Isaiah – The fifth Hebrew gospel – Chapter 46

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46:1 Bel bows down, Nevo is stooping, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were burdened; they are a burden to the weary beast. 2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves have gone into exile.

In Babylonian mythology, Bel and Nebo were two prominent gods. Bel, was also known as Marduk, and was the chief god of the Babylonians. He was associated with nature, the god of storms, warfare, and fertility. Nebo, on the other hand, was the god of wisdom, writing, and prophecy.

Bel and Nebo, represent power, wisdom, and intellectual ability, and are depicted here as burdens that are ultimately powerless to save themselves. 

Corinthians 1:20-21: Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not יהוה made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of יהוה the world through its wisdom did not know him, יהוה was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.”

Shaul contrasts between worldly wisdom, represented by the “wise person,” “teacher of the law,” and “philosopher of this age,” and the wisdom of Elohim. Despite the intellectual ability of individuals in the world, they are ultimately unable to comprehend the deeper spiritual truths without יהוהs revelation.

Just as Bel and Nebo, representing intellectual ability and wisdom, are depicted as burdens in Isaiah 46 so too does the wisdom of the world become powerless in the face of יהוה’s higher wisdom.

Isaiah’s words can be used to cultivate inner personal growth, aid us to transcend the limitations of external dependencies and find true liberation and fulfillment in יהוה alone –  the one who has carried us from the womb!

3 Listen to Me, O Beit Yaakov, and all the remnant of Beit Yisrael, who are borne by Me from the belly, who are carried by Me from the womb: 4 And even to your old age I am He; and even to your gray hairs will I carry you: I have made you, and I will bear you; I will carry you, and will deliver you. 5 To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal, and compare Me, that we may be alike? 

יהוה assures us as the descendants of Jacob – Israel of His continuous care and protection since our birth. He is our sustainer and rescuer, He promises to support us even into old age, sickness and death if we trust in Him!

Matthew 6:26-30

Then in Hebrews 13:5 we’re assured as believers of יהוהs constant presence and support – to place our confidence in Him alone.

The word for “sustain” from the text in Hebrew is “סָמַךְ” (samak), which carries the imagery of leaning or relying on something for support. 

6 They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he makes it into an El: they fall down, yes, they worship. 7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he stands; from his place shall he not move: yes, one shall cry to him, yet he cannot answer, nor save him out of his trouble. 8 Remember this, and show yourselves to be men: bring it again to mind, O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old: for I am El, and there is none else; I am Elohim, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring 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: 

The imagery of people crafting idols from gold and silver highlights the absurdity of worshiping something created by human hands. 

יהוהs counsel stands firm, and He brings about His plans without fail, even calling forth individuals like Koresh to execute His will from distant lands.

In Acts 17:24 Shaul addresses the Athenians, emphasizing the incomparable nature of יהוה and His independence from human craftsmanship:

Acts 17:24 The Elohim who made the world and everything in it is the master of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.

11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man 12 that executes My counsel from a far country: yes, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. 12 Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, that are far from tzedakah: 13 I bring near My tzedakah; it shall not be far off, and My Yahshua shall not tarry: and I will place Yahshua in Tzion for Yisrael My tifereth.

The phrase “calling a bird of prey from the east” could be interpreted to symbolize יהוה summoning a powerful force or individual to carry out His purposes – end time Koresh!

The Hebrew word for “bird of prey” is עַיִט (‘ayit), which speaks to strength and swiftness, reflecting the unstoppable nature of יהוהs unfolding plan.

Now the mention of “Zion” symbolizes יהוהs chosen dwelling place and the center of His salvation and it’s not the State of Israel. 

In Hebrew, Zion is צִיּוֹן (Tziyyon), derived from the root ציה (tsiyah), meaning “parched place” or “dryness,” which metaphorically represents a place of spiritual renewal and restoration.

The imagery of יהוה bringing righteousness near and salvation not lingering speaks to the immediacy and certainty of His redemptive work through Yahusha. 

Bel, representing power, warfare, and fertility, is likened to the inner strength and vitality within each of us. This inner power, when harnessed and channeled effectively away from paganism and the world and toward the true Elohim יהוה, can enable us to face our own personal dragons – symbolic of our inner challenges and struggles – we have to slay our dragons and it takes courage to do that! Be courageous! Be a Joshua generation! 

Nebo, the false god of wisdom and writing, could symbolize the intellectual and analytical faculties of the mind. Wisdom of course as proverbs teaches, is crucial in understanding one’s inner terrain and help us navigate the complexities of personal inner growth – but that wisdom has to be orientated away from secularism and paganism and rooted in truth!

The scripture strengthens our power of belief, gives us resilience, and helps us take proactive steps toward positive change by putting the Word into action!

1 Peter 1:12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Even angels themselves are curious about, and desirous to understand the profound truths of the gospel that have been revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. Look at the significance and depth of the revelation that believers have received through the gospel message.

Courageous אָמַץ ‘âmats Alef, Mem Tsadi-Sofit
stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed).

Courage חָזַק châzaq Heh Zayin Kuf
to fasten upon; hence to seize, to cure, help, repair, cleave, constrain lean, play the man, behave self valiantly, withstand.

Dev 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage.