Introduction: I suggest that you read the passage twice – firstly ignoring my comments, which are in green, and secondly as if the green words are part of the passage. But don’t forget that the green is not scripture but my thoughts which helped me to understand the flow of the passage better!
The Lord, the rightful King of Israel (Jacob) calls His followers to set aside, and think! 21 Set forth your case, says the LORD;
bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob. (talking to the jury of heaven!)
22 Let them bring them, and tell us
what is to happen.
Tell us the former things, what they are,
that we may consider them,
that we may know their outcome;
or declare to us the things to come.
(Now talking to Israel again) 23 Tell us what is to come hereafter,
that we may know that you are gods; (we want to know if you are able to be leaders)
(can you) do good, or do harm,
that we may be dismayed and terrified.
(The jury gives its decision!) 24 Behold, you are nothing,
and your work is less than nothing;
an abomination is he who chooses you.
(God speaks, quoting history) 25 I stirred up one from the north, and he has come,
from the rising of the sun, and he shall call upon my name;
he shall trample on rulers as on mortar,
as the potter treads clay.
(A question for the people to answer) 26 Who declared it from the beginning, that we might know, and beforehand, that we might say, “He is right”?
(God answers His own question) There was none who declared it, none who proclaimed, none who heard your words. (no one knows the future, but God!)
27 I was the first to say to Zion, “Behold, here they are!”
and I give to Jerusalem a herald of good news.
(Seeking to see if anyone else can answer the question which God previously asked, God finds none able to answer.) 28 But when I look, there is no one; among these there is no counselor who, when I ask, gives an answer.
29 Behold, they are all a delusion;
their works are nothing;
their metal images are empty wind. – there is no other apart from God who has the answers! Certainly no idols!
Psalm 139: 17&18 – 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
Prayer: Forgive me if I think that I know best. Thank You that You do ‘hold my right hand.