Isaiah – Chapter 46

Old Testament • 13 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Bel is broken, Nebo is destroyed: their idols are put upon beasts and cattle, your burdens of heavy weight even unto weariness." — so begins Isaiah 46. Jacob stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and justice and care for the poor. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Bel is broken, Nebo is destroyed: their idols are put upon beasts and cattle, your burdens of heavy weight even unto weariness.

2They are consumed, and are broken together: they could not save him that carried them, and they themselves shall go into captivity.

3Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel who are carried by my bowels, are borne up by my womb.

4Even to your old age I am the same, and to your grey hairs I will carry you: I have made you, and I will bear: I will carry and will save.

5To whom have you likened me, and made me equal, and compared me, and made me like?

6You that contribute gold out of the bag, and weigh out silver in the scales: and hire a goldsmith to make a god: and they fall down and worship.

7They bear him on their shoulders and carry him, and set him in his place, and he shall stand, and shall not stir out of his place. Yea, when they shall cry also unto him, he shall not hear: he shall not save them from tribulation.

8Remember this, and be ashamed: return, ye transgressors, to the heart.

9Remember the former age, for I am God, and there is no God beside, neither is there the like to me:

10Who shew from the beginning the things that shall be at last, and from ancient times the things that as yet are not done, saying: My counsel shall stand, and all my will shall be done:

11Who call a bird from the east, and from a far country the man of my own will, and I have spoken, and will bring it to pass: I have created, and I will do it. Hear me, O ye hardhearted, who are far from justice.

12I have brought my justice near, it shall not be afar off: and my salvation shall not tarry. I will give salvation in Sion, and my glory in Israel.

13

Important Verses in Isaiah 46

“Bel is broken, Nebo is destroyed: their idols are put upon beasts and cattle, your burdens of heavy weight even unto weariness.”

Isaiah 46:1

“Even to your old age I am the same, and to your grey hairs I will carry you: I have made you, and I will bear: I will carry and will save.”

Isaiah 46:4

“Remember the former age, for I am God, and there is no God beside, neither is there the like to me:”

Isaiah 46:9

“I have brought my justice near, it shall not be afar off: and my salvation shall not tarry. I will give salvation in Sion, and my glory in Israel. ”

Isaiah 46:12

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Isaiah was written with judah in crisis, the exiles in Babylon, and all who await the Messiah in view. Chapter 46 of 66 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Jacob appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "Bel is broken, Nebo is destroyed: their idols are put upon beasts and cattle, your burdens of heavy weight even unto…" It concludes: "" In terms of historical background, Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during the Assyrian crisis, calling kings to trust God rather than alliances. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Who Wrote It

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples

When It Was Written

Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC)

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Isaiah 46 presents a concrete episode in the history of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Bel is broken, Nebo is destroyed: their idols are put upon beasts and cattle, your burdens of heavy weight even unto weariness." The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ, especially the Suffering Servant (CIC 601). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 265).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God's salvation reaches to the ends of the earth. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Isaiah 46 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

Jacob1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Isaiah Chapter 46, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. intercession for others remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

As you continue through Isaiah, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isaiah Chapter 46 about?

Isaiah 46 contains 13 verses. It opens with "Bel is broken, Nebo is destroyed: their idols are put upon beasts and cattle, your burdens of heavy weight even unto…" and closes with "". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles and poetry.

What is a key verse in Isaiah 46?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Bel is broken, Nebo is destroyed: their idols are put upon beasts and cattle, your burdens of heavy weight even unto weariness." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Isaiah Chapter 46?

This chapter mentions Jacob.

Who wrote Isaiah and when?

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples. Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Related Chapters

Psalms 21Shares people and themes with this chapterHosea 10Shares people and themes with this chapterGenesis 32Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World

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