will be preserved (see chapter 27; Rev serpent the devil (Rev 12:7-9; 13:2,4).
ISAIAH 26:18 914
In that day the LORD, with his fierce and great and strong sword will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan that twisted serpent,
and cries out in her pains, so we have been in your sight, O LORD. 18 We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have,
and he will kill the sea dragon. 2 In that day sing to her, a vineyard producing red wine. 3 "I, the LORD, keep it. I water it every moment. I keep it night and day so that no one
as it were, given birth to wind. We have not produced any deliverance
on the earth; nor have the inhabitants of the world
been born through us.
19 Your dead will live. Together with my dead body they will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will cause the dead to fall out.
will harm it. 4 Fury is no longer in me. Who would set the briars and thorns
against me in battle? I would go through them; I would burn them up together. 5 Or let him take hold of my strength, so that he may make peace with me;
20 Come, my people, enter your rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves as if for a little while, until the indignation is past. 21 For, see, the LORD comes out of his place to punish the inhabitants of
and he will make peace with me." 6 In the coming time he will cause Jacob to take root. Israel will blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.
the earth for their iniquity. The earth will also disclose its blood, and will no longer conceal her slain.
7 Has he struck him, as he struck those
salvation to the world (John 4:22; Rom 3:1,2; 9:4,5). The Lord Jesus of Israel made up for the failure of the people of Israel. "Been born" (v 18) – or "fallen". 26:19 In the Old Testament there is little teaching about the resurrection of the dead. But here is a clear promise from God to Israel. See also Ps 16:10; Dan 12:2.
like Egypt or Babylon may have been like Leviathan. But if this chapter refers to the end of this age neither of them can be meant. Who will be the great oppressive power "in that day" (v 1)? The answer is, antichrist and his kingdom. This is said to come out of the "sea" (Rev 13:1). It is true that this "beast" is not described as a serpent in Revelation chapter 13, but his nature is like one, and the "dragon" will give the beast his power. Indeed the real ruler behind the throne of antichrist will be the serpent the devil (Rev 12:7-9; 13:2,4). 27:2-6 This is in complete contrast to 5:1-7. The nation of Israel (v 6 – Jacob) at the end of this age and beginning of a new one will be completely changed. Everything that could hinder fruitfulness (briars and thorns) will be removed. 27:5 "Him" – He seems to be referring to the enemies of Israel who are like briars and thorns (v 4). God would rather have all such reconciled to Himself than destroyed. Compare 2 Cor 5:19,20. 27:6 Indicates a complete change for Israel (Rom 11:26). True fruitfulness in place of the sad condition described in 5:2 and 26:18.
"Dew of the morning" – newness and freshness of life after the night (death). 26:20,21 See 2:10-21; 24:21,22; 66:15, 16. In the Day of the Lord the nation Israel will be preserved (see chapter 27; Rev 7:1-8; 12:13,14). 26:20 "Enter your rooms", "hide" – where? how? Their "rooms" must mean God Himself. He is the only safety (27:5). No rooms of wood or stone could preserve from God's anger. It is true that some commentators believe that much of chapters 24-26 relates to a time in Israel's history – the Assyrian or Babylonian invasion. The author of these notes believes the final days of this age are meant and that any invasions by Assyrians or Babylonians were only a small picture of the final invasion. 27:1 See 24:21; 25:9; 26:1. "That day" – the end of this age. See 24:1. "Sword" – Deut 32:41; 31:8; 34:6; 66:16; Deut 32:41; Ezek 21:3; Rev 19:15. "Leviathan" – here evidently means some great and wicked kingdom, some oppressive power. Each time the word is used in the Bible it seems to refer to something different. In Job 3:8 it is some sort of sea monster. In Job 41:1 it may mean a huge salt water crocodile. In Ps 74:14 it may refer to Egypt. Here also the meaning may be different. Ancient empires
"Fruit" – 37:31. 27:7-11 At times throughout Israel's history God had to "strike" the nation because of its sins (see 10:5,6; Jud 2:10-19; 2 Kings 17:5-20; Jer 52:1-9; Luke 19:41-44; 21:20-24). But He did not completely destroy Israel as He did some other nations. Israel exists to this day. Israel will have to endure God's appointed punishment. The evidence that the nation was right with God would be an abandonment of all idolatry and
915 ISAIAH 28:7
who struck him? Or is he killed in accordance with the
blown, and those who were about to perish in the land of Assyria, and the exiles in the land of Egypt, will come and worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.
slaughter of those who are killed by him? 8 In measure, you contended with him by exiling him. With his rough wind he drove him out,
Woe to the crown of pride of the
on the day of the east wind. 9 Therefore by this the iniquity of Jacob will be purged, and this is the full fruit of taking away his sin: when he makes all the stones of the
drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which is at the head of the lush
valleys of those who are overcome
with wine! 2 See, the Lord has someone mighty and strong; like a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, like a flood of mighty overflowing waters, with the hand he will bring them down
altar like chalk stones that are
crushed in pieces, the groves and images will not stand. 10 For the fortified city will be desolate, a settlement forsaken and left like a
to the earth. 3 The crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim will be trampled underfoot, 4 And the glorious beauty at the head of the lush valley will be a fading flower, and like the first ripe fruit before the summer, which someone looks at and sees; while it is still in his hand he eats it up. 5 In that day the LORD of hosts will be as a crown of glory, and as a diadem
wilderness. There the calf will feed, and there
lie down and consume its branches. 11 When its boughs are withered, they will be broken off. The women come and set them on fire. For it is a people of no understanding; therefore he who made them will not
have mercy on them, and he who formed them will show
of beauty, to the remainder of his people, 6 And as a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and as strength to those who turn back
them no favour.
12 And it will happen in that day, that the LORD will thresh from the channel of the River Euphrates to the Brook of Egypt, and you will be gathered one by one, O children of Israel. 13 And it will happen in that day, that the great trumpet will be
the battle at the gate.
7 But they also have erred through wine,
false worship (v 9). Part of Israel's punishment was to be the loss of Jerusalem and exile (v 10). 27:11 "People of no understanding" – 1:3; 6:9,10; Deut 32:38. The ignorance of Israel was a blameworthy ignorance. They could have had the enlightenment and wisdom God gives if they had wanted them (compare Prov 1:7,22-33). 27:12,13 "That day" – 24:1; 25:9; 26:1; 27:1; (21:10). God will thresh those enemies. "Thresh" – Israel's enemies threshed Israel.
city of Israel. It was built on a hill as a crown fits on a head.
"Ephraim" – a name sometimes used for the whole northern kingdom of Israel.
"Drunkards" – Amos 6:4-7 was also directed against Samaria. Drunkenness evidently was a common sin in both Israel and Judah (5:11-13). Even their priests and prophets were guilty of it (vs 7,8). Notes on drunkenness at Gen 9:21; Prov 23:29-35. 28:2-4 "Someone mighty" – the king of Assyria – 8:7,8. This foretells his capture of Samaria in 722 B.C. 28:4 "Fading flower" – all man's glory and pride is only for a little while (40:6,7; 1 Pet 1:24). Is it not foolish to spend one's life for them when we can live for things that last forever? Matt 6:19,20; John 6:27; etc. 28:5 "In that day" – can hardly mean the time of Samaria's capture. See 24:1.
"Trumpet" – compare Matt 24:31. Here is a regathering of Israel that would go beyond the return of the exiles from Babylon in Ezra's day. See 11:10-12 (notice in v 11 the words "in that day"); Amos 9:14,15. 28:1 Chapters 28-35 form another unit. In this section we have descriptions of conditions and events in Isaiah's day and not long afterwards. But here and there, as in earlier chapters (as indeed everywhere in Isaiah) are prophecies of far-off events – of the times of both Christ's first and second comings. Chapters 28-33 have a series of six "woes" – 28:1; 29:1; 29:15; 30:1; 31:1; 33:1 (compare 5:11-23). "Crown" – Samaria the beautiful capital
"The LORD of hosts" – men can make their own crowns and take pride in their own glory (v 1). But believers (here called the "remainder") will have the one true God as their crown and glory. 28:6 "Justice" – 11:2-4. "Strength" – this verse speaks of victory, not defeat. 28:7,8 When priest and prophets are
ISAIAH 28:8 916
and through strong drink are out of the way. The priest and the prophet have erred
people who are in Jerusalem. 15 Because you have said, "We have made a covenant with death, and with hell we are in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes
through strong drink, they are swallowed up by wine. They are out of the way through strong drink. They err in vision, they stumble in judgment. 8 For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that no place is clean.
through, it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and have hidden ourselves under falsehood." 16 Therefore thus says the Lord God: "Look! I lay in Zion a foundation stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone,
9 "Whom will he teach knowledge? And whom will he cause to understand
doctrine? Those who are weaned from the milk
a sure foundation. He who believes will not be hasty. 17 And I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plumb line; and the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place. 18 And your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with hell will not stand. When the overflowing scourge passes through, then you will be trampled down by it. 19 As often as it goes out it will take you; for morning by morning it will pass over,
and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, and there a little."
11 For with stammering lips and a foreign tongue he will speak to this people, 12 To whom he said, "This is the rest with which you may
cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing." But they would not listen. 13 So the word of the LORD was to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, and there a little,
by day and by night; and understanding the report will bring terror."
20 For the bed is so short that a man cannot stretch himself on it, and the cover is so narrow that he
so that they might go and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and captured. 14 Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scornful men who rule this
cannot wrap himself in it. 21 For the LORD will rise up as in Mount Perazim. He will be angry as in the Valley of Gibeon,
(1 Cor 3:11; Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:6). This verse indicates that God would make a new beginning, build a new structure. One does not lay a cornerstone or a foundation to a building already in existence. Is the New Testament Church, then, a completely new thing? Perhaps not entirely. It is built on the foundation of the apostles, but also of the prophets (they too are in the foundation – Eph 2:20). To be in the foundation is to be a vital part of the building. But though the Church may not be an entirely new thing, its structure in this age is different from what we see in Israel in the Old Testament. See note on Church at Matt 16:18. 28:17 "Justice" – v 6; 11:4. "Hail" – v 2. God's judgments will reveal the uselessness of the lies and false refuges men trust in (compare 2 Kings 24:1,2,10,12,20; 25:1). 28:18 "Overflowing scourge" – v 2; 8:7. 28:19 God's judgments and foreign invasions came repeatedly.
drunkards they are certain to lead the people astray.
"They also" – at v 7 Isaiah, it seems, begins to speak of conditions in Jerusalem too (v 14). 28:9,10 Those drunkard priests and prophets speak sarcastically of Isaiah (see v 14). 28:11-13 Isaiah answers them. They would not welcome God's message through him. (If they had it would have meant rest to them.) So God would speak to them through foreigners who would destroy them. He probably meant the Assyrians and Babylonians who would teach them a lesson never to be forgotten. The essence of v 11 is quoted in 1 Cor 14:21. 28:15 Can we think they actually spoke such words? Possibly Isaiah here reveals what the meaning of their actions was. It seems that they were trusting in sorcery and spiritism (see 8:19). Alas, how many there be today also who trust in Satan's lies and have a false sense of security because of sorcery and idolatry.
"Terror" – many things in God's word would bring terror to men's hearts if truly understood and believed. 28:20 Speaks of lack of preparation and absence of any possibility of trust and rest. 28:21 "Mount Perazim" – 2 Sam 5:20.
"Hell" (also v 18) – in Hebrew "Sheol," the realm of the dead – Gen 37:35.
"Falsehood" – in Hebrew this may sometimes indicate "false gods." 28:16 This "stone" is the Lord Jesus
917 ISAIAH 29:8
that he may do his work,
Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David lived! Add year to year; let the feasts come around. 2 Yet I will distress Ariel, and there will be heaviness and sorrow, and it will be like an ariel to me. 3 And I will camp against you all around, and will lay siege against you with a mound, and I will raise siege works against you. 4 And you will be brought down, and will speak from the ground, and your speech will be low out of the dust, and your voice shall be like a medium's voice,
his strange work, and accomplish his act, his unusual act. 22 Now, therefore, do not be mockers, so your shackles will not become
stronger; for I have heard of a destruction from
the Lord God of hosts, determined against the whole earth. 23 Give ear and hear my voice; listen, and hear my words.
24 Does the plowman plow all day to sow? Does he turn up and break the clods
of his ground? 25 When he has made the surface level, does he not sow the caraway, and scatter the cummin, and plant wheat
out of the ground, and your speech will whisper from the dust. 5 Moreover your many enemies will become like small dust, and the horde of ruthless ones will
in rows, and the barley in its appointed place
become like chaff that passes away; yes, it will happen suddenly, in an instant. 6 You will be visited by the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest and the flame
and the rye in its plot? 26 For his God instructs him and teaches him the right way. 27 For the caraway is not threshed with a threshing instrument, nor is a cart wheel rolled over the cummin; but the caraway is beaten out with
of devouring fire. 7 And the hordes of all the nations that fight against Ariel, all that fight against her and her
a stick, and the cummin with a rod. 28 Bread grain is ground, so he does not continually thresh it or smash it with his cart wheel or crush it by his horsemen. 29 This also comes from the LORD of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel,
fortress and distress her, will be like a dream of a night vision. 8 It will be as when a hungry man dreams, and, see, he eats; but he wakes up,
and he is empty.
and excellent in working.
course God, not Isaiah. 29:3 The surrounding of Jerusalem by enemies is here said to be God's work. 29:4 Jerusalem will be weakened and humbled to the dust. 29:5-8 The enemies that come against Jerusalem are many (v 5), of "all the nations" (vs 7,8). These words indicate that the picture in these verses was not fulfilled at the Assyrian invasion in 701 BC, or in the Babylonian invasion more than a century later. The language suggests the events foretold in Zech 12:2-9; 14:2-5, which, it appears from the context, will take place at the end of this age. There, too, we read of "all nations" coming against Jerusalem, of its distress and humbling, and of the Lord's sudden appearance to fight against these enemies. Compare also v 2 with Zech 12:6. 29:6 See 28:2; Jud 5:4,5; Ps 18:7-15; 83:13-15; Isa 31:27; Hab 3:3-7; 2 Thess 1:7. "Visited" – or "punished" – the Hebrew word means both.
"Gibeon" – Josh 10:10-12. "Strange work" – sending enemies to destroy His own city, temple, and nation. 28:22 "Mockers" – v 14; 2 Chron 36:15,16. "Determined" – 10:22,23. 28:23-29 The meaning of this parable is that in the judgments God sends on Israel He has a good purpose toward them. Farmers know how to make a field produce crops. Threshers of grain know what instruments to use and how long to use them. God, from whom all wisdom comes, knows how to go about making His people fruitful. He will not plow them or thresh them too long, too harshly. 28:29 See 9:6; Ps 40:5; 92:5; 139:17; Rom 11:33,34.
"LORD of hosts" – note at 1 Sam 1:3. 29:1 "Ariel" is Jerusalem. The word sounds like the Hebrew for "lion of God."
"Feasts" – or "sacrefices be killed". 29:2 The word Ariel is also similar to the Hebrew word for hearth or stove or fire-pit. The fire of God's anger would burn there. See 31:9. The "I" of verses 2 and 3 is of
ISAIAH 29:9 918
Or as when a thirsty man dreams,
15 Woe to those who seek to hide their counsel deeply from the LORD, and whose works are in the dark,
and, see, he drinks; but he wakes up, and, see, he is faint,
and he still wants water. Thus will it be with the hordes of all the
and who say, "Who sees us? And who knows us?" 16 Surely you have turned things upside down, regarding the potter
nations that fight against Mount Zion. 9 Stay and be astonished! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine; they stagger, but not from strong drink. 10 For the LORD has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, the prophets; and covered your heads, the seers.
as the clay. For shall the thing made say of him
who made it, "He did not make me." Or shall the thing formed say of him
who formed it, "He had no understanding?"
17 Is it not just a very little time before Lebanon is to be turned
11 And the whole vision has become to you like the words of a sealed book which men deliver to one who can read, saying, "Please read this"; and he says, "I cannot, for it is sealed." 12 And the book is delivered to one who cannot read, saying, "Please read this"; and he says, "I cannot read." 13 Therefore the Lord said, "Since this people draw near me with
into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field regarded like a forest? 18 And in that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind will see out
of obscurity, and out of darkness. 19 The meek also will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice
their mouth, and honour me with their lips, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is merely
in the Holy One of Israel. 20 For the terrible one will be brought to nothing, and the scornful one will be finished, and all who look to do evil will be cut off; 21 Those who, by a word, cause a man to be regarded as an offender, and lay a snare for him who rebukes
rules taught by men; 14 Therefore, see, once more I will do a marvellous work among this people, a marvellous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the understanding of their
in the gate, and turn aside the upright for no
intelligent men will be hidden."
29:9-12 God now speaks to the people of Jerusalem. Verses 9,10 indicate their spiritual stupor and blindness. God Himself had brought about this condition as a punishment for their unbelief, unfaithfulness and wickedness (see 6:9,10). So they could not understand the prophecies God gave through Isaiah – vs 11,12. 29:13 The Lord Jesus referred to this verse in Matt 15:8,9 while denouncing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. They were typical of many people in every age. There are many people in the world who wish to be considered religious and God-honoring, but whose spiritual condition often denies all their lips say (58:1,2; Jer 12:1,2; Ezek 33:3-32). 29:14 "A wonder" – vs 17-24. "Perish" – 1 Cor 1:19. The wonder above all wonders, and that which causes the wisdom of the wise to vanish, is the cross of Christ (1 Cor 1:20-24). 29:15 "Hide" – 28:15; Gen 3:8; Ps 10:11; 94:7; Isa 47:10; 57:12; Heb 4:13. 29:16 Here are three errors in the thinking of sinful and perverse men – thinking God is like themselves (see Ps 50:21), denying there is a God at all in spite of evidence everywhere of the work of His hands (see
Ps 14:1), or accusing God of poor or ignorant workmanship when it comes to the human race – not considering that the evil state men are in is a result of their own doing. God pronounces "woe" to all such people. 29:17-24 Here are other wonders (v 14) God will perform. Verse 17 suggests a great change will occur. See 2:12-17. Compare 32:15. The change in Lebanon is symbolical of the change in conditions among men. The will occur in "a short time" – short in God's eyes (Heb 10:37; 2 Pet 3:8), not necessarily in man's. 29:18 "In that day" – 24:2; 25:9; 26:1; 27:1,2,12. "Deaf", "blind" – 32:2; 35:5; 42:7. The beginning of the fulfillment of this was in the days of Christ on earth. He opened both physical and spiritual eyes, and caused both the physically and spiritually deaf to hear. As for Jerusalem and the nation Israel (the subject of this chapter) their blindness will not be removed till the end of this age. 29:19-21 Indicates a complete reversal of conditions prevailing in Isaiah's day (and, alas, in ours). The humble and the poor will be exalted; cruelty, scorn, evil, and injustice will vanish (11:1-5; 26:5,6; etc).
919 ISAIAH 30:12
or be a help or profit, but only a shame and disgrace."
proper reason. 22 Therefore thus says the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, "Jacob will not now be ashamed, nor will his face now become pale. 23 But when he sees his children in his midst, the work of my hands, they will regard my name as holy,
6 The burden concerning the beasts of the south:
"They will carry their wealth on the
shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on the humps of
camels into the land of trouble and anguish, from which come the young and old lion,
the viper and fiery flying serpent, to a people who will not benefit them. 7 For the Egyptians will help in vain,
and regard as holy the Holy One
of Jacob, and fear the God of Israel; 24 And those who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who complain will learn doctrine."
and to no purpose. Therefore I have said about her,
Rahab sits still. 8 Now go, write this on a tablet in their presence, and inscribe it on a scroll,
"Woe to the rebellious children,"
says the LORD. "They take counsel, but not from me; and they carry out plans,
that it may be for the time to come,
forever and ever: 9 This is a rebellious people, lying children, children who will not listen to the law
but not by my Spirit, so that they may add sin to sin. 2 They travel down to Egypt, and have not asked my advice; they strengthen themselves in the
of the LORD; 10 Who say to the seers, 'Do not see,' and to the prophets, 'Do not prophesy
strength of Pharaoh, and trust in the shadow of Egypt. 3 Therefore the strength of Pharaoh will be to your shame, and trust in the shadow of Egypt your
to us right things. Speak to us smooth things,
prophesy deceitful visions. 11 Get out of the way. Turn aside from the path. Cause the Holy One of Israel no longer
humiliation. 4 For his princes are at Zoan, and his ambassadors come to Hanes. 5 They will all be ashamed of a people who cannot benefit them,
to be in our presence.'"
12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel: "Because you despise this word,
"In the gate" (v 21) – where city or village heads met for discussions and decisions. 29:22 "Redeemed" – note on redemption at Ps 78:35. God redeemed Abraham from an idolatrous society and vain way of life, separated him unto Himself, and brought him into the land of Canaan (Gen 12:1). Now the God who did that promises that something similar will happen to Jacob (the Jewish nation). They will come to the knowledge of God and His holiness (Jer 31:33,34; Rom 11:25-27). 30:1,2 "Children" – 1:2. "Take counsel" – to go to Egypt – 31:1. In Isaiah's day, Judah's leaders, faced with the threat from Assyria's superior military strength, looked to Egypt for help. God did not lead them to do this. They did not even consult God about it. So God pronounces "woe" to those who were guilty of it. God's people in every age must be careful about the alliances and friendships they form (2 Cor 6:14-18). 30:3-7 Judah's alliance with Egypt would prove to be disastrous. Egypt would be
totally incapable of giving help. 30:6 "The south" – the desert-like region in the southern part of Canaan, called the Negev. 30:7 "Rahab" – here means Egypt (51:9; Ps 87:4; 89:10). The second sentence of this verse, though different from the KJV, seems to bring out the meaning of the Hebrew well. 30:8-11 Here we see the condition of Judah's people that caused them to go to Egypt for help without consulting the Lord. 30:9 Verse 1; 1:2; Ps 78:8,40; Jer 5:23; etc. "Will not listen" – this was the fault that was mother of so many other faults. 30:10,11 As men in general, they did not want to hear the plain truth. It upset them. Preaching the holy way and the Holy One made them unhappy. They wanted to continue in their own sinful ways. They preferred pleasant lies to unpleasant truth (compare 1 Kings 22:8; Jer 5:30,31; 2 Thess 2:10,11). 30:12-17 "Therefore" – they would have to take the consequences for their foolish and wicked behavior.
ISAIAH 30:13 920
and trust in oppression and perversity,
and therefore he will be exalted,
and rely on them, 13 Therefore this evil will be to you like a breach ready to collapse, bulging out in a high wall,
that he may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him.
19 For the people will dwell in Zion at Jerusalem. You will weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry. When he hears it, he will answer you. 20 And though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner any more, but your eyes will see your teachers, 21 and your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or whenever you turn to the left. 22 You will also defile your silver-plated carved images, and your moulded gold-plated idols. You will throw them away like a menstrual cloth. You will say to them, "Away with you!"
which will break suddenly,
in an instant. 14 And he will break it like breaking a potter's jar that is broken in pieces. He will not spare, and so among its pieces there will not
be found a fragment to take fire
from the hearth, or to take water from the cistern."
15 For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: "In returning and rest you will be saved. In quietness and in confidence you will
have strength; and you were not willing. 16 But you said, 'No, for we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee. And you said, 'We will ride on swift animals. ' Therefore those who pursue you will be swift. 17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will flee until
23 Then he will give rain for your seed, so that you can sow in the ground, and the food, the produce of the land, will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in large pastures. 24 Likewise the oxen and the young donkeys that work the ground will eat clean fodder, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan. 25 And on the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall, on every high mountain and on every high hill there will be rivers and streams of waters. 26 Moreover the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times its usual brightness, like the light of seven days, on the day that the LORD binds up the
you are left like a flagstaff on the
top of a mountain, and like a banner on a hill." 18 And therefore the LORD will wait, that he may be gracious to you,
"Holy One" – note at 1:4. 30:13 "This evil" – their acts of oppression and deceit.
gracious to, the people of Judah. 30:19 "Weep no more" – 25:8; 60:20; 61:3. God will remove all cause of weeping. "Answer" – 65:24; Ps 50:15; 86:7; Jer 29:12-14; Zech 13:9. 30:20-22 God would bring trouble on them outwardly, but do an inner work in them that would cause them to listen to the teachers He would send, and to obey His voice telling them the way. They will show obedience by casting away all their idols, whether physical or mental ones. 30:23,24 He will send the blessings promised to an obedient Israel (Deut 28:1, 11,12). 30:25 "Slaughter" – 24:1,5,13; 34:2-4. "Towers" – 2:12-15. "Streams" – v 23; 41:18; Joel 3:18; Zech 14:8. 30:26 "Moon", "sun" – if this is to be fulfilled literally, we may judge from the context (v 25), and the nature of the wonder itself, that it will be at the end of this age. Then there will be strange things happening in the heavenly bodies. Sunlight seven times brighter than normal would be a fearful thing (compare Rev 16:8,9). Would this not injure the Jewish remnant? God would protect them (compare 4:5,6).
"High wall" – they thought their behavior made them safe. 30:15 A principle good for all situations, all times. Turning to God and resting, trusting in Him is the way to salvation, strength and security. Observe that repentance comes first and then rest and trust (examples: 2 Chron 13:18; 14:11,12; 20:12,1517,20). If people refuse the way of faith, as the people of Judah did, they will experience defeat and disaster, as Judah did. 30:16 Ps 33:16-19. 30:17 The opposite of Lev 26:7,8. This would show that God had given them up to their enemies (Deut 32:30). 30:18 God punishes when justice demands it. But punishing is grievous to Him (Jer 48:31-39). He loves to show mercy whenever possible (Ex 34:6,7; Ps 33:5; 145:8). But if He shows compassion, that, too, must not violate justice (5:16).
"Blessed" – notes at Ps 1:1; 119:1. "Wait for him" – 25:9; 40:31; 64:4; Ps 27:14. 30:19-26 A description of some of the ways God will show compassion on, and be
921 ISAIAH 31:4
fracture of his people and heals the wound from the blow.
and in battles, brandishing his weapons,
he will fight against it. 33 For Tophet has long been ready; yes, it is prepared for the king. He has made it deep and large,
27 See, the name of the LORD comes from afar, burning with his anger, and its burden is heavy. His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is like a devouring fire, 28 And his breath is like an overflowing stream reaching up to the neck. He comes to sift the nations with the
a pyre of fire and much wood. The breath of the LORD,
like a stream of sulfur, causes it to burn.
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses,
and trust in chariots, because they are many, and in horsemen, because they are very strong,
sieve of destruction. And there shall be a bridle in the jaws
of the people,
but who do not look to the Holy One
causing them to go astray.
of Israel, or seek the LORD! 2 Yet he too is wise, and will bring disaster, and will not call back his words,
29 You will have a song, as in the night when a holy festival is kept,
and gladness of heart, as when one walks with a flute to go to
but will arise against the house of evildoers, and against those who help the workers
the mountain of the LORD,
of iniquity. 3 Now the Egyptians are men,
to the Mighty One of Israel. 30 And the LORD will cause his glorious voice to be heard, and make them see his arm descending,
and not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out his hand,
with raging anger and with the
both he who helps will stumble, and he who is helped will fall,
flame of a devouring fire, with cloudburst, and storm, and hailstones. 31 For through the voice of the LORD the Assyrian, who struck with a rod,
and they will all perish together.
4 For the LORD has spoken to me thus: "As the lion and the young lion roaring
will be beaten down. 32 And each place where the rod of punishment passes, which the LORD lays on him,
over his prey when a multitude of
shepherds is called out against him, will not be afraid of their voices, or disturbed by their noise,
will resound with tambourines and harps;
of God's (and Israel's) enemies, as Moab seems to do in 25:10, and Edom in 34:5. 30:32 Verse 29. "Tambourines and harps" – compare Ex 15:20,21; 1 Sam 18:6. 30:33 "Tophet" – note at Jer 7:31. Here it probably symbolizes the lake of fire (Rev 19:20). "The king" – probably refers to the worldwide ruler at the end-time, the antichrist, the "beast" of Revelation chapter 13.
"Binds up", "heals" – 1:5,6; Deut 32:39; Ps 107:20; 147:3; Jer 33:6. 30:27-33 Description of a terrible time for "all nations" (v 28), a time when God's wrath will be poured out in a very striking manner. The words "fire" and "anger" appear several times. 30:27 "Name of the LORD comes" – a manifestation of God Himself. At this event the attribute of God most clearly revealed is His burning holiness, His flaming anger against sin (Heb 12:29). 30:28 "Breath" – 11:4; Ex 15:9,10; 2 Sam 22:16; 2 Thess 2:8. "Sieve of destruction" – suggests something will remain of the nations. 30:29 "You" – Israel. "Have a song" – because of deliverance and the just punishment of wickedness (Rev 19:1-4). 30:30 "Voice" – Ps 29:3,4; 68:32,33. Voice could here be connected with Rev 19:15 – the sharp sword coming out of Christ's mouth is the word of God He speaks.
"Breath of the LORD" – this speaks of God's holy wrath. Hell is a place where the fiery anger of God burns against those He judges deserving of it. 31:1 Note at 30:1,2; Jer 17:5. 31:2 See what some leaders in Judah thought about God's wisdom in 29:15,16.
"His words" – Num 23:19. 31:3 30:3,5,7. "His hand" – 5:25; 9:12,17,21; 10:4. 31:4,5 37:35,36 (in the past); Zech 14:24 (in the future). "Like birds" – compare Matt 23:37. "Passing overhead" – similar words were used concerning Israel in Egypt (Ex 12:13,23).
"Fire" – 2 Thess 1:7. "Hailstones" – Rev 16:17-21. 30:31 Here Assyria probably represents all
ISAIAH 31:5 922
like the shadow of a great rock in a
so the LORD of hosts will come down
weary land.
to fight for Mount Zion, and for its hill. 5 Like birds flying, so the LORD of hosts will defend Jerusalem, and defending it will also deliver it, and passing overhead will preserve it.
3 And the eyes of those who see will not be dim, and the ears of those who hear will listen. 4 And the heart of the rash will understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers will
6 "Turn to the One from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. 7 For in that day every man will throw away his silver idols and his gold idols which your own hands have made for yourselves, as a sin.
be ready to speak plainly. 5 The fool will no longer be called noble, or the villain said to be generous. 6 For the fool speaks foolishness, and his heart is at work on evil to
8 "Then the Assyrian will fall by a sword not of man, and a sword not of mortal man will devour him; but he will flee from the sword,
practice ungodliness, and to speak error against the LORD,
to keep the hungry unsatisfied, and to withhold water from the thirsty. 7 The villain's methods also are evil. He devises wicked schemes to destroy
and his young men will become
forced labourers. 9 And from fear he will cross over to his stronghold, and his princes will be afraid of the
the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaks what is right. 8 But the noble man devises noble things, and by noble things he will stand.
banner," says the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
9 Rise up, you women who are at ease! Hear my voice, you careless daughters. Give ear to my words. 10 You will be troubled many days and years, you careless women; for the grape harvest will fail,
See, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. 2 And a man will be like a hiding place from the wind, and a shelter from the storm,
the gathering will not come. 11 Tremble, you women who are at ease!
like rivers of water in a dry place,
31:6 "Turn" – Jer 3:12,14; Ezek 33:11; Hos 14:1,2.
"Understand" – 11:9; 29:24; 41:20; 60:16; Jer 31:33,34. 32:5 In the Bible "fool" often refers to those who lack moral and spiritual sense, not necessarily to those who are unintelligent. Note at Ps 14:1; Prov 1:7. In those days many such "fools" and "villains" were highly regarded by others. Nor is it any different now. In Christ's coming kingdom this lack of discernment, this high regard for "fools" will vanish. 32:6 As good a description of the "fool" as any in the Bible. He speaks foolishly (see 29:15,16; Ps 14:1). He thinks foolishly. He acts foolishly, and is foolish also in what he does not do (compare Matt 25:31-33,41-46). 32:7 The scoundrel is even more foolish, if possible, than the fool. He vainly imagines he can behave as he does in God's world and escape God's judgment. 32:8 Just as the fool and scoundrel, the noble man is revealed by his plans and actions (Matt 7:16-20; etc).
"Revolted" – 1:2,5; etc. 31:7 See 2:20; 30:22. This did not happen when God saved Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. So this event must refer to some time after that.
"In that day" – see 2:11; 24:1; etc. 31:8 See 37:36. Note on Assyria at 2 Kings 15:19. 31:9 "Stronghold" – their great city Nineveh was destroyed in 612 BC, about a hundred years after this prophecy.
"Furnace" – Jerusalem was the center of God's activities against the nations, the place from which His holy anger blazed forth. 32:1-5 Suddenly again Christ's kingdom on earth is in view (2:1-4; 4:2-6; 9:7; 11:116; 24:23). 32:2 "A man" – probably refers to the king of v 1 and very likely both words signify the only true God-man, Christ Jesus. The use of "man" here suggests His incarnation (7:14; 9:6,7; John 14:1,14).
"Stand" – Ps 15:5; 16:8; 55:22. 32:9 See 3:16-26. 32:10 This probably refers to the invasion of the armies of Assyria in 701 B.C. For a time they controlled the countryside around Jerusalem and took or destroyed what they wanted. 32:11-13 A warning that there would be
"Shelter" – 25:4. Could any but Christ be shelter, refuge and shadow to His people? (Ps 2:12; 91:2; Heb 6:18). Or like streams of water? (John 4:13,14; 7:37,39). 32:3 See 29:18; 35:5,6. Compare 6:9,10. 32:4 In that day a great change will appear in people both in body and mind.
923 ISAIAH 33:10
Be troubled, you careless ones! Strip yourselves, and make yourselves bare, and tie sackcloth on your waists! 12 Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine! 13 On the land of my people thorns and briars will come up; yes, on all the happy homes in the city of joy. 14 Because the palaces will be forsaken, the populous city abandoned. The forts and towers will become
treacherously with you! When you stop plundering,
you will be plundered, and when you finish dealing treacherously, they will deal treacherously with you.
