46:1 Bel Another name for Marduk, the chief god in the Babylonian hierarchy of gods (see note on Jer 50:2). Bel means “lord” in Akkadian (just like ba'al in Hebrew). The Babylonian creation epic Enuma Elish depicts Marduk as the creator. Isaiah’s focus on Yahweh’s role as Creator may subtly interact with myths about Marduk.

Pagan Deities in the Old Testament Table

Nebo The son of Bel or Marduk and the patron deity of the city of Borsippa, south of Babylon.

your cargo is carried Isaiah sets up a contrast between the passive idols who must be carried, and Yahweh—who actively carries His people.

46:2 but they themselves go in captivity The idols from conquered peoples would be carried into exile along with the deported people. Marduk’s statue was taken captive when the Assyrian king Sennacherib plundered Babylon in 689 bc (see note on Isa 46:1–13). Jeremiah 48:7 declares the Moabite god Chemosh will be taken into captivity.

46:3 the remnant of the house of Israel The exiles in Babylon would likely have been familiar with the religious festivals, either through witnessing the processions or through involvement in idolatrous worship themselves. The criticism of idolatry in Isa 40–48 is more than a mere warning away from the religion of their captors. The message is clear: these idols cannot save, so Israel should not put faith in them instead of Yahweh.

who have been carried from the womb Yahweh has carried Israel from the beginning, even if they did not recognize His presence (see Deut 1:31).

46:4 Even to your old age I am he Yahweh carries His children from birth to death—the entire life cycle (compare Psa 71:18).

I myself will carry you, and I myself will support you, and I will save Contrasts with the idols who are themselves borne and carried by others and definitely cannot save (see Isa 46:1–2). This passage plays off the Hebrew words for “carry” and “save” to demonstrate the superiority of Yahweh over the idols.

46:5 and count as equal No gods can compare with Yahweh—the only God. The parallel with Marduk is striking; Enuma Elish declares that no god can equal Marduk (see note on v. 1). Yahweh has argued throughout this section (chs. 40–48) that no god can equal Him or be compared to Him (see 40:18).

46:6 and he makes him a god The irony of the craftsmen making their own gods is highlighted in 44:10–20. Now, the focus shifts to others who bring their precious metals to another person to pay him to make a god for them. Compare 40:18–20.

46:7 they set it in its place The statues of idols received great care and attention from their temple attendants. Isaiah is mocking the fact that the attendants are the ones doing all the work—their gods can do nothing without them.

46:9 the former things from a long time ago Yahweh predicted events in the past, so Israel should be confident that He will act again (see 42:9). The idols were challenged to prove themselves by predicting the “former things” in 41:22 and 43:9.

46:10 have not been done Yahweh’s superiority over idols is again proven by His lability to simply declare that something will happen, and it will. In Mesopotamian myth, fate was determined by whichever god possessed the “Tablets of Destiny.” Marduk claimed the tablets after his victory over Tiamat in Enuma Elish (see note on v. 1).

46:11 a bird of prey from the east Refers to Cyrus of Persia, who would conquer Babylon (see 41:2).

I will bring it The salvation Yahweh has predicted is not hypothetical or conditional. He has already set the events in motion, and it will be fulfilled as planned.

46:12 strong of heart Refers to those who doubt Yahweh is willing or able to save them. He refutes their doubts in v. 13 by declaring the salvation will come soon.

46:13 my salvation will not delay Cyrus’ victory comes in 539 bc.

in Zion Another name for Jerusalem, God’s earthly dwelling and the location of His temple. See note on 1:8.