Isaiah 48:13

13 My hand laid the foundation of the earth. My right hand stretched out the heavens. When I call for them, they both stand.

Isaiah 48:13 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 48:13

Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth
Which is ascribed to the Wisdom, Word, and Son of God, ( Proverbs 3:19 ) ( Hebrews 1:10 ) . This Aben Ezra and Kimchi interpret of the left hand F11, seeing the work of the heavens is ascribed to the right hand in the following clause; the earth being less honourable than the heavens: and my right hand hath spanned the heavens;
stretched them out as a curtain or canopy over the earth, and measured them out with a span, as easily as a man measures anything with his hand; see ( Isaiah 40:12 ) , when I call unto them, they stand up together;
or, "I called them, and they stood up together", as the Targum; and so may refer to the first creation of them, when at the word of God, and by his almighty fiat, they rose into being at once, ( Psalms 33:9 ) . Kimchi observes, that the houses of Hillell and Shaminai were divided about this matter, which were created first, the heavens or the earth; at which R. Simeon ben Jochai wondered, since, according to the text, they were both created together {l}; though this may be understood of the consistence and permanency of the heavens and the earth, being upheld by the Lord, and by the word of his power, and of the ready obedience of the heavenly bodies to do his will, who, like servants, rise up at once at the word of his command; see ( Isaiah 40:26 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F11 Vid. T. Bab. Menachot, fol. 36. 2.
F12 Vid. T. Bab. Chagigah, fol. 12. 1.

Isaiah 48:13 In-Context

11 I am doing this for myself, only for myself. Why should my name be dishonored? I will not give my glory to anyone else.
12 Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called. I am the one. I am the first and the last.
13 My hand laid the foundation of the earth. My right hand stretched out the heavens. When I call for them, they both stand.
14 Gather together, all of you, and listen. What idol has revealed such things? The LORD loves Cyrus. He will carry out the LORD's plan against Babylon. He will use his strength against the Babylonians.
15 I alone have spoken. I have called him. I will bring him here, and he will succeed.
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