Isaiah 48:3-5

3-5. I have declared Or, have announced.

Former things Former events, before they came to pass; or, as some suppose, “and they have come to pass” Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 44:7-8.

Suddenly They came to pass so unexpectedly that the prophecy could not have been fulfilled through human means; at least, human sagacity could not have foretold them. The argument runs thus: Through my prophet I announced in former times a certain prediction for example, the destruction of the Assyrian army and it suddenly took place. Isaiah 37:36. Human sagacity could not have foretold that event, nor could human means have brought it about. Not long past I predicted, not an ideal fact namely, the raising up of a deliverer, Cyrus, for my people at Babylon it shall prove an actual fact. Other instances of prediction and fulfilment could be given. No idol system is equal to this. The facts of the past cannot be disputed. Because I knew, etc. I made former predictions and fulfilled them, because I knew that thou art obstinate, unbelieving, not easily convinced, with neck stiff as if made of sinews of iron.

Thy brow brass As hard and insensible to spiritual influence as brass. The fifth verse recapitulates, in order to confirm, the argument of Isaiah 48:3.