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Isaiah 45:11 is rendered differently in many translations including:
- King James Version: Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
- New Living Translation: This is what the LORD says–the Holy One of Israel and your Creator: “Do you question what I do for my children? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands?
- New American Standard Bible: Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, And you shall commit to Me the work of My hands.
I struggle with reconciling the context of the entire 45th chapter of Isaiah with the many diverse and somewhat ambiguous translations of this verse; particularly the ending.
Per the varying translations it is possible for one to surmise three entirely separate understandings of the text:
- The author conveys that God desires that his followers “command HIM” as some sort of authority soon to be granted to the followers of God.**
- The author has provided a “Rhetorical” question, statement or declaration which addresses the absurdity of one believing they can “command HIM”.
- The author wishes to convey that God will justify himself and “the work of His hands”, to his followers, that He has already “committed to himself” if they would only ask/seek Him.
Any and all contextual correction is greatly appreciated.