2 O LORD, be gracious to us. We have waited for you. Be their arm every morning,
and our salvation in the time of trouble. 3 At the noise of the tumult the people flee. When you rise up the nations scatter. 4 And your plunder will be gathered like caterpillars gather; men will rush onto it like locusts rushing about.
permanent dens, the delight of wild donkeys,
a pasture for flocks, 15 Until the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest. 16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. 17 And the work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness
5 The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high. He has filled Zion with justice and
righteousness. 6 And wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
quietness and assurance forever. 18 And my people will live in a peaceful dwelling place, and in secure houses, and in quiet resting places; 19 Though hail comes down on the forest, and the city be laid completely low. 20 Blessed are you who sow beside all waters, who send out freely the feet of the ox
7 See, their valiant ones will cry outside; the ambassadors of peace will weep bitterly. 8 The highways are deserted, men have stopped travelling. He has broken the covenant; he has despised the cities,
he regards no man. 9 The earth mourns and languishes. Lebanon is ashamed and withers. Sharon is like a wilderness, and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.
and the donkey.
Woe to you who plunder, though you were not plundered, and who deal treacherously,
10 "Now I will rise", says the LORD,
though they did not deal
great cause for mourning and weeping. 32:13 "City of joy" – 5:11,12,22; 22:12,13. 32:14-20 This seems to look far beyond anything that happened at the time of the Assyrian invasion. None of the events described here occurred then. 32:14 The Assyrian invasion was a warning of what would one day happen. 32:15 "The Spirit" – 44:3; Ezek 37:9-14; Joel 2:28-32. 32:16 Verse 1; 9:7; 11:4. 32:17 Ps 85:10; 119:165; Rom 5:1; etc. Peace on earth, peace of mind, and in the heart quietness and confidence toward God – these things do not, and cannot, result from man's schemes and efforts. 32:18 Hardly true of Israel from that day to this. But it will be fulfilled eventually (vs 1,2). 32:19,20 Compare Ps 46:1-30. "City" – 24:10,12; 25:2; 26:5. "Blessed" – notes at Ps 1:1-3; 119:1. Here prosperity, security and enjoyment are in view. "Sow" – Ps 126:5,6. 33:1 This verse probably refers to Assyria (10:5-7). But the words of this verse would be suitable for many other treacherous,
destroying powers (see 21:1,2; 24:16,17; Dan 8:23-25).
"They will deal treacherously with you" – another example of reaping what is sown (see Jer 30:16; etc). 33:2 A general prayer suitable for the people then, or for any now facing troubles and distress.
"Arm" – God Himself is the strength of His people (Ps 18:1; 19:14; 27:1).
"Salvation" – God Himself is the salvation of His people 12:2; Ex 15:2; Ps 35:3; 62:2). 33:3,4 See 30:30,31; Num 10:35; Ps 46:6; 68:1,32,33. "Nations" – more than the Assyrians seem in view here. 33:5 "Righteousness" – 1:21; 32:1,16. 33:6 Observe here what God considers riches – the fear of the Lord. See notes at Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; Ps 34:1-14; 111:10; Prov 1:7. 33:7-9 Describes conditions during an enemy invasion, possibly the one by the Assyrians, possibly the Babylonian one. 33:10-14 God rises in judgment against the
ISAIAH 33:11 924
"Now I will be exalted. Now I will lift up myself. 11 You will conceive chaff, you will give birth to straw. Your breath will devour you like fire. 12 And the people will be burned to lime. They will be burned in fire like
they will see the land of far distances. 18 Your heart will ponder on the former terror: "Where is the scribe? Where is the receiver? Where is the one who counted the towers?" 19 You will not see a fierce people, a people of obscure speech,
thorns cut up. 13 You who are far off, hear what I have done; and you who are near, acknowledge my might."
unintelligible, of a stammering tongue that you can
not understand.
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid. Fear has gripped the ungodly. Who among us can dwell with the
20 Look at Zion, the city of our festivals. Your eyes will see Jerusalem,
devouring fire? Who among us can dwell with
a quiet habitation, a tent that will not be taken down. Not one of its stakes will ever be removed, nor will any of its ropes be broken. 21 But there the majestic LORD will be for us a place of broad rivers
everlasting burnings? 15 He who conducts himself righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of extortion,
who shakes out his hands,
and streams, in which no galley with oars will move,
refusing to take bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil, 16 He will dwell on high. His place of defense will be the fortress
no mighty ship will pass. 22 For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king. He will save us.
of the rocks. Food will be given him. His water will be sure.
23 Your rigging is loosened; they could not strengthen their mast,
they could not spread the sail. Then the prey of great plunder is
17 Your eyes will see the King in his beauty;
"sinners in Zion." In the Assyrian invasion Jerusalem was saved, so this probably refers to another time, possibly to the destruction of the city at the hands of the Babylonians. Or perhaps to the end of this age (Zech 14:2,3). 33:12 "Burned" – 1:31; 9:18,19; 30:27. 33:13 See 1:2; 34:1. 33:14 "Sinners" – 1:27,28; 3:8-11; 5:18,19. "Everlasting burnings" – those sinners seeing some of God's flaming judgments against themselves and probably hearing some of Isaiah's words (see v 12), say this. In the light of Heb 12:29 it is a question all may well ask. 33:15,16 This seems to be the answer to the questions of v 14. Only those who are righteous before God can dwell with the God of fiery holiness who hates all unrighteousness. Compare Ps 15:1-5; 24:3-6. God fits all true believers to dwell in His holy presence (Eph 1:3-6; 5:25-27; etc.). 33:17-24 Looks forward to the kingdom of Christ. Certainly it is practically impossible to see in the past the fulfillment of some of the expressions in this passage – for example, v 20. Jerusalem has rarely known peace from Isaiah's day to ours, and has been pulled down more than once. Verse 24 will not be fulfilled as long as conditions in this world continue as they have since
Adam fell into sin. 33:17 "The king in his beauty" – what king could this be other than the great King from heaven seen in other places in Isaiah (6:5; 9:6,7; 11:1-9; 24:23; 32:1)? "Land of far distances" – or it could be translated "the distant land" – 9:3; 14:2; 26:15; 54:2,3. 33:18,19 The leaders of the invading armies.
"Tongue" – 28:11. 33:20 "Not be taken down", etc – if we let this verse have its full meaning, we will not think these prophecies have already been fulfilled. 33:22 Here we see four things the Lord is to His people:
Judge – 2:4; 11:4; John 5:22,23; Acts 10:42
Lawgiver – 2:3; 51:4; Jam 4:12 King – v 17; 9:7; 24:23; 32:1 Saviour – 19:20; 25:9; 45:22. 33:23 "Your" – probably refers to enemy forces which are compared to a ship unable to conquer Jerusalem. In the previous verse Jerusalem's people expressed confidence that God would save them. He does so by defeating the enemy's "ship."
"Plunder" – verse 4; Ezek 39:9,10. When God defeats the enemy coming against Jerusalem, plunder will be so abundant and so easily obtained that even the
925 ISAIAH 34:17
divided; the lame take the prey. 24 And the inhabitant will not say, "I am sick." The people who live there will be
8 For it is the day of the LORD's vengeance, and the year of retribution for the
cause of Zion. 9 And its streams will be turned into pitch, and its dust into sulfur, and its land will become burning pitch. 10 It will not be quenched night or day; its smoke will go up forever. From generation to generation it will lie waste. No one will pass through it forever and ever. 11 But the cormorant and the bittern will possess it, and the owl and the raven will dwell in it. And he will stretch out over it the
forgiven their iniquity.
Come near, you nations, to hear; and listen, you people. Let the earth hear,
and all that is in it, the world, and all things that come out of it. 2 For the anger of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies. He has utterly destroyed them, he has delivered them to the slaughter. 3 And their slain will be thrown out, and their stench will rise from their corpses, and the mountains will be drenched
measuring line of chaos and the
plumb line of emptiness.
12 They will call its nobles to the kingdom, but no one will be there, and all its princes will be nothing. 13 And thorns will come up in its palaces, nettles and brambles in its fortresses, and it will be a habitation of jackals,
with their blood. 4 And all the starry host of heaven will be dissolved, and the heavens will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their host will fall,
and a home for owls. 14 And desert animals will meet with the hyenas, and the wild goat will bleat to its companion. The screech owl also will rest there, and find for itself a place of rest. 15 There the great owl will make its nest, and lay eggs, and hatch them, and gather its young in its shadow. There the vultures will also be
as the leaf falls from the vine, and as a falling fruit from the fig tree. 5 "For my sword will be drenched in the heavens. See, it will come down on Edom for judgment, and on the people whom I have put
under a curse." 6 The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is covered with fat, and with the
blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams; for the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah,
gathered, each one with its mate.
16 "Search the book of the LORD, and read. Not one of these will fail,
and a great slaughter in the land of Edom. 7 And the wild oxen will fall with them, and the young bulls with the strong bulls; and their land will be soaked with blood, and their dust saturated with fat.
not one will lack its mate; for my mouth has commanded it,
and his Spirit will gather them. 17 And he has cast the lot for them,
lame will be able to get a portion without difficulty. 33:24 "Sick" – this looks to the time of verses 17,20,21; 11:1-9; 65:20-25.
35:1-15; Amos 1:11,12; Obadiah. Here Edom is named as one of the "all nations" of v 2. Perhaps much of the slaughter of that future great battle will take place in the territory once known as Edom. See 63:1-6. 34:6 "Sword of the Lord" – Deut 32:41,42; Jer 12:12; 47:6; Ezek 21:5.
"Forgiven" – 43:25; 53:5,6; Jer 31:34; 33:8; Micah 7:18-20; Rom 11:26,27. 34:1 See 1:2; 33:13; Ps 49:1. 34:2 "All nations" – this looks beyond any invasion of Judah by Assyrians or Babylonians. The words of v 4 indicate the "Day of the LORD", the time of the outpouring of God's wrath on the whole world at the end of this age. Compare Matt 24:29,30; Rev 6:12-16. Note on day of the Lord at 26:20,21; 30:27-30; 66:14-16; etc. "Fury" – Num 25:3; Ps 90:7-11. 34:3 See 63:3-6; Ezek 38:22; 39:11,12; Rev 14:17-20; 19:17-21. 34:4 See 13:10,13; Joel 2:31; Matt 24:29,30; Rev 6:12-14. 34:5 "Edom" – Jer 49:7-22; Ezek 25:12-14;
"Bozrah" – a city in Edom (Idumea). 34:8 "Vengeance" – 1:24; 35:4; 47:3; 61:2; 63:4; Deut 32:3; Jer 51:56; Rom 12:9; Rev 16:5,6; 19:2. 34:9-15 For similar descriptions about other places see 13:20-22; Jer 50:39,40; 51:37.
"Cormorant. . .bittern" – it is not clear what birds are indicated by the Hebrew words. 34:16 "Book" – the written record of the prophecies just given.
"These" – the animals and birds of vs 13-15. 34:17 There is no promise concerning the restoration of Edom as there is about Moab
ISAIAH 35:1 926
and his hand has divided it for them by
God with retribution. He will come and save you. 5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. 6 Then the lame man will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb will sing; for water will gush out in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. 7 And the parched ground will become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. In the habitat of jackals, where each lay, there will be grass with reeds and rushes. 8 And a highway will be there, and a road, and it will be called The Way of Holiness. The unclean will not pass over it;
a measuring line. They will possess it forever,
from generation to generation they
will dwell in it."
