Matthew Henry Commentary Isaiah 46:5-13

"To whom will ye like me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? Such as lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, they hire a goldsmith, and he maketh it a god; they fall down, yea, they worship. They bear it upon the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its place, and it standeth, from its place shall it not remove: yea, one may cry unto it, yet can it not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. Remember this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; [I am] God, and there is none like me; 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; calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yea, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it. 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; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory." — Isaiah 46:5-13 (ASV)

Here the folly of those who made idols, and then prayed to them, is exposed. How does the lavishness of idolaters shame the stinginess of many who call themselves God's servants, but prefer a religion that costs them nothing! The service of sin always costs a great deal. God shows them what senseless, helpless things idols are.

Let the Jews, then, prove themselves strong by avoiding such abominations. Many Scripture prophecies, delivered long ago, are not yet fulfilled; however, the fulfillment of some is a pledge that the rest will also come to pass. Nothing can help more to reassure us than to be certain that God will accomplish all His will. Even those who do not know and do not heed God's revealed will are called and used to fulfill the purposes of His hidden will.

Heaven and earth will pass away sooner than one tittle of the word of God. Obstinate sinners are addressed. Such individuals were far from acceptance, but they were summoned to listen to the word of the Lord. The salvation of a sinner begins with a humble and contrite heart that trembles at God's word, with godly sorrow producing true repentance, and faith in His mercy, through the obedience unto death of our Divine Surety.

Christ, as the divine righteousness and salvation for His people, would come at the appointed time. His salvation remains in His church for all believers.