Isaiah 44:7

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 44:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I established the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and that shall come to pass, let them declare.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I established the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and that shall come to pass, let them declare.
Isaiah 44:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 44

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I established the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and that shall come to pass, let them declare.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And who as I shall call, &c.] Which of the idols of the Gentiles can do as the king of Israel, the Lord of hosts has done? call things that are not, as though they were? call all creatures into being? call men by their names before they were born, as Isaac; Josiah, and Cyrus, of whom mention is made in the latter end of this chapter, and call them to service and usefulness in their day and generation? and call whom he pleases by his grace to eternal glory? and shall declare it; the end from the beginning, things future that are yet to come to pass; or the purposes and decrees of God, his counsel and covenant, his mind and will? and set it in order for me; give an exact and orderly account of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Who but God can predict future events and declare also the order and time of each (see on Isa 41:22-23; Isa 45:21)? call--"openly proclaim" (Isa 40:6) things to come [MAURER]. Or, "call forth" the event; command that it happen (Isa 46:11; Isa 48:15), [BARNES]. set . . . in order--There is no chance or confusion; all events occur in the order best fitted to subserve God's plans. for me--It is FOR GOD that all things exist and take place (Rev 4:11). But MAURER translates, "Let him set it forth (Job 37:19) to me." since . . . ancient people--I have given the Jews predictions of the future ever since I appointed them as My people in ancient times; therefore they were qualified to be His…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And who, as I - This verse contains an argument to prove that he is God. In proof of this, he appeals to the fact that he alone can predict future events, and certainly declare the order, and the time in which they will come to pass (see the notes at Isaiah 41:21-23; Isaiah 44:9-10). Shall call - That is, call forth the event, or command that to happen which he wills - one of the highest possible exhibitions of power. See a similar use of the word call in Isaiah 46:2; Isaiah 48:15. And shall declare it - Declare, or announce with certainty the future event. And set it in order - Arrange it; secure the proper succession and place (see the notes at Isaiah 41:22). The word used here (ערך…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who - Which of all the Heathen gods. Declare - Shall by his powerful word cause it to be, and by his fore - knowledge declare that it shall be. Set in order - Orderly relate all future events in the same manner as they shall happen. Since - Since I first made man upon earth. The things - Such things as are near at hand, and such as are to come hereafter. Isaiah 44:8”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“who: Isa 41:22, Isa 41:26, Isa 43:9, Isa 43:12, Isa 45:21, Isa 46:9, Isa 46:10, Isa 48:3-8 since: Isa 41:4; Gen 17:7, Gen 17:8; Deu 32:8; Act 17:26 Isaiah 44:8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification