Discovery BoxIsaiah 48:14 
Context48:14 All of you, gather together and listen!
Who among them 1 announced these things?
The Lord’s ally 2 will carry out his desire against Babylon;
he will exert his power against the Babylonians. 3
Isaiah 55:11
Context55:11 In the same way, the promise that I make
does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. 4
No, it is realized as I desire
and is fulfilled as I intend.” 5
1 sn This probably refers to the idol gods (see v. 5).
2 tn Or “friend,” or “covenant partner.”
sn The
3 tn Heb “and his arm [against] the Babylonians.”
4 tn Heb “so is the word which goes out from my mouth, it does not return to empty.” “Word” refers here to divine promises, like the ones made just prior to and after this (see vv. 7b, 12-13).
5 tn Heb “but it accomplishes what I desire, and succeeds [on the mission] which I send it.”
sn Verses 8-11 focus on the reliability of the divine word and support the promises before (vv. 3-5, 7b) and after (vv. 12-13) this. Israel can be certain that repentance will bring forgiveness and a new covenantal relationship because God’s promises are reliable. In contrast to human plans (or “thoughts”), which are destined to fail (Ps 94:11) apart from divine approval (Prov 19:21), and human deeds (or “ways”), which are evil and lead to destruction (Prov 1:15-19; 3:31-33; 4:19), God’s plans are realized and his deeds accomplish something positive.
