◄ Isaiah 46:11 ►
I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it.
Study Bible
Calling a bird of prey from the east
The phrase "Calling a bird of prey from the east" is a vivid metaphor used by Isaiah to describe God's sovereign power to summon and utilize foreign nations or leaders to fulfill His divine purposes. The "bird of prey" symbolizes a swift and powerful agent of God's will, often interpreted as Cyrus the Great of Persia, who would conquer Babylon and allow the Israelites to return to their homeland. The Hebrew word for "bird of prey" (עַיִט, ayit) emphasizes the swiftness and decisiveness of God's actions. Historically, Cyrus's rise from the east (Persia) aligns with this prophecy, showcasing God's control over history and nations.

a man for My purpose from a far-off land
This phrase further clarifies the identity of the "bird of prey" as a human agent, specifically "a man for My purpose." The Hebrew word for "purpose" (עֵצָה, etzah) implies a deliberate plan or counsel, indicating that God has a specific intention for this individual. The "far-off land" underscores the distance and unexpected nature of God's chosen instrument, highlighting His ability to orchestrate events beyond human understanding. This reflects the biblical theme of God's providence, where He raises leaders from distant lands to accomplish His redemptive plans, as seen in the historical context of Cyrus's decree to rebuild Jerusalem.

Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass
Here, God asserts His faithfulness and the certainty of His word. The repetition of "truly" (אָמֵן, amen) in Hebrew conveys assurance and reliability, emphasizing that what God declares will inevitably come to fruition. This statement reassures the Israelites of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises. It serves as a reminder of the divine authority and power behind prophetic declarations, encouraging believers to trust in God's word despite current circumstances.

I have planned it, I will surely do it
This final phrase reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty and intentionality. The Hebrew word for "planned" (יָצַר, yatsar) suggests a careful and deliberate design, indicating that God's actions are not arbitrary but part of a well-conceived plan. The assurance "I will surely do it" underscores God's omnipotence and the inevitability of His will being accomplished. This declaration invites believers to rest in the knowledge that God's plans are perfect and will be fulfilled in His timing, offering hope and confidence in His ultimate control over all events.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bird of Prey
Symbolically represents a swift and decisive agent of God's will. In the context of Isaiah, it is often interpreted as Cyrus the Great, who was used by God to fulfill His purposes.

2. The East
Refers to the region from which Cyrus would come, specifically Persia, which is east of Babylon.

3. A Man for My Purpose
This is understood to be Cyrus, whom God called to conquer Babylon and allow the Israelites to return to their homeland.

4. Far-off Land
Indicates the distant origin of Cyrus, emphasizing the reach and sovereignty of God's plan.

5. God's Sovereignty
The overarching theme of this passage, highlighting God's control over history and His ability to use individuals and nations to accomplish His divine purposes.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Control
God is in control of history and uses individuals and nations to fulfill His divine purposes. We can trust in His ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in the rise of Cyrus, assures us that God is faithful to His word. This encourages us to rely on His promises in our own lives.

God's Use of Unlikely Instruments
God can use anyone, even those who do not know Him, to accomplish His will. This challenges us to be open to how God might use us in unexpected ways.

Trust in God's Timing
God's plans unfold in His perfect timing. We are called to be patient and trust that He will bring His purposes to pass.

Purpose and Calling
Just as God had a specific purpose for Cyrus, He has a purpose for each of us. We should seek to understand and fulfill our God-given calling.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Isaiah 46:11 impact your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can you see God using unexpected people or circumstances in your life to fulfill His purposes?

3. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in the Bible strengthen your faith in God's promises?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's timing. How did that experience shape your faith?

5. What steps can you take to better understand and pursue the purpose God has for your life, as seen in His calling of Cyrus?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 44:28-45:1
These verses specifically name Cyrus as God's anointed, chosen to fulfill His purpose, reinforcing the prophecy in Isaiah 46:11.

Jeremiah 25:9
Describes how God uses foreign nations as instruments of His judgment, similar to how He uses Cyrus.

Daniel 5:30-31
Records the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 46:11.

Proverbs 19:21
Highlights the theme of God's plans prevailing over human intentions, aligning with the assurance in Isaiah 46:11.
Sermons
The Religion of Jehovah Contrasted with IdolatryE. Johnson Isaiah 46:1-13
A Fourfold Aspect of the InfiniteHomilistIsaiah 46:9-11
Cyrus, a Ravenous BirdProf. J. Skinner, D. D.Isaiah 46:9-11
The Purposes of GodJ. Burner.Isaiah 46:9-11
People
Isaiah, Jacob
Places
Babylon, Cush, Zion
Topics
Bird, Bring, Calling, Certainly, Counsel, Designed, East, Effect, Executeth, Far-off, Flight, Formed, Fulfill, Pass, Perform, Planned, Prey, Purpose, Purposed, Ravenous, Sending, Spoken, Strong, Summon, Surely, Truly, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 46:11

