21-24 “Set out your case for your gods,” says God.
    “Bring your evidence,” says the King of Jacob.
“Take the stand on behalf of your idols, offer arguments,
    assemble reasons.
Spread out the facts before us
    so that we can assess them ourselves.
Ask them, ‘If you are gods, explain what the past means—
    or, failing that, tell us what will happen in the future.
Can’t do that?
    How about doing something—anything!
Good or bad—whatever.
    Can you hurt us or help us? Do we need to be afraid?’
They say nothing, because they are nothing—
    sham gods, no-gods, fool-making gods.

25-29 “I, God, started someone out from the north and he’s come.
    He was called out of the east by name.
He’ll stomp the rulers into the mud
    the way a potter works the clay.
Let me ask you, Did anyone guess that this might happen?
    Did anyone tell us earlier so we might confirm it
    with ‘Yes, he’s right!’?
No one mentioned it, no one announced it,
    no one heard a peep out of you.
But I told Zion all about this beforehand.
    I gave Jerusalem a preacher of good news.
But around here there’s no one—
    no one who knows what’s going on.
    I ask, but no one can tell me the score.
Nothing here. It’s all smoke and hot air—
    sham gods, hollow gods, no-gods.” (The Message).

That idols are hopeless and worthless and powerless is a continuing theme as we move into verses 25-29.

Fulfilled prophecy (and so much of it!) is a primary piece of evidence for the inspiration of Scripture. A major contrast is drawn in these verses, between the living God, who announces the future in advance, and dead gods that can’t. The Lord not only raised up Cyrus, but also foretold his arrival on the scene.

”Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7.

‘Not only were the idols unable to make any valid predictions, they were not even able to speak!’ Warren W. Wiersbe: ‘Old Testament Commentary’, p.1186.

PRAYER: Lord, I am so grateful to know that you are the living God. I come before you again today, place my life before you afresh, and ask that you will speak to me through your Word and by your Spirit. Help me to do whatever you say.