Declaring His sovereignty, He invites us to recognize the distinct divine attributes that naturally belong to Him, asserting, “I declare 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.’” This serves as profound evidence of His unstoppable divine power. Unlike humans, even those who have achieved the highest honors and authority may strive toward their goals but are not always successful. Numerous unforeseen challenges can impede their efforts. However, if the Almighty decides to bring anything to pass, what can stand in His way? Who can thwart the intentions of the Holy One? Who can deflect the hand of the Most High? Thus, affirming His divinity, He proclaims, “My counsel shall stand, and all my purposes will be accomplished.” He also states, “He who calls a bird from the east, and sends a man on a mission from a far country” (Isaiah 46:11). The “bird from the east” refers to the Babylonian forces that ravaged Judah, besieged Jerusalem, and destroyed the temple, leading many citizens into exile and imposing a brutal bondage upon them. This reality is illustrated in the words God conveyed to the blessed prophet Ezekiel.
He directed Ezekiel to convey a parable to the house of Israel, saying, “A great eagle with powerful wings, long feathers, and full of plumage, came to Lebanon and took the top of the cedar.” The eagle took some of the choice branches and planted them in a fruitful field (Ezekiel 17:1-6). Because the initial message was unclear to its listeners, God further elucidated His intent: “Speak to the rebellious house: Do you not know what these things mean? Say to them, ‘The king of Babylon is coming against Jerusalem. He shall take the king and his princes and lead them away to Babylon,’” and shall establish a covenant with them (Ezekiel 17:12-14). In the books of Kings, it is recorded that after the sacred city was laid waste, the Babylonians captured Zedekiah, leading him in chains to the land of the Chaldeans, along with several noble Jews; these represent the choicest of cedars. Therefore, God declares, “I am He who calls the bird from the east, whom I have spoken of and who must come. I do not lie. I foretold the events in their time, and what I foretold has come to pass.” Those events, seemingly prepared for calamity, clearly illustrate the suffering imposed on those who dishonored His glory by worshipping lifeless idols. God orchestrated and prospered the path of the Babylonian leaders; their conquest over Israel was not by their own might, but by divine assistance. God guided them to execute His just judgment on those who failed to honor Him, redirecting the reverence due to Him toward mere trees and stones.
THEOSIS