     4612   birds
     4821   east
     5917   plans

Isaiah 46:9-11

     4945   history

Isaiah 46:10-11

     1115   God, purpose of
     1412   foreknowledge
     8125   guidance, promise

Isaiah 46:10-12

     6708   predestination

Library
A Righteousness Near and a Swift Salvation
'Hearken unto Me, ye stout-hearted, that are far from righteousness: I bring near My righteousness; it shall not be far off, and My salvation shall not tarry.'--ISAIAH xlvi. 12,13. God has promised that He will dwell with him that is humble and of a contrite heart. Jesus has shed the oil of His benediction on the poor in spirit. It is the men who form the exact antithesis to these characters who are addressed here. The 'stout-hearted' are those who, being untouched in conscience and ignorant of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The God of the Aged
THOSE will be peculiar circumstances under which I shall stand up to address the people next Tuesday; circumstances which perhaps seldom occur,--possibly may never have occurred before. It might have been more in order that the aged minister should himself address the people; but nevertheless, as it is his own choice, so it must be; and I shall draw my consolation from the third verse, where it is declared, that though God be the God of the close of our life, yet he is also the God of its beginning. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

Whether the Seven Petitions of the Lord's Prayer are Fittingly Assigned?
Objection 1: It would seem that the seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer are not fittingly assigned. It is useless to ask for that to be hallowed which is always holy. But the name of God is always holy, according to Lk. 1:49, "Holy is His name." Again, His kingdom is everlasting, according to Ps. 144:13, "Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all ages." Again, God's will is always fulfilled, according to Isa 46:10, "All My will shall be done." Therefore it is useless to ask for "the name of God to be hallowed," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of Internal Acts
Of Internal Acts Acts are distinguished into External and Internal. External acts are those which bear relation to some sensible object, and are either morally good or evil, merely according to the nature of the principle from which they proceed. I intend here to speak only of Internal acts, those energies of the soul, by which it turns internally to some objects, and averts from others. If during my application to God I should form a will to change the nature of my act, I thereby withdraw myself …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Of Inward Silence
Of Inward Silence "The Lord is in His Holy Temple, let all the earth keep silence before him" (Hab. ii. 20). Inward silence is absolutely indispensable, because the Word is essential and eternal, and necessarily requires dispositions in the soul in some degree correspondent to His nature, as a capacity for the reception of Himself. Hearing is a sense formed to receive sounds, and is rather passive than active, admitting, but not communicating sensation; and if we would hear, we must lend the ear …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Of Rest in the Presence of God --Its Fruits --Inward Silence --God Commands it --Outward Silence.
The soul, being brought to this place, needs no other preparation than that of repose: for the presence of God during the day, which is the great result of prayer, or rather prayer itself, begins to be intuitive and almost continual. The soul is conscious of a deep inward happiness, and feels that God is in it more truly than it is in itself. It has only one thing to do in order to find God, which is to retire within itself. As soon as the eyes are closed, it finds itself in prayer. It is astonished …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

"And this is his Commandment," &C.
1 John iii. 23.--"And this is his commandment," &c. There are different tempers of mind among men, some more smooth and pliable, others more refractory and froward. Some may be persuaded by love, who cannot be constrained by fear. With some a request will more prevail than a command. Others again are of a harsher disposition. Love and condescension doth rather embolden them, and therefore they must be restrained with the bridle of authority. It would seem that the Lord hath some regard to this in …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour, and are Wearied," &C.
Matth. xi. 28.--"Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are wearied," &c. It is the great misery of Christians in this life, that they have such poor, narrow, and limited spirits, that are not fit to receive the truth of the gospel in its full comprehension; from whence manifold misapprehensions in judgment, and stumbling in practice proceed. The beauty and life of things consist in their entire union with one another, and in the conjunction of all their parts. Therefore it would not be a fit way …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor.
To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. Gregory to Theoctista, &c. With how great devotion my mind prostrates itself before your Venerableness I cannot fully express in words; nor yet do I labour to give utterance to it, since, even though I were silent, you read in your heart your own sense of my devotion. I wonder, however, that you withdrew your countenance, till of late bestowed on me, from this my recent engagement in the pastoral office; wherein, under colour of episcopacy, I have been brought …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Iranian Conquest
Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a statuette in terra-cotta, found in Southern Russia, represents a young Scythian. The Iranian religions--Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses in Egypt --Darius and the organisation of the empire. The Median empire is the least known of all those which held sway for a time over the destinies of a portion of Western Asia. The reason of this is not to be ascribed to the shortness of its duration: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9

Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Purposes of God.
In discussing this subject I shall endeavor to show, I. What I understand by the purposes of God. Purposes, in this discussion, I shall use as synonymous with design, intention. The purposes of God must be ultimate and proximate. That is, God has and must have an ultimate end. He must purpose to accomplish something by his works and providence, which he regards as a good in itself, or as valuable to himself, and to being in general. This I call his ultimate end. That God has such an end or purpose, …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Unchangeableness of God
The next attribute is God's unchangeableness. I am Jehovah, I change not.' Mal 3:3. I. God is unchangeable in his nature. II. In his decree. I. Unchangeable in his nature. 1. There is no eclipse of his brightness. 2. No period put to his being. [1] No eclipse of his brightness. His essence shines with a fixed lustre. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' James 1:17. Thou art the same.' Psa 102:27. All created things are full of vicissitudes. Princes and emperors are subject to …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Shepherd of Our Souls.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."--John x. 11. Our Lord here appropriates to Himself the title under which He had been foretold by the Prophets. "David My servant shall be king over them," says Almighty God by the mouth of Ezekiel: "and they all shall have one Shepherd." And in the book of Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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