WATCHMAN33
Weary pack animals buckle beneath heavy idols of Bel and Nebo while an elderly Israelite carries a child along a bright road toward Zion.
KING JAMES VERSION

ISAIAH 46

Read the chapter, follow a linked verse, and continue into related Watchman 33 teaching.

CHAPTER VISUAL

Isaiah 46 — Babylon’s gods must be carried into captivity, but the LORD has carried His people from the womb to old age and will deliver them.

About this illustration

The contrast between burdensome idols and cared-for generations carries the chapter’s central argument. The eastern conqueror appears only as a far-off birdlike standard.

Scripture basis: Isaiah 46:1–13
  1. 1Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.
  2. 2They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.
  3. 3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:
  4. 4And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
  5. 5 To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
  6. 6They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.
  7. 7They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
  8. 8Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.
  9. 9Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
  10. 10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
  11. 11Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
  12. 12 Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:
  13. 13I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

King James Version · Standardized 1769 text with Strong’s numbering · Public domain outside the United Kingdom

EXPLORE THE MESSAGE

Related Watchman 33 Resources

Sermons

November 1, 2024Jordan Winsor

Skyfall 2024: A Numeric Anomaly of Biblical Proportions by Jordan Winsor

In “Skyfall 2024 - A Numeric Anomaly of Biblical Proportions by Jordan Winsor,” Jordan Winsor presents a Scripture-centered message about the authority of Scripture, biblical creation, holiness. Drawing especially from Revelation 17:1, 1 John 5:7, Acts 17, Romans 1, the teaching emphasizes that Scripture is presented as the standard for doctrine, discernment, and daily obedience. Winsor connects that foundation with the conviction that the creation account is defended as foundational to biblical authority and the meaning of the created order.

Spiritual WarfareScripture AloneBiblical CreationChristian Living
View sermon
November 17, 2022Pastor Dean Odle

Wise Counsel

In “Wise Counsel,” Pastor Dean Odle presents a Scripture-centered message about the authority of Scripture, spiritual leadership, holiness. Drawing especially from Psalm 119, Proverbs 11, Psalm 33, Psalm 9, the teaching emphasizes that Scripture is presented as the standard for doctrine, discernment, and daily obedience. Odle connects that foundation with the conviction that leaders are accountable to teach faithfully, serve the flock, and model the character they proclaim.

Doctrine and DiscernmentSalvation and the GospelChristian LivingHoly Spirit and Spiritual Gifts
View sermon
June 21, 2022Pastor Dean Odle

Jesus or Muhammad?

In “Jesus or Muhammad,” Pastor Dean Odle presents a Scripture-centered message about faith, God’s commandments, salvation. Drawing especially from John 14, Romans 2, Romans 10, Isaiah 46, the teaching emphasizes that biblical faith trusts God’s character and acts upon His promises. Odle connects that foundation with the conviction that God’s commands reveal His standard and direct the obedient life.

Doctrine and DiscernmentChrist AloneIslamSalvation and the Gospel
View sermon