Can a man command God?

Re-read that sentence again a few times. God is the one
doing the commanding in this verse. "Ask me of things....."

God is the pilot, not the co-pilot.

 

I think some of the modern English translations have this right: It's a rhetorical question that implies the answer "no."

 

I don't pretend to know Hebrew, but my concordance tells me that the verb "ask" is imperative. God is telling people to ask. But the verb "command" is in the imperfect mood; there, God is not telling what to do, but rather telling them what they are doing.

I'm sure someone who does know Hebrew could give you a much better and more accurate answer.

 

I'm sure someone who does know Hebrew could give you a much better and more accurate answer.

ISA 45:11 "This is what the LORD says-- the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands?

What about that lot at the NIV?

john.

 

That NIV is pretty good, huh? The word "command" is not imperative. The emphasis is more in the way of requesting, not demanding. Most new translations do not repeat the word "command". Words and meanings change over time. The translator needs to humble himself in prayer, consult with his peers, cry out to God for spiritual insight.