This small section closes with two rhetorical questions that make another claim concerning Yahweh’s plan. They stress that the LORD’s plan is something that no one, not even a world power, can change.

For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it?: The Hebrew particle ki rendered For is an emphatic marker here, so it is better to say “Indeed” or “Truly.” Purposed renders the same Hebrew verb as in verses 24 and 26. Who will annul it? is the first rhetorical question. It strongly asserts that nobody can prevent Yahweh’s plan from being fulfilled. Bible en français courant has “who could make it fail?”

His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?: This parallel rhetorical question repeats the reference to Yahweh’s outstretched hand, which is ready to carry out his purpose. Who will turn it back? means that nobody can stop God from working. Translators can keep the question form or use an emphatic statement, as Good News Translation does with “no one can stop him.”

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• Truly, Yahweh of hosts has set his purpose and nobody can prevent it. He is ready to act out his plan and nobody can overthrow it.

• Indeed, Yahweh of hosts has established his plan. Who is there who can stop it? His hand is stretched out ready to act. Who is there who can prevent him?

• Indeed, Yahweh will carry out his unstoppable plan.
He will act and nobody will prevent him.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .