In Isaiah 41:21–29 a court scene is presented and the idol-gods are challenged to bring forth reasons to establish their credibility: their ability to foretell future events is put to the test and contrasted with Yahweh of Israel’s capacity to prophesy the future and to bring to pass His progn…
“The heritage of the servants of Yahweh” set forth in Isaiah 54, is the fruit of the Servant’s work. In Isaiah 55 and 56 three clarion calls are broadcast to all men to compare their present labours and rewards with what is now on offer:
“Ho, every one that thirsteth…” (55:1)
“Seek…
“The Sure Mercies of David”. Read More »
The first seven verses of this chapter make up the First Servant Song. The chapter presents to us the failure of the national servant, Israel (18–20); and this is contrasted with the success of the individual servant, the Son of God, Jesus Christ (v1–7). It was a moral impossibility that the…
Isaiah 41
The remainder of Isaiah 41 falls into two sections. The first builds on Yahweh’s special relationship with His chosen people, guaranteeing their deliverance and prosperity for which they will honour Him (v11– 20); and the last section from verse 21 is a challenge to idolaters to prove…
“Fear Not, Thou Worm Jacob” Read More »
The message of promised comfort and pardon to God’s people in the early verses of Isaiah 40 is followed by the intimation that the “glory of Yahweh would be revealed”, following the moral preparation of His people. This work was performed by John the Baptist to whom these words refer (Matt 3:3…
“Say unto the Cities of Judah, Behold your God!” Read More »
43:14–17 Redemption from Babylon: a New Exodus
In this section the Exodus theme continues. The fall of Babylon is announced and promised. This is the first time Babylon is mentioned since 39:3–6 where the impending captivity in that land is foreshadowed. The captivity is to be followed, after 7…
Again we have in this section one of Isaiah’s favourite literary forms, the courtroom drama. The parties are assembled and consist of Israel (v8) and the nations (v9). The issue to be settled is whether what Yahweh asserts are fables or attested by the facts of history. Can the idol-gods predict…
44:1–5 Despite Her Sin and Suffering (43:28), Israel will yet be Blessed and Delight in Yahweh’s Goodness
Verse 1 “Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen”
Notice that the opening words “Yet now”, are a translation of the same Hebrew word used to open the p…
There are two parts to these verses. The first (v13– 17) forecasts events following Divine intervention at Christ’s return. The jealousy of Yahweh has been stirred up following a long period of silence, the “times of the Gentiles”. The gospel of salvation has gone forth into the world but …
44:9–20 The Idolater and His God
This section is in stark contrast with verses 6 to 8 in which Yahweh asserts His power and proclaims His involvement and activity on behalf of His people. In the case of idols, all the activity and initiative rests with men! There would not be an idol-god if the…
