King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:7 Mean?

Isaiah 44:7 in the King James Version says “And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and t... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

Isaiah 44:7 · KJV


Context

5

One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

7

And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

8

Fear ye not, neither be afraid : have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. God; I: Heb. rock, etc

9

They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. delectable: Heb. desirable


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God challenges any rival to match His prophetic ability: 'who...shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me?' Only God can announce history before it happens. The reference to 'the ancient people' points to Israel's establishment and God's ongoing prophetic declarations through them.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This challenges Babylonian astrologers and diviners who claimed to predict the future. Only Israel's God had a track record of specific fulfilled prophecy, proving His uniqueness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does biblical prophecy's fulfillment strengthen your confidence in Scripture?
  2. What does God's ability to declare 'things that are coming' teach about His sovereignty over history?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּמִֽי1 of 14
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

כָמ֣וֹנִי2 of 14
H3644

as, thus, so

יִקְרָ֗א3 of 14

And who as I shall call

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יַגִּ֥ידוּ4 of 14

and shall declare

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

וְיַעְרְכֶ֙הָ֙5 of 14

it and set it in order

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

לִ֔י6 of 14
H0
מִשּׂוּמִ֖י7 of 14

for me since I appointed

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עַם8 of 14

people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עוֹלָ֑ם9 of 14

the ancient

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וְאֹתִיּ֛וֹת10 of 14

and the things that are coming

H857

to arrive

וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תָּבֹ֖אנָה12 of 14

and shall come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יַגִּ֥ידוּ13 of 14

and shall declare

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לָֽמוֹ׃14 of 14
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 44:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 44:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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