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V. 8-10 Because of the inadequacy of the idol, remember the God who is like no other. Recall the things
that He has done in the past, both for ancient fathers and for each of us.

Unlike the idols, God’s plan, His counsel will stand, and He will do all things for His pleasure, His will.

V. 11-13 Because of the disobedience, the false idols, God will call a bird of prey from the east, which
will be Cyrus the Great of Persia, present day Iran. As usual, this has a contemporary fulfillment in Cyrus
and the destruction of Babylon, but also points to the final destruction of evil.

The ‘bird of prey’ reference indicates that the destruction will be sudden, swift and unexpected. God
affirms that He will bring this to pass, He will do it.

Then, in another plea to those who are far from righteousness: Listen to Me, you who are stubborn
hearted. Even though He brings His salvation near, He will not linger. Act now while you have the
chance.

No one worships Bel or Nebo today, or any of the other false gods mentioned in scripture. That should
warn us that someday the idols of this generation will be exposed and destroyed and remembered no
more.

13.4 Let’s Practice…

Questions from Chapter 44
1. How does V. 3 point to the powerful effect of the outpoured Spirit on us?

2. What is the significance of the claim made by God in V. 6?

3. What promise is made to everyone in verses 21-23?

Questions from Chapter 45
4. Cyrus was not born for over 100 years after this was written. What does this teach us about God?

5. V. 7 is a difficult one to accept. How do you explain that God is the creator of calamity?

6. What does V. 9-10 tell you about challenging God?

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