God's Knowledge Displayed Through Fulfilled Prophecy

Isaiah 46:3 declares, "I have declared the former things from the beginning." God distinguishes Himself above all creation through two means: power and knowledge. When Elohim displays His supremacy through knowledge—by announcing events before they occur—He addresses our judgment directly, without the bewilderment that miracles may produce.

Prophecies operate differently than miraculous displays. Miracles astound and may disturb our reasoning; prophecies coolly invite rational reflection upon the discoveries of the divine Mind. This dual witness—power working with knowledge—establishes God's credibility when He speaks of futurity and eternity.

Joseph S. Exell, writing in 1887, identified four essential uses of inspired prediction. First, we must study Scripture itself, the repository of these revelations. Second, we must watch God's providentia (providence) unfold, observing how His Word accomplishes exactly what He declared. As Exell notes with elegant precision: "He that eyes providences shall never want providences to eye."

Third, from fulfilled prophecy we learn to admire and adore God's omniscience—His all-knowing nature—and His absolute faithfulness and truth. Fourth, we must expect the complete fulfillment of all God has predicted, whether concerning temporal history or eternal reality. Through predictive revelation, Adonai proves Himself worthy of our trust and worship.