Book of Isaiah - Chapter 48 - Verse 12

The verse "Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last" serves as a reminder of God's eternal nature and sovereignty. In this verse, God is addressing Jacob and Israel, his chosen people, asserting his identity as the first and the last. This declaration emphasizes God's unique position as the creator and sustainer of all things, existing before anything else and remaining unchanged throughout eternity. By proclaiming himself as the first and the last, God is asserting his authority and power over all creation, reassuring his people of his enduring presence and faithfulness. This declaration of God's eternal nature provides comfort and reassurance to believers, reminding them of the unchanging nature of their God in a world of constant change and uncertainty.

In this verse from Isaiah, God is addressing Jacob and Israel, referring to them as His chosen people. By calling them "my called," God is emphasizing the unique relationship He has with them. The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on God's omnipotence and eternality. When God declares, "I am the first, I also am the last," He is asserting His position as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. This declaration reinforces the idea that God is eternal, existing before all things and lasting after all things. The theological significance of this statement is that God transcends time and space, being present at every point in history and beyond. Through this verse, believers are reminded of God's sovereignty and His unchanging nature, providing them with comfort and assurance in their faith. Word studies on phrases such as "I am the first, I also am the last" can further illuminate the depth of God's eternal nature and reinforce the importance of revering Him as the supreme being.