John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 46:10

"declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not [yet] done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;" — Isaiah 46:10 (ASV)

Declaring from the beginning. He now explains more fully in what way he wishes the Jews to remember the past, namely, that they were taught by constant predictions, as far as was necessary for their benefit. But from this preface, he immediately makes a transition to the hope of deliverance.

My counsel shall stand. We should not wonder that he repeats this so frequently, because it is very hard to persuade people of its truth. The people were not only slow to believe but even obstinate; therefore, he reminds them that they had learned long ago, and not on one occasion only, how safe it is to place their confidence in God.

Nor is it only his foreknowledge that is extolled here, but he says that he has testified through his prophets what he had decreed. Even the prophecies would have no certainty or solidity if the same God who declares that this or that thing shall happen did not have the events themselves in his power.

At the same time, he states that he speaks according to truth and brings forward his decrees in all the prophecies, so that the Jews do not hesitate to place a firm reliance as soon as the prophets have spoken. But as I have already explained these subjects more extensively, I now offer only a brief overview of them.