Isaiah 48:15

I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I have brought him, and he will succeed in his mission.

Study Bible

I, even I, have spoken
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority and initiative of God. The repetition of "I" underscores the personal involvement of God in the unfolding of His plans. In Hebrew, the word for "spoken" is "דִּבַּרְתִּי" (dibarti), which conveys not just the act of speaking but the authoritative declaration of God's will. This is a reminder that God's words are not mere suggestions but are powerful and effectual, bringing about His purposes. Historically, this reflects the prophetic tradition where God's word is seen as active and living, as seen in Isaiah 55:11, where God's word does not return void.

yes, I have called him
The phrase "I have called him" indicates God's sovereign choice and election. The Hebrew root for "called" is "קָרָא" (qara), which implies a summoning or appointing for a specific purpose. This reflects the biblical theme of God calling individuals for His divine purposes, as seen in the calling of Abraham, Moses, and the prophets. In the context of Isaiah, this likely refers to Cyrus, whom God has chosen to fulfill His plan of delivering Israel from Babylonian captivity. This calling is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign will and grace.

I have brought him
This phrase signifies God's active role in guiding and directing the course of history. The Hebrew word "בָּא" (ba) means to bring or to come, indicating that God is the one who orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes. This reflects the biblical understanding of God's providence, where He is actively involved in the affairs of the world. Historically, this can be seen in how God used Cyrus, a pagan king, to accomplish His purposes for Israel, demonstrating that God can use anyone to fulfill His divine plan.

and he will succeed in his mission
The assurance that "he will succeed in his mission" highlights the certainty of God's plans. The Hebrew word for "succeed" is "יַצְלִיחַ" (yatsliach), which means to prosper or to accomplish. This reflects the biblical theme that when God ordains something, it will surely come to pass. The success of the mission is not dependent on human ability but on God's power and faithfulness. In the context of Isaiah, this assures the Israelites that God's plan for their deliverance through Cyrus will be accomplished, reinforcing their trust in God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God (Yahweh)
The speaker in this verse, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority in calling and commissioning His chosen servant.

2. Cyrus (implied)
Although not named in this specific verse, the context of Isaiah 48 suggests that God is referring to Cyrus, the Persian king, whom He has called to fulfill His purposes for Israel.

3. Israel
The nation to whom God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah, reminding them of His control over their destiny and His plans for their deliverance.

4. Babylon
The place from which Israel will be delivered, as God uses Cyrus to conquer Babylon and allow the Israelites to return to their homeland.

5. Prophet Isaiah
The messenger through whom God communicates His plans and purposes to Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of history and uses individuals, even those outside of Israel, to accomplish His divine purposes.

Divine Calling and Mission
Just as God called Cyrus for a specific mission, He calls each of us to fulfill His purposes in our lives. We should seek to understand and pursue our God-given mission.

Trust in God's Plan
Even when circumstances seem uncertain, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes to bring about His plans for our good and His glory.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The fulfillment of God's word through Cyrus serves as a reminder of the reliability and truth of Scripture. We can have confidence in God's promises.

Role of Obedience
Success in God's mission requires obedience to His calling. We should strive to be obedient to God's direction in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Isaiah 48:15 impact your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can you discern and pursue the specific mission God has for you, similar to how Cyrus was called?

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

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to trust more in God's plan and timing?

5. How can you apply the principle of obedience to God's calling in your daily life, and what steps can you take to ensure you are aligned with His will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1
These passages explicitly name Cyrus as God's chosen instrument to fulfill His purposes, highlighting the fulfillment of God's word spoken in Isaiah 48:15.

Jeremiah 29:10-14
This passage speaks of God's promise to bring Israel back from captivity, aligning with the mission God has for Cyrus.

Ezra 1:1-4
The decree of Cyrus allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's plan as stated in Isaiah 48:15.

Romans 8:28
This New Testament verse echoes the theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to work all things for the good of those who love Him, similar to how He orchestrates events in Isaiah 48:15.