Identity of the Speaker in Isaiah 48:12-16
Identity of the Speaker in Isaiah 48:12-16
The passage Isaiah 48:12-16 presents a complex identity issue regarding the speaker. The text begins with a clear declaration: "Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he; I am the first, I also am the last" (Isaiah 48:12) [1]. This statement is characteristic of God's self-revelation in Isaiah, emphasizing divine eternity and uniqueness.
The surrounding context of Isaiah 48 places this passage within a larger argument about God's sovereignty and Israel's redemption. The chapter contrasts the idolatry of Babylon with the monotheistic faith of Israel, highlighting God's role as the creator and redeemer [1].
The key terms in verses 12-16 include "I am he" (verse 12), indicating divine identity, and "the Lord Jehovah, and His Spirit, has sent Me" (verse 16), which introduces a discussion about the speaker's mission and identity [1, 2]. The Hebrew text of verse 16 reads, "וְעַתָּה אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה שְׁלָחַנִי וְרוּחוֹ", emphasizing the role of both the Lord and His Spirit in sending the speaker.
A major exegetical decision revolves around the identity of the speaker in verse 16, particularly the phrase "now the Lord Jehovah, and His Spirit, has sent Me." Interpreters have debated whether this refers to the prophet Isaiah, the Messiah, or another figure. The Targum Jonathan, a Jewish Rabbinic source, interprets "me" as referring to the prophet, rendering the verse as "the Lord God, and His WORD, hath sent me" [5]. In contrast, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, representing a Presbyterian tradition, suggest that while the prophet speaks, the words apply more fully to Messiah, citing Isaiah 61:1 and John 10:36 [6]. The Tyndale House commentary, from a Protestant academic perspective, notes the connection with the Spirit suggests a reference to the promised servant, the Messiah [4].
The range of interpretations reflects diverse traditions. John Gill, from a Baptist/Reformed perspective, focuses on the calling of Jacob and Israel, seeing the speaker as likely Christ, given the context of Romans 1:6 [3]. Abraham Ibn Ezra, a Jewish Rationalist commentator, interprets "me" in verse 16 as referring to the prophet [7].
This passage has functioned significantly in tradition, particularly in discussions about the nature of God and the identity of the Messiah. The emphasis on God's Spirit sending the speaker has been seen as prefiguring the anointing of Jesus Christ. The complexity of the speaker's identity in Isaiah 48:12-16 reflects the rich theological texture of the book, inviting readers to consider the interplay between divine and human agency in the context of prophecy and redemption.
The historical setting of Isaiah 48, likely during the Babylonian exile, underscores the message of hope and redemption. The passage reassures Israel of God's presence and future deliverance, whether through Cyrus or a messianic figure. The varied interpretations of the speaker's identity highlight the passage's depth and its significance in Jewish and Christian traditions.
The use of "I am he" in verse 12 echoes other divine self-declarations in Isaiah, reinforcing the theme of monotheism. The mission described in verse 16, involving both the Lord and His Spirit, has been pivotal in Christian theology, particularly in understanding the mission of Jesus Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit.
Sources
- Isaiah ““Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. -- Isaiah 48:12”
- Isaiah “Isaiah 48:16 (LITV) — Come near to me; hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning. From its being, I was there; and now the Lord Jehovah, and His Spirit, has sent Me.”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 48:12: Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called,.... Called before out of Egypt, and now out of Babylon, and who had the name of God called upon them, and who called upon the name of the Lord; so such who are called with a holy calling, according to the purpose and grace of God, by the Spirit and grace of Christ, unto fellowship with him, to partake of his grace here, and glory hereafter, are styled "the called of Jesus Christ", Rom 1:6 and who seems to be the person here speaking, as appears from the following clause: and it may be observed, that Jacob and Israel are”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 48:16: 48:16 I have told you plainly: God’s promises are clear, though not always specific as to manner and time. • now the Sovereign Lord and his Spirit have sent me with this message: The identity of the one who is sent is unclear. Isaiah might be referring to himself as a Spirit-inspired prophet who spoke the very words of God to Israel. The connection with the Spirit suggests that it refers to the promised servant, the Messiah. • The presence of the Spirit assures the servant’s success.”
- Targum Jonathan (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Targum Jonathan, Targum Jonathan on Isaiah 48:16: Come ye near to my WORD; hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; at the time when the nations separated themselves from fearing me, at that time I brought Abraham your father to my service. The prophet saith: And now the Lord God, and His WORD, hath sent me.”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 48:16: not . . . in secret-- (Isa 45:19). Jehovah foretold Cyrus' advent, not with the studied ambiguity of heathen oracles, but plainly. from the time, &c.--From the moment that the purpose began to be accomplished in the raising up of Cyrus I was present. sent me--The prophet here speaks, claiming attention to his announcement as to Cyrus, on the ground of his mission from God and His Spirit. But he speaks not in his own person so much as in that of Messiah, to whom alone in the fullest sense the words apply (Isa 61:1; Joh 10:36). Plainly, Isa 49:1, wh”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Isaiah 48:16: Come ye near unto me, unto the prophet.”