Isaiah 41:23

23 Tell us the coming events, then we will know that you are gods. Indeed, do [something] good or bad, then we will be in awe^[a] and perceive.

Isaiah 41:23 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 41:23

Show the things that are to come hereafter
From henceforward to the consummation of all things: so the Targum,

``show what shall come to the end;''

or at the end, the end of all things; or show wonderful things, which shall be hereafter; so Jarchi interprets the word; a word like this having the signification of signs and wonders: that we may know that ye are gods;
as ye are said to be; that we may own and acknowledge you to be such, there being this clear proof of it, if it can be made out, foretelling things to come, both near and far off. The Targum is,

``that we may know whether ye worship idols, in whom there is any profit;''

as if the words were spoken not to the idols, but to the worshippers of them: "yea, do good, or do evil"; not in a moral, but in a civil sense; do good to your friends, to your worshippers; bestow favours upon them, as I do on mine; or inflict punishment on your enemies, such as despise your deity, and will not worship you, as I do on those that despise me, and will not regard my service and worship: that we may be dismayed, and behold it together:
that when we see your deity, and are convinced of it by the above proofs, we may be amazed and astonished, as not expecting such proof, and be confounded, and have no more to object unto it. The Targum is,

``that we may consider and reason together;''

and bring the matter in controversy to an issue, as it is in the next verse.

Isaiah 41:23 In-Context

21 "Submit your case," says the Lord. "Present your arguments," says Jacob's King.

22 "Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell us the past events, so that we may reflect on it and know the outcome. Or tell us the future.

23 Tell us the coming events, then we will know that you are gods. Indeed, do [something] good or bad, then we will be in awe and perceive.

24 Look, you are nothing and your work is worthless. Anyone who chooses you is detestable.

25 "I have raised up one from the north, and he has come, one from the east who invokes My name. He will march over rulers as if they were mud, like a potter who treads the clay.

Footnotes

• [a]. DSS read we may hear