This theme of idols verses God is repeated again in this chapter. Do we not put our confidence in dead works today just as much as they did in antiquity? Our idols are now electric powered. They are capable of artificial intelligence. And yet somehow, naively, these works of our hands are to be endowed with power enough to save us? From what?
In verses 3 & 4, there are reminders of the Lord’s goodness and care for us which extends from our birth and infancy all the way to old age.
The prevalent theme of this chapter is the reality that the words of God uttered from the beginning of time will be fulfilled even until the very end of time. Every word of God shall be fulfilled. God is not a liar. God is in all things an honest being. He says things as they are and as they will be. This is a very interesting characteristic of His Being.
This also reminds me of the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants: “what I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken…” Anyone familiar with the God of the Old Testament could immediately recognize this same Being in the Doctrine and Covenants. “…though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled.” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38)
…for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Verses 9 &10
“I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.” (vs 13)
What this seems to suggest is that the salvation of Israel will come from Zion. Zion was historically established much earlier than Israel. Both represent sacred covenants with God, and it seems quite fitting that Zion be employed to redeem Israel: the one that has successfully established a gospel-centered society helping the other that has struggled, but also longed for a gospel-centered society.
After praying about this, I think that the real point in saying all this is to show Israel, that the Gospel that they are to follow will not be far from them, or impossible to obtain. There will be no delay (comparatively) in obtaining all that God has promised to give to those who follow him.