Isaiah 48:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For my own purpose, for my own purpose I act in this way, so that they may turn to repentance, not solely due to afflictions, but also as a result of wonders, since I do not send either trials or blessings without miraculous signs. If it pleases you, I will again reveal that within every trial and every blessing, there are miraculous signs, allowing the gifts of grace to be recognized from both. I will not share my glory with another. Here, He refers to the people as His glory.

For my sake, you will declare that my name is dishonored; for the victorious believed that even though God sought to rescue them and shielded them, they ultimately triumphed over Him and, against His desire, asserted control over the one He had supported. Thus, it is said that my name is dishonored when people hold such a view of me. However, I will not grant my glory to another; the glory of God consists in salvation, mercy, sovereignty over all, and the effortless fulfillment of His will.

I did not surrender you to the Babylonians out of a lack of resources, but as a consequence of your wrongdoing. Yet, I am granting you liberty once more. The Scriptures portray bondage as a furnace of anguish; much like a furnace where the flames are concealed and only vapor escapes, the captives, unable to express their sorrow openly, are internally tormented by despair and emit cries of grief like smoke. For your adversaries believe they have triumphed over you and over Me, assuming they have taken possession of you due to My perceived frailty. Therefore, I will rescue you from your bitter enslavement, so that those unfamiliar with Me may recognize My might.