Isaiah 45:11

“Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, &c.] He whose name alone is Jehovah, who is glorious in holiness, the Sanctifier of his people, and the Maker of them, both as creatures, and new creatures: ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me; these words are not spoken to idolaters, or the idolatrous Jews, or those of them that were inclined to idolatry; directing them to ask of the Lord, and not of their idols, things to come, which they were not able to show, and to seek to him for, and insist upon the performance of his promises to them, his children, and creatures; but to the spiritual Israel of God, as the preface…”

“Ask . . . command--Instead of striving with Me in regard to My purposes, your wisdom is in prayer to ask, and even command Me, in so far as it is for My glory, and for your real good (Mar 11:24; Joh 16:23, Joh 16:13, latter part of the verse; Jo1 3:22). sons-- (Isa 54:13; Gal 3:26). work of my hands--spiritually (Eph 2:10); also literal Israel (Isa 60:21). MAURER translates, instead of "command," Leave it to Me, in My dealings concerning My sons and concerning the work of My hands, to do what I will with My own. LOWTH reads it interrogatively, Do ye presume to question Me and dictate to Me (see Isa 45:9-10)? The same sense is given, if the words be taken in irony. But English Version is…”

“Thus saith the Lord - This verse is designed still further to illustrate the general subject referred to in this chapter, and especially to show them, that instead of complaining of his designs, or of finding fault with his sovereignty, it was their privilege to inquire respecting his dealings, and even to ‘command’ him. He was willing to be inquired of, and to instruct them in regard to the events which were occurring. And his Maker - (See the note at Isaiah 43:1). Ask me of things to come - I alone can direct and order future events; and it is your duty and privilege to make inquiry respecting those events. Lowth renders this as a question, ‘Do ye question me concerning my children?’ But…”

“Thus saith - Will you not allow me that liberty which yourselves take, of disposing of my own children and works, as I see fit? Isaiah 45:13”

“the Holy One: Isa 43:3, Isa 43:7, Isa 43:15, Isa 43:21, Isa 48:17 Ask: Jer 33:3; Eze 36:37; Dan 2:18, Dan 9:2, Dan 9:3, Dan 9:24-27; Mar 11:24 concerning my sons: Jer 3:19, Jer 31:1, Jer 31:9; Hos 1:10; Rom 9:4-8; Co2 6:18; Gal 3:26-29 concerning the work: Isa 29:23, Isa 43:7, Isa 60:21; Eph 2:10 command: Gen 32:26; Jdg 16:23; Jos 10:12; Hos 12:4 Isaiah 45:12”

“After this double woe, which is expressed in general terms, but the application of which is easily made, the words of Jehovah are directly addressed to the presumptuous criticizers. Isa 45:11 "Thus saith Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker, Ask me what is to come; let my sons and the work of my hands be committed to me!" The names by which He calls Himself express his absolute blamelessness, and His absolute right of supremacy over Israel. שׁאלוּני is an imperative, like שׁמעוּני in Gen 23:8; the third person would be written שׁאלוּני. The meaning is: If ye would have any information or satisfaction concerning the future ("things to come," Isa 41:23; Isa 44:7), about which ye can…”