The wilderness and the dry lands will be glad for them, and the desert will rejoice and blossom
like the rose. 2 It will blossom abundantly, and rejoice with gladness and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendour of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD,
and the splendour of our God.
but it will be for those who travel on it. Fools will not wander onto it. 9 No lion will be there, nor will any ravenous beast go up on it; it will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk there,
3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make the feeble knees firm. 4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong. Do not fear. See, your God will come with vengeance,
and Ammon in the same general area (Jer 48:47; 49:6). 35:1-10 Compare this chapter with similar passages in Isaiah such as 11:6-9; 32:15,16; 49:8-11; 51:3. There is a strong difference of opinion about how this chapter should be interpreted. Some think it is a description of spiritual conditions in the land of Judah after the Babylonian exile. Some think it describes New Testament times. Some think it describes this whole age of grace. Some think it refers to the immediate aftermath of Christ's second coming, the beginning of a thousand-year reign on earth. Some think it refers to conditions in the new heaven and earth. Some seem sure that this chapter has nothing to do with the literal land and people of Israel. Others are convinced it has do with them alone.
of Israel. What will happen there is in complete contrast to what will happen in Edom as seen in the preceding chapter.
"Blossom" – 27:6; 51:3. 35:2 "Glory", "splendour" – 4:5; 6:3; 59:19 (to be seen when v 1 is fulfilled). 35:3,4 Heb 12:12 – the meaning is, endure what must be endured, be strong and courageous in times of trouble and danger.
"God will come" – could refer to the coming of Christ, the incarnation of God.
"Vengeance" – notes at Num 31:2; Ps 94:1. If the coming of Christ is meant it must be His second coming, not His first. At His first coming He came to save men's lives, not destroy them, and He took vengeance on no one. At His second coming He will take vengeance (2 Thess 1:5-10). 35:5 "Eyes", "ears" – 29:18; 32:3; 33:24; 42:7. 35:6,7 "Tongue" – 32:4. "Streams" – 30:25; 41:18; 43:19. 35:8 "Highway" – 11:16; 19:23; 40:3; 49:11; 57:14; 62:10. "There" – the land of Judah. "Way of Holiness" – this "highway" will be only for the holy, only for the redeemed (v 9). This seems to indicate that the time spoken of is that time when the nation of Israel will be turned back to God and enter the narrow way that leads to life (Matt 7:14; Rom 11:26,27). The people will be holy and walk in holiness. See 4:3; 62:12; Zech 14:20,21. This is in great contrast to Israel's spiritual condition in the days Isaiah wrote this (1:2-4), and the present condition of that people.
The author of these notes believes that this chapter describes events after the second coming of Christ, probably refers to the Millennium, and that Israel is concerned in it. This belief is based on the evidence available. I also believe that some of the figurative expressions here may suggest, to some extent, what happens anytime in any era, in human hearts when Christ does His work of salvation in them.
I believe also that, though it is important to interpret prophecy correctly, it is more important to live holy lives of love to God and man (1 Cor 13:2), and that it does not make us better people if we choose to believe a particular one of the above interpretations, or worse people if we reject it and believe another one. While trying to understand the meaning of the prophet's words about the future let us try to learn also spiritual, practical lessons that will help us in the present to live as God wants us to live. 35:1 "Wilderness", "desert" – the language of this chapter seems to indicate the land
"Fools will not wander onto it" – only the foolishness of wickedness will keep anyone from that way, not lack of intelligence. This phrase could also be translated "the foolish will not go astray on it." 35:9 "Beast" – 11:6-9; 65:25.
927 ISAIAH 37:4
10 And the ransomed of the LORD will return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy on their heads. They will obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
drink their own urine with you?"
13 Then Rabshakeh stood and called out with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, "Listen to the words of the great king, the king of Assyria. 14 Thus says the king, Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to rescue you. 15 And do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, 'The LORD will surely rescue us. This city will not be delivered into the hands of the king of Assyria.'
Now it happened in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and took them. 2 And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem to King Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool by the highway to the Fuller's Field. 3 Then Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, who was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder, came out to him.
16 "Do not listen to Hezekiah. For thus says the king of Assyria, Make peace with me by a present, and come out to me, and every one of you eat from his vine, and each from his fig tree, and everyone drink the water from his own cistern, 17 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.
4 And Rabshakeh said to them, "Say now to Hezekiah, Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, What is this hope you are trusting in? 5 I say that you speak of having counsel and strength for war, but they are only empty words. Now in whom are you trusting, that you rebel against me? 6 Look, you are trusting in the staff of that broken reed, on Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand, and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. 7 But if you say to me, 'We trust in the LORD our God', is he not the one whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away, and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, 'You shall worship before this altar?' 8 Now therefore I urge you to give a pledge to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses, if you be able on your part to put riders on them! 9 How then can you turn away the face of one of the least of the captains of my master's servants, and put your trust in Egypt for chariots and for horsemen? 10 And have I now come up without the LORD against this land to destroy it? The LORD said to me, 'Go up against this land, and destroy it.'"
18 "Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, 'The LORD will deliver us.' Has any of the gods of the nations rescued his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? And have they rescued Samaria from my hand? 20 Among all the gods of these lands, which are those who have rescued their land from my hand, that the LORD should rescue Jerusalem from my hand?"
21 But they kept silent and did not answer him a word, for the king's command said "Do not answer him."
22 Then Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.
And it came about, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. 2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders among the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. 3 And they said to him, "Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy; for the children have come to the point of birth, and there is not strength to deliver them. 4 It may be the LORD your God will hear the words of
11 Then Eliakim and Shebna and Joah said to Rabshakeh, "Please speak to your servants in the Syrian language, for we understand it, and do not speak to us in the Jews' language in the hearing of the people who are on the wall."
12 But Rabshakeh said, "Has my master sent me only to your master and to you to speak these words? Has he not sent me to the men who sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and
35:10 "Will flee away" – it is always and ever true that the way to joy and singing in God's presence is the way of holiness and redemption (25:8; Ps 126:1-3; Rev 7:17; 14:15; 21:4). 36:1 Chapters 36-39 are about the invasion of Judah by the armies of Assyria in the days of King Hezekiah. Except for 38:9-20 all of this material is found in 2 Kings chapters
18-20, usually in the very same words Isaiah used. See notes there on these important historical events. The growing power of Assyria, its invasion of Judah and its destruction are themes often seen in Isaiah (7:17,18; 8:4-8; 10:5-12; 14:24,25; 30:31; 31:8). Note on Assyria at 2 Kings 15:19. 36:2-22 2 Kings 18:17-37. 37:1-38 Notes at 2 Kings 19:1-37.
ISAIAH 37:5 928
Rabshakeh, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to insult the living God, and will rebuke the words which the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left."
The virgin daughter of Zion despises
you, and laughs you to scorn. The daughter of Jerusalem shakes her
head at you. 23 Whom have you insulted and blasphemed? And against whom have you raised
5 So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 And Isaiah said to them, "You must say this to your master: Thus says the LORD, 'Do not be afraid of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 7 See, I will put a spirit in him, and he will hear a rumour and return to his own land. And I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.'"
your voice, and raised your eyes
on high? Against the Holy One of Israel. 24 Through your servants you have insulted the Lord, and have said, 'By my many chariots I have come up
to the height of the mountains,
8 So Rabshakeh returned and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah; for he had heard that he had departed from Lachish.
to the sides of Lebanon, and I will cut down its tall cedars,
and its choice fir trees. And I will enter the height of its border,
9 And he heard someone say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, "He has come out to make war with you." And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, 10 "You must tell Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, 'Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you, saying, "Jerusalem will not be given into the hands of the king of Assyria."' 11 Look, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, completely destroying them. And will you be rescued? 12 Have the gods of the nations rescued those which my fathers have destroyed, like Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden who were in Telassar? 13 Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?"
and the forest of its Carmel. 25 I have dug and drunk water, and with the sole of my feet I have dried
up all the rivers of the
besieged places.'
26 "Have you not heard? Long ago I made it. From ancient times, I formed this plan. Now I have brought it to pass,
that you should be for causing the
crash of fortified cities
into heaps of ruins. 27 Therefore their inhabitants had little power. They were dismayed and put to shame. They were like the grass of the field
14 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it. And Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it out before the LORD. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD, saying, 16 "O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, who dwells between the cherubim, you are God of all the kingdoms of the earth, you alone. You have made heaven and earth. 17 Incline your ear, O LORD, and hear. Open your eyes, O LORD, and see. And hear all the words of Sennacherib, who has sent messengers to insult the living God.
and the green plant, like the grass on housetops and
vegetation scorched before it
has grown up. 28 But I know your dwelling place, and your going out,
and your coming in, and your rage against me. 29 Because your rage against me and your uproar have come up into my ears, therefore I will put my hook in your nose,
18 "It is a truth, LORD, that the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries, 19 and have thrown their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore they have destroyed them. 20 Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you are the LORD, you only."
and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back the way by
which you came.
30 "And this will be a sign to you, Hezekiah:
You will eat this year what grows by itself; and the second year what springs up from it; and in the third year sow and reap and
21 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent word to Hezekiah, saying, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel, Because you have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, 22 this is the word which the LORD has spoken concerning him:
plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. 31 And the remnant that has escaped of the house of Judah will again take root
downward, and bear fruit upward.
929 ISAIAH 38:15
4 Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying, 5 "Go and tell Hezekiah, Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears. Now I will add fifteen years to your days. 6 And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city. 7 And this will be a sign to you from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he has spoken: 8 See, I will bring back the shadow on the sundial, which has gone down on the sundial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward." So the sun went back ten degrees that it had gone down on the sundial.
32 For out of Jerusalem a remnant will go out, and those who escape from mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
33 "Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria:
He will not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast up a siege mound against it. 34 He will return by the way that he came, and will not come into this city,
says the LORD. 35 For I will defend this city to save it for my own sake, and for the sake of my servant David."
9 The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he became sick and recovered from his sickness:
10 "I said, In the prime of my life I will go to the gates of the grave; I am deprived of the remainder of my years. 11 I said, I will not see the LORD, the LORD in the land of the living. I will no longer see man among the
36 Then the angel of the LORD went out, and struck a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, see, there were all the dead bodies. 37 So Sennacherib king of Assyria withdrew and went away. And he returned and lived at Nineveh. 38 And it so happened that as he was worshipping in the house of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place.
inhabitants of the world. 12 My dwelling is gone, removed from me like a shepherd's tent. I have rolled up my life like a weaver. He will cut me off from the loom. From day to night you make an end of me. 13 I considered this until morning. Like a lion, he will break all my bones. From day to night you make an end of me. 14 I chatter like a crane or a swallow; I mourn like a dove. My eyes fail from looking upward. O LORD, I am oppressed. Undertake for me. 15 What will I say? He has both spoken to me, and he
In those days Hezekiah was sick to the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: Set your house in order, for you will die, and not live."
2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD, 3 and said, "Remember now, O LORD, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done what is good in your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
himself has done it. I will walk carefully all my years in
the bitterness of my soul.
38:1-8 Notes at 2 Kings 20:1-11. 38:9 The only writing we have of good King Hezekiah. It is similar to some of the psalms. The psalms were known to Hezekiah (2 Chron 29:30). He may have begun this writing while he was ill and completed it after his recovery. 38:10 At the time of his illness Hezekiah was only 39 years old. He may have compared this brief span of life with the usual span mentioned in Ps 90:10.
from the loom before he has had a full span of years to finish the work.
"Day to night" – may mean very suddenly, in the space of a single day. 38:13 "Lion" – compare Job 10:16; Lam 3:10,11; Hos 13:7. "Bones" – Job 16:12; Ps 6:2; 32:3; 51:8; Lam 3:4. 38:14,15 All he can do is make mournful sounds, look upward and cry to God. But this was enough. God heard him. God saw his tears. God answered him (v 5). See Ex 2:23,24; Ps 34:4,6,18; 103:13,14; 147:3. His mourning is turned to praise (v 15). He wonders how he can best express his great gratitude to God.
"Grave" (also v 18) – in Hebrew "Sheol" – note at Gen 37:35. 38:11 He believed he was going to die and had no hope of recovery. 38:12 "Tent" – compare 2 Cor 5:1,4. "Loom" – he regards his life as a cloth or garment made by a weaver, the weaver being himself. He thinks God is cutting him
"Carefully" – or softly, quietly or humbly. He resolved not to be as he was before this experience. Yet see 2 Chron 32:24-26.
ISAIAH 38:16 930
16 O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit. So you restore me, and cause me to live. 17 See, for peace I had great bitterness; but in love for my soul you have
nothing in his house or in his whole realm that Hezekiah did not show them.
3 Then Isaiah the prophet came to king Hezekiah, and said to him, "What did these men say? And where did they come from to you?"
delivered it from the pit of corruption, for you have cast all my sins behind your back. 18 For the grave cannot thank you, death cannot praise you. Those who go down into the pit cannot
And Hezekiah said, "They came to me from a far country, from Babylon."
4 Then he said, "What did they see in your house?"
And Hezekiah answered, "They saw everything that is in my house. There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them."
hope for your truth. 19 The living, the living praise you, as I do this day. The father will make known your truth
5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the LORD of hosts: 6 'See, the days are coming when all that is in your house and what your fathers stored up until this day, will be carried to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. 7 And they will take away some of your sons who will issue from you, whom you will beget, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.'"
to the children. 20 The LORD was willing to save me. Therefore we will sing my songs for
stringed instruments all the days
of our life in the house of the LORD." 21 For Isaiah had said, "Let them take a lump of figs and apply it as a poultice on the boil, and he will recover."
8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good." He also said, "For there will be peace and truth in my days."
22 And Hezekiah had said, "What is the sign that I will go up to the house of the LORD?"
39 40
At that time Merodach-Baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered. 2 And Hezekiah was pleased with them, and showed them his treasure house, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oil, and the whole of his armory, and all that was found among his treasures. There was
"Comfort, comfort my people", says your God. 2 "Speak compassionately to Jerusalem and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended,
that her wickedness is pardoned; for she has received from the LORD's
hand double for all her sins."
38:16 Man's life is entirely dependent on God's will and merciful activity (Deut 32:39; 1 Sam 2:6; Job 12:10; Dan 5:23; Acts 17:28). And so Ps 103:1-5. 38:17 "Pit" – Ps 28:1; 30:3; 40:2; 55:23; 69:15; 86:13; Prov 1:12. Here probably means the grave or the unseen realm of the dead.
and 37 record the crushing defeat suffered by the Assyrians at Jerusalem. In chapter 39 a new threat appears – the invasion of Judah by the Babylonians. They would not fail as the Assyrians had, but would capture Jerusalem and take the people into exile. Chapters 40-66 were written with that in view. Isaiah prophesies of the fall of Babylon, of the return of the people from there, and of the future glory of Jerusalem. And he brings before us very clearly the one on whom the eternal salvation of Jews and other peoples depends – the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. 40:1,2 In 12:1-3 there is a picture of comfort received "in that day", after the appearance of the "Branch" (the Messiah – 11:1) to reign. The picture here is similar. The reason there and here for comfort is salvation experienced and God's anger turned away. True comfort from God is connected with forgiveness, and the experience of His presence. Jerusalem – the literal city, the capital of Israel, here represents that nation. For the eventual restoration of Jerusalem see also 1:26; 2:1-4; etc.
"Back" – Hezekiah was aware of his sins, probably thought his disease and near death were a punishment for them. But he came to know that God had put them out of His sight. Compare 43:25; Ps 103:12; Mic 7:18-19; 1 John 1:9. 38:18,19 Ps 6:5; 30:9; 88:10,11; 115:17,18. In Hezekiah's time little was known about the state of men after death.
"To the children" – Deut 6:7; 11:18,19; Ps 78:2-4; 145:4; Jer 32:19. 38:20 Ps 33:1-3; 51:14,15; 63:3,4; 116:12-14. 38:21,22 Note at 2 Kings 20:7,8. 39:1-8 Note at 2 Kings 20:12-19. 39:8 This concludes the first part of Isaiah. Chapters 1-35 were spoken and written before the Assyrian invasion of Judah, and much of what is in those chapters was written with that event in view. Chapters 36
"Double" – Jerusalem's troubles and punishments are often set before us in
931 ISAIAH 40:11
3 The voice of one who cries out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway
because the Spirit of the LORD blows on it. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
for our God. 4 Every valley will be exalted, and every mountain and hill will be
9 O Zion, you who bring good tidings, go up onto the high mountain! O Jerusalem, you who bring good tidings, lift up your voice with strength! Lift it up; do not be afraid. Say to the cities of Judah,
made low, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the rough places a plain; 5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together;
"See your God!" 10 See, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm will rule for him. See, his reward is with him,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it. " 6 The voice said, "Cry out!" And he said, "What shall I cry out?" "All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is
and his wage accompanies him. 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs with his arm,
like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
Isaiah. See 3:1-26; 5:3-6,25-30; 7:1825; 8:5-8; 22:1-13; 29:1-4. No city in the world has experienced the repeated disasters, troubles, and destruction that Jerusalem has. There was more to come when Isaiah wrote. And there is still more to come at the end of this age – Zech 12:2,3; 14:2; Matt 24:15-22. But the day is coming when its troubles will be over. 40:3 "The voice of one who cries out in the wilderness: Prepare" – or it could be translated "The voice of one who cries out: 'in the wilderness prepare.'" This depends on where we put the punctuation (in Hebrew there were no punctuation marks). This voice is the first of three mentioned in this chapter (vs 3,6,9). This one is the voice of John the Baptist (Matt 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23) who came 700 years after Isaiah wrote. John announced the one through whom alone true and lasting comfort could come to Jerusalem, or to us (Mark 1:7,8; John 1:29). Observe that when John prepared the way for the Lord Jesus he was preparing the way for God Himself.
Verse 3 looks forward to Christ's first coming. This verse looks to the end of this age for its complete fulfillment. 40:6-8 "Cry out" – cause men to know the truth which follows. There is a contrast in these verses with both the preceding and following verses. God's great glory is mentioned in v 5. Man's glory is a frail, temporary thing, hardly worthy of the name of glory. And man is weak and withering as grass, totally incapable of bringing salvation and comfort to Jerusalem (or to anyone). So God must come to do what man cannot.
"Grass" – 37:27; 51:12; Jam 1:10; 1 Pet 1:24,25. 40:7 "Blows" – Ps 103:15,16. 40:8 "Withers. . .fades" – the whole of mankind's history and all its pride, pomp, and glory are in these words. But as generations come and go there is something that never will pass away – God's Word (Ps 119:89; Matt 5:18; 24:35; Luke 16:17; 1 Pet 1:25). The truth of the Bible is the only permanent thing in all the world for a person to hold on to. 40:9-11 "Good tidings" – in the context this good news includes verses 2,5,8 and the verses of this section (9-11). 40:9 "Mountain" – this is a symbolic way of saying that God wants all the land to hear. Voices could be better heard from the tops of hills.
"Prepare" – it was common in that day (as it is in our day in many countries) to repair the highway when a ruler visited a city. John was preparing the way for the King from heaven. 40:4 See 26:7; 49:11. The meaning seems to be that all hindrances to the coming of the King should be removed, and full preparation made for welcoming Him.
"Do not be afraid" – do not hesitate because of the fear of man, or the grandness and solemnity of the message.
"Crooked" – or "rugged." "Straight" – or "smooth." 40:5 The glory of the LORD was seen by some people in some measure in the Old Testament (Ex 33:18-23; 40:34; Deut 5:24). Here there is promise of a further revelation of God's glory, and all people will see it. To some extent this was fulfilled at Christ's first coming (John 1:1,14; 11:40; 2 Cor 4:6; Heb 1:3). There will be a further display of God's glory in Christ at His second coming (Matt 16:27; 24:30; 25:31; Rev 1:7). Then indeed every eye will see it.
"See your God" – 25:9. Compare the question of Ps 42:3,10. The coming of Christ means the coming of God. 40:10 These words indicate that the manifestation of God in v 9 is at the second coming of Christ (62:11; Matt 16:27; 25:19-21,31-34; Rev 22:12). 40:11 "Shepherd" – true of God's people in every age, at all times (Gen 48:15; Ps 23:1; 28:9; 78:52; 80:1; Jer 31:10; Ezek 34:12-16,23,31; John 10:11-16).
ISAIAH 40:12 932
20 He who is too poor for such an offering chooses a tree that will not rot. He seeks for himself a skillful
and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those who have young.
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and marked off the heavens with the span, and calculated the dust of the earth
craftsman to prepare a carved image
that will not totter. 21 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the
in a measuring basket, and weighed the mountains in scales,
foundations of the earth? 22 He it is who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are
and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or as his counsellor has taught him? 14 With whom did he take counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment,
like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? 15 Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are regarded like fine dust on the balance. See, he lifts up the islands like a very
23 He brings the princes to nothing. He makes the judges of the earth worthless. 24 Even as they are planted, even as they are sown, even as their stock takes root in the ground, he merely blows on them, and they wither, and the whirlwind takes them away
little thing. 16 And Lebanon is not sufficient for burning, nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. 17 All nations before him are as nothing, and they are regarded by him as
like stubble. 25 "To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal?"
less than nothing, and emptiness.
says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their starry host by number. He calls them all by name, by the
18 To whom then will you liken God? Or with what likeness will you compare him? 19 As for an idol, the craftsman puts it in a mold, and the goldsmith overlays it with gold,
greatness of his might.
and molds silver chains.
to overturn His plans. All through Isaiah we see God using the nations for His purpose, and destroying them according to His plans, as if they had no strength or size at all – vs 23,24. 40:18-20 In the light of this supreme greatness of God we see the folly of trying to make an image to represent Him. God has His own image to represent Him – see 2 Cor 4:4; Heb 1:3. 40:21 Verse 28; Ps 19:1; Acts 14:15-17; Rom 1:18-23. 40:22 "Circle" – Job 22:14; Prov 8:27. "Stretches out" – 42:5; 44:24; 51:13; Ps 104:2. 40:23,24 Verse 6-8,17; 34:12; 41:2; 43:13; Prov 21:1; Dan 4:35. 40:25 Verse 18. 40:26 God wants men to look thoughtfully at His creation and let it speak to them. This could change their whole outlook on life and start them on the road to God. Ps 19:1-4. God is saying to all of us, Look at the stars! Think!
"Arm", "bosom" – indicates their weakness, His tenderness and love. How dear believers are to Him! The context here suggests that this will be true of the nation Israel at the second coming of Christ. 40:12-31 A description of the greatness of the God whose coming is seen in verses 3,9 and 10. It is exceedingly important for us to know the one true God and to have right views of His character and attributes, His power and glory. This chapter is of great value when used for this purpose. 40:12 Job 28:25,26; 38:3-5,8-11,18; Prov 30:4. 40:13 Rom 11:34-36; 1 Cor 2:16. 40:14 Job 12:13; 21:22; 36:22; Col 2:3; Isa 55:9. 40:15 See 2:22; Ps 62:9. As a tiny speck of dust is to a giant, as an atom is to a scientist, so is the whole physical earth to God. It is so light in God's hand that it seems to have no weight at all. 40:16 Lebanon had large forests of cedar trees. If one made a fire of them all and placed all its animals together on the fire as a sacrifice to God it would not show God's worth or greatness. Compare 1 Kings 8:27; Ps 50:8-15; Acts 17:24,25. 40:17 God has no difficulty whatever in controlling nations, peoples and events. For there is nothing on earth that has the power
"By number" – scientists estimate that there are at least 10,000 crores (100 billions) of stars in our own galaxy, though only a very few thousands are visible to the naked eye. And there are a great many crores of galaxies. God made them all, knows them all, sustains them all.
933 ISAIAH 41:8
2 Who raised up one from the east, and in righteousness called him to his feet? Who gave the nations to him,
Because he is strong in power not one fails. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from
and made him rule over kings? He made them like dust with his sword, and like driven stubble with his bow. 3 He pursued them and moved on safely by a way that he had not gone with
the LORD, and my just claim is
passed over by my God?" 28 Have you not known, have you not heard that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither grows faint nor becomes weary? There is no searching of his understanding. 29 He gives power to the faint, and he increases the strength of those
his feet. 4 Who has done this and accomplished it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, the first and with the
who have no might. 30 Even the youths will grow faint and be weary, and the young men will utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary,
last. I am he. 5 The coastlands saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid,
drew near and arrived. 6 Each of them helped his neighbour; and each one said to his brother,
"Be courageous!" 7 So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer
and they will walk and not faint.
urges on him who struck the anvil, saying, 'It is ready for soldering.' And he fastened it with nails,
"Keep silence before me, O coastlands, and let the people renew their strength. Let them come near, then let them speak. Let us come near together for judgment.
so that it would not totter.
8 "But you, Israel, are my servant,
40:27 This verse brings us back to the condition of the Jews in Isaiah's time. Some thought they could do as they pleased without God taking notice (29:15), others were skeptical and unbelieving about God's concern for them (49:14). 40:28 "The LORD [Jehovah]" – if no one else knew this the Jews should have. Jehovah, the God of Israel, is the only God that exists (43:10; 44:8; 45:5; Ps 18:31).
41:1 Jehovah speaks here. The meaning seems to be, let other peoples, wherever they are with their many idols, many gods, consider what God says in chapter 40; let them get their strength as they can and come and dispute with God, if they will.
"Coastlands" – or "islands." 41:2 "East" – east of Israel. The person from the east is Cyrus, king of the Medes and Persians (v 25; 44:28; 45:1,13; 46:11). The above translation, though differing from the KJV here, seems better to express the meaning of the Hebrew.
"Weary" – He who is capable of what is described in v 26 will not be worn out in accomplishing His work in the earth and in His people.
"To his feet" – God can and does use the rulers of the earth for His righteous purpose, whether those rulers are righteous or not, or whether they are aware of it or not. God's purpose, according to this verse, was to make Cyrus the ruler of many nations. God used Cyrus also to send His people back to Israel from the Babylonian exile (Ezra 1:14; 6:3-5). The second phrase may also be translated "whom victory meets at every step." 41:3 In 546 BC Cyrus conquered all the lands from Persia to the west coast of presentday Turkey. 41:4 Behind the victories of Cyrus stood the one who controls events on earth. 41:5-7 At the approach of Cyrus and his armies the nations in his path would be greatly agitated. They would try to encourage one another. They would turn to their gods and idols for help. But all their efforts would come to nothing. 41:8 "My servant" – the nation of Israel is contrasted with all other nations. Individuals in
"No searching of his understanding" – 55:8,9; Ps 147:5; Rom 11:33. 40:29 "Strength" – Ex 15:2; Ps 18:1,3236; 68:35; 73:26; 119:28; 2 Cor 12:9,10; Eph 1:18,19; 3:16. 40:30 The young also come under the description of verses 6-8. Also of Gen 8:21. And in spiritual matters youth will not have strength for the long race, the hard battle of life, unless they find it in God. 40:31 For a holy walk in a fallen world, for strength to finish our earthly course with joy, for ability to serve God acceptably, we need a strength not our own. We must learn to exchange our poor and frail strength for the strength God gives (v 28,29. See in Eph 1:18-21 what great strength is available to believers in Christ). This can be done only by looking to Him in faith. We must learn to trust God to do for us and in us what we cannot do for and in ourselves. Another word to the weary, young or old, is Matt 11:28-30.
ISAIAH 41:9 934
Jacob whom I have chosen, the offspring of my friend Abraham. 9 I have taken you from the ends of the earth, and called you from its farthest parts, and said to you, You are my servant. I have chosen you,
15 See, I will make you a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth. You will thresh the mountains,
and beat them small, and will make the hills like chaff. 16 You will winnow them, and the wind will carry them away, and the whirlwind will scatter them; and you will rejoice in the LORD, and glory in the Holy One of Israel.
and not rejected you. 10 Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with my
17 "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue fails for thirst, I the LORD will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. 18 I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will make the desert a pool of water,
righteous right hand. 11 See, all those who raged against you will be put to shame and disgraced. They will be as nothing;
and those who strive with you will perish. 12 You will seek those who fought with you, and will not find them; those who wage war against you will be
and the dry land springs of water. 19 In the wilderness I will plant the cedar, the acacia tree, and the myrtle,
as nothing, and as a non-existent thing. 13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Do not fear; I will help you. 14 Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel. I will help you, says the LORD,
and the olive tree. In the desert I will set the fir tree, and
the pine, and the box tree together, 20 That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.
and your redeemer,
21 "Present your case, says the LORD.
the Holy One of Israel.
41:14 "Worm" – God did not chose that people because they were beautiful and strong and noble and worthy. They were the opposite of all those things, as indeed we all are. "Redeemer" – notes at Ps 78:35; Matt 20:28. 41:15,16 See what God can do with a "worm." This is more than God merely protecting His people. In His hand (vs 10,13) they will become a powerful instrument to crush their enemies. This is an example of the weak finding their strength in God (40:31). And Israel will acknowledge this and glory in God, not in themselves. As for the time of fulfillment compare 11:12-14; 14:2; 49:23. As far as the record shows, this has not been fulfilled up to the present. 41:17,18 See 30:19; 35:7; 43:20; 44:3; Ps 42:1,2; John 7:37-39. 41:19 See 32:15,16; 35:1,2; 51:3; 55:13. God literally transforms good land to deserts and deserts to good land (Ps 107:33-35). And He may again do so in Judah. But sometimes in Scripture descriptions of physical changes suggest spiritual changes also. 41:20 God's work in Israel (whether in the land or in the people or both) will instruct other peoples of the world. 41:21-23 These verses look back to v 1. The Lord says that if the nations think their
other nations might be servants of God, but only one nation was God's servant, His chosen one (42:19; 43:10; 44:1,21; 45:4; Ps 135:4; 136:22; Deut 4:20; 7:7,8; 14:1,2). "My friend Abraham" – 2 Chron 20:7; Jam 2:23. 41:9 "Not rejected you" – this would be a great comfort (40:1) to them when they would be exiled in Babylon (39:5-7) and when Cyrus was beginning his conquests. 41:10 "Do not fear" – this command was not given to the wicked and unbelieving in Israel, but to the true Israel in the midst of a rebellious nation (compare Rom 2:28,29; 9:6). God never tells the wicked and unbelieving not to fear. Believers are not to fear because they belong to God. In the not distant future the Babylonians would come and destroy Jerusalem and the temple and take the people into exile because of the sin of the nation. But God would be with them to preserve them. Of course, there is truth here that all who trust God may apply to themselves.
"With you" – 43:2; Josh 1:9; Ps 27:1; 56:4; Matt 1:23; Rom 8:31; Heb 13:5,6. "Strengthen you" – 40:29-31. 41:11,12 No people, no nation will be able to destroy Israel. All who try will be destroyed themselves (17:14; 29:5-8; 60:12; etc.). Compare Matt 16:18. 41:13 Verse 10.
935 ISAIAH 42:4
Bring forth your strong arguments,
certainly there is no one who declares; certainly there is no one who hears your words. 27 I was the first to say to Zion, 'Look, see them!' And I will give to Jerusalem one who
says the King of Jacob. 22 Let them bring them forth, and show us what will happen. Let them tell what the former things were, that we may consider them, and know
brings good tidings. 28 For I looked among them, and there was no man, and there was no counsellor who,
their outcome, or declare to us things to come. 23 Tell the things that are coming hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good or do evil, that we may
when I asked them, could answer a word. 29 See they are all worthless. Their works are nothing. Their cast metal images are wind and
be dismayed and see it together. 24 Look, you are nothing, and your work is nothing. He who chooses you chooses an abomination.
confusion.
"See my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen one, in whom my soul delights. I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the Gentiles. 2 He will not shout or raise his voice or cause it to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not put out. He will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not fail or be discouraged until he has established justice on the earth; and the islands will wait for his law.
25 "I have raised up one from the north, and he will come. From the rising of the sun he will call
on my name. And he will come against princes as
against mortar, and as the potter tramples the clay. 26 Who has declared from the beginning, that we may know? And beforehand, that we may say,
He is righteous? Certainly there is no one who tells;
idols are useful and can explain the past or predict the future let them come forward and prove it (see also 43:9). God knows they will be unable to do so. In 42:9 and 46:10 God says He does what idols cannot do. Here in vs 23,24 it seems God is speaking directly to the people's idols. 41:24 "Nothing" – v 29; 37:19; 1 Sam 12:21; Ps 115:3-8; Jer 10:5,8,14; 1 Cor 8:4. "Abomination" – Jer 16:18; Ezek 7:20; Mal 2:11. 41:25 Verse 2. Cyrus was from the east of Israel, but conquered much territory to the north. It was the God of Israel who stirred him up to come, and the idols of the nations in his path could neither do such a thing, nor predict it, nor prevent it.
(vs 18-25). So God speaks of another servant who is of Israel and who would be strong, holy, and obedient, and who would completely fulfill God's plans. This servant is Christ. The Lord Jesus is called a servant in Acts 3:26; Rom 15:8. He said that He had come to serve, not to be served (Matt 20:28; Luke 22:27). Verses 1-4 are applied to Christ in Matt 12:18-21. 42:1 "Delights" – Matt 3:17. "My Spirit" – 11:2; 61:1; Mark 1:9,10; John 1:32-34; 3:34.
"Justice" – 9:7; 11:4; 16:5; 32:1,16; 33:5. "Gentiles" – non-Jewish peoples. 42:2 When He comes He will not fulfill God's purpose by noisy endeavor, but quietly and gently. 42:3 "Bruised reed" signifies weakness from some sort of blow or crushing. A smoldering wick speaks of a spark which could be fanned to a flame. The meaning is that the coming Messiah would deal mildly, compassionately with people in fulfilling God's purpose. Christ's way is not the way of hardness and violence. He came to save men not destroy them – John 10:10. 42:4 Nothing will turn Him from doing God's work and finishing it. This work has to do with the whole earth (v 1) and not with the one small nation of Israel. Establishing justice on earth indicates removal of injustice, a just and righteous kingdom that will take in the whole world (v 1; 11:3-5). This is something God's people long to see, have never seen, but will one day see.
"Call on my name" – Cyrus used Jehovah's name (in Ezra 1:1-4) and prayed to Him, but he, at least at first, had no experiential knowledge of Him (45:4,5). 41:26,27 Who foretold the rise of Cyrus to power? None of the idols of the nations. Only the true God, the God of Israel.
"Good tidings" – Cyrus was the messenger of good tidings (Ezra 1:1-4). 41:28,29 "Them" – the idolaters of verses 21-23. 42:1-9 "Servant" (v 1) – He is the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. See also 49:1-7; 50:4-10; 52:13-15. In 41:8 the nation Israel is called God's servant. But Israel was a poor servant, weak, sinful, and rebellious, and could not fulfill God's plan for themselves and for the earth
ISAIAH 42:5 936
5 Thus says God the LORD, he who created the heavens and
raise their voice; let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. 12 Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands. 13 The LORD will go forth like a mighty man, he will stir up his zeal like a warrior. He will cry out, yes, roar a battle cry. He will prevail against his enemies.
stretched them out, he who spread out the earth and what
comes out of it, he who gives breath to the people on it,
and spirit to those who walk on it: 6 I the LORD have called you in righteousness, and I will take your hand and keep you, and give you as a covenant for the people, as a light for the Gentiles, 7 To open blind eyes, to bring prisoners out of prison, and those who sit in darkness out of
14 "I have kept silent for a long time. I have been still and restrained myself. Now I will cry out like a woman in childbirth; I will both gasp and pant. 15 I will lay waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their plants, and I will make the rivers islands,
the dungeon. 8 I am the LORD. That is my name, and I will not give
and dry up the pools. 16 And I will bring the blind by a way they did not know. I will lead them in paths they
my glory to another, nor my praise to carved images.
9 "See, the former things have taken place, and I declare new things. Before they spring forth I tell you about them."
have not known. I will make darkness light before them,
and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them,
10 Sing to the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all
and not forsake them. 17 Those who trust in carved images will be turned back, they will be put to great shame, those who say to cast metal images,
that is in it, the islands and their inhabitants. 11 Let the wilderness and its cities, the villages where Kedar lives,
'You are our gods.'
"Islands" – or "coastlands." "Wait for his law" – 2:2-4. 42:5 Gen 1:1; 2:7; Ps 102:25; Isa 40:22; Acts 17:24. 42:6 "You" – the Messiah of vs 1-4. "As a covenant" (49:8) – in other words, he will be one who makes a covenant, one who mediates between God and man on the basis of a covenant, one who embodies a covenant (Jer 31:31-34; Matt 26:27,28; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 8:6; 9:15). "Light" – 49:6; Luke 2:32; John 8:12. 42:7 29:18; 32:3; 35:5; 49:9; 61:1. 42:8 See 48:11. "The LORD" (Jehovah) – note at Ex 3:14,15. Fallen men continually refuse to give God the glory due to Him, and instead would put something else in God's place and praise it (compare Rom 1:22,23). And they may like to think that when praising idols or other gods that they are praising God. But the true God will have no part in it. He will not share anything with dumb idols. Men must choose either Him or them. They cannot have both (2:6-9; Ps 78:58,59; 106:36-41; Jer 7:9-11; 8:19; Ezek 5:11; 6:6; 14:7,8. Note also at 1 Kings 18:21). 42:9 God, who knows the future as well as He does the past has no difficulty declaring things to come (46:10). Much of what we have in Isaiah and the other prophets is just that (2 Pet 1:21). This is part of the glory
He will not share with idols (41:21-23). 42:10 "To the LORD" – not to idols who could never do anything like what we read of in vs 1-7.
"A new song" – indicates a new revelation of His character or a new truth or work or a new understanding (33:3; 40:3; Ps 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Rev 5:9; 14:3). Here all parts of the world are urged to sing because God's work through His servant in verses 1-7 will affect all of them (v 4). 42:11 "Kedar", "the rock [in Hebrew 'Sela]" – 21:16; 16:1. Places in Edom and Arabia. 42:13 "Warrior" – Ex 14:14; 15:3; Ps 18:34,35; 144:1; Eph 6:10-13. "Enemies" – 66:14; Deut 32:40-41. All who oppose God. There are many such both in the unseen world of spirits and among men on earth. 42:14 God speaks in the language of men to convey something to men He could not otherwise convey. The picture is of anger suppressed for a long time until at last it painfully bursts forth (compare 63:3,4). 42:15 As punishment on His enemies (compare 24:1,4). 42:16 "Blind" – in v 9 God tells us who they are. He means the nation of Israel.
"Light" – 9:2. "Not forsake them" – 41:9; 49:14-16; 54:8. 42:17 Ps 97:7; Jer 10:14-16.
937 ISAIAH 43:6
but he did not understand; and it burned him, yet he did not lay
18 Hear, you deaf; and look, you blind, that you may see. 19 Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger whom I sent? Who is blind as he who is at peace,
it to heart.
But now thus says the LORD who created you, O Jacob, and he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name;
and blind as the LORD's servant? 20 You see many things, but you do not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear."
you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not
21 The LORD was well pleased for his righteousness' sake to make the law
great and honourable. 22 But this is a people robbed and plundered. All of them are snared in holes,
flow over you. When you walk through the fire,
and hidden in prisons. They are for prey, and no one rescues them; for plunder, and no one says, "Restore." 23 Who among you will give ear to this? Who will hear and pay attention for
you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. I gave Egypt as your ransom,
the time to come? 24 Who gave Jacob as plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the LORD, the one against
Ethiopia and Seba for you. 4 Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honoured,
and I have loved you. Therefore I will give men for you,
whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in his ways,
and people for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you. I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up', and to the south, 'Do not restrain them.'
nor were they obedient to his law. 25 Therefore he has poured on him the fury of his anger,
and the strength of battle; and it has set him on fire all around,
42:18,19 Israel was the blind servant (6:10; 29:9,10; 41:8,9; 43:8). The time will come when the nation will have its eyes opened (29:18; 35:5). 42:20 See 43:8; Jer 5:21; 6:10. 42:21 "Law" – the Hebrew word also means teaching or instruction (Ps 138:2; 2 Cor 3:7). 42:22 The Assyrians had taken the northern kingdom into exile, and plundered Judah (8:7,8; 10:5,6). The Babylonians later took Judah into captivity (39:5-7). 42:23 "Give ear to this" – not just the preceding verse, but all God's message to them in these chapters. 42:24 See 47:5,6; Jer 1:14-16. 42:25 See 5:25; 9:12,17,21; 51:17; 2 Kings 22:13. "Did not understand" – 1:3-9; 6:10-12. If God chastises us for our sins let us try to understand what He is doing and why He is doing it (Lam 3:39,40). 43:1 This chapter states God's relationship to the people of Israel. He is their Creator (v 1), their Redeemer (v 1,14), their Saviour (v 3), their King (v 15), and Protector (v 2), one who loves them (v 4), and who will restore them (vs 5,6), and forgive them (v 25). Israel failed to do what they should have done (vs 22-24), and God had to punish them for it (v 28), but He would not fail (v 25). The people of
Israel on their side of the relationship were to be witnesses (vs 10,12) and glorifiers of God (v 21). There is sweet truth in this chapter for all who trust the God of Israel as their God and Savior.
"Formed you" – the nation of Israel was a special creation of God for a special purpose (vs 7,21).
"Fear not" – note at 41:10. "Redeemed you" – note at Ps 78:35. 43:2 This truth was sometimes fulfilled literally in the times of God's people (Ex 14:21,22; Josh 3:14-17; Dan 3:19-27), but was more often fulfilled in spiritual trials and rescue from spiritual dangers (Ps 66:10-12). If God is with us nothing can ever really harm us (though in our lack of understanding we may think some things do). 43:3,4 When love is deep and strong it is willing to give up any thing for the sake of the loved one. God's love is like that. We are not told in what sense He gave Egypt and the other nations and peoples for Israel. Some commentators have suggested that it was in allowing Persia to conquer them in return for that nation's kindness to Israel (Ezra 1:1-4). 43:5-7 "Fear not" – captivity and exile were certain (39:5-7), but release and return were equally certain (11:11,12; 27:12,13; 49:22; 56:8).
ISAIAH 43:7 938
14 Thus says the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sake I will send to Babylon,
Bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth, 7 Each one who is called by my name; for I have created him for my glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."
and bring down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose shout is in
the ships. 15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. 16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters, 17 Who brings out the chariot and horse, the army and the power. They will lie down together, they will not rise. They are extinguished,
8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears. 9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this,
and tell us former things? Let them bring forth their witnesses,
that they may be vindicated; or let them listen, and say,
"It is the truth."
10 "You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen,
quenched like a wick.
18 "Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. 19 See, I will do a new thing. Now it will spring forth. Do you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. 20 The beast of the field will honour me, the jackals and the owls, because I give water in the wilderness,
that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he. Before me there was no God formed,
nor will there be after me. 11 I, yes, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no saviour. 12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have proclaimed, when there was no foreign god among you. Therefore you are my witnesses,
and rivers in the desert, for my people, my chosen, to drink. 21 This people I have formed for myself. They will show forth my praise.
says the LORD, that I am God. 13 Yes, from the first day I am he, and there is no one who can deliver
22 "But you have not called on me, O Jacob, and you have been weary of me, O Israel.
out of my hand. I will work, and who can reverse it?"
4:35. 43:14 "For your sake" – another example of the truth of vs 3,4. The Chaldeans (Babylonians) who had made exiles of God's people would themselves flee from their enemies. In this way God freed His people from Babylon. 43:15 "Holy One" – see 1:4. "King" – 6:5; 41:21; 44:6; Deut 33:5; 1 Sam 8:7; Ps 2:4-6; 44:4. 43:16,17 Ex 14:21-28. 43:18-20 God is saying here that His power was not confined to past events, and His people need not dwell on the past as if God no longer could or would act on behalf of His people. Compare Phil 3:13,14. 43:19 "A new thing" – 42:9; Jer 16:14,15; 23:7,8; Rev 21:5. "Desert" – 30:25; 35:7; 41:18. 43:21 A reason (similar to the one in v 10) why God created Israel as a nation. When Israel at its best (as in David's time) fulfilled this purpose it produced the book of Psalms. Now in this age declaring the praise of God is one of the chief responsibilities of the Church (1 Pet 2:9). 43:22-24 On the whole, Israel was a failure both as a witness and declarer of God's
43:8 See 42:16,18,19. 43:9-13 God speaks here as if the earth were a courtroom and truth were on trial. Compare 41:1,21-23. The point of dispute is this question: Who has shown proof that He is the true God by foretelling the future and controlling events? Idolatrous nations are asked to bring forth their witness (v 9). God's witness was His people Israel (v 10,12). It was through them that God wanted the truth established, the truth that He alone is God and that there can be no other. In the same way Christ's people in this New Testament age are to be His witnesses (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8; 2:32; 4:20; 5:32; 13:31). 43:10,11 See 44:6,8; 45:5,6,18,21,22; 46:9. Since Jehovah the God of Israel is the one true God, those who worship other gods are not worshiping God at all (42:8). And those who hope for salvation from some other god will hope in vain, for Jehovah is the only salvation (compare Acts 4:12). 43:12 "Among you" – the most grievous sin of Israel, the one above all others that marred their witness to the true God, was idolatry (Deut 32:15-17). 43:13 See 14:27; Deut 32:39; Job 9:12;
939 ISAIAH 44:8
23 You have not brought me the sheep for your burnt offerings, nor have you honoured me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings,
Do not fear, O Jacob, my servant, and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground. I will pour my Spirit on your descendants,
or wearied you with incense. 24 You have bought me no sweet cane with money, nor have you satisfied me with the fat
and my blessing on your offspring; 4 And they will spring up among the grass, like willows by the water courses. 5 One will say, 'I am the LORD's,' and another will call himself by
of your sacrifices; but