today?

2. In what ways can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt God was sending you to accomplish a specific task. How did you respond, and what was the outcome?

4. How can you actively listen to God's word in a world full of distractions?

5. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in the early church as described in Acts. How can this inspire your involvement in your local church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 1:1-14
This passage connects to Isaiah 48:16 by highlighting the Word's presence from the beginning and His incarnation, paralleling the themes of divine sending and presence.

Acts 1:8
The mention of the Spirit in Isaiah 48:16 is echoed in Acts, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers for witness, showing continuity in God's work through His Spirit.

Genesis 1:2
The Spirit's involvement in creation is a foundational theme that ties back to Isaiah 48:16, where the Spirit accompanies the one sent by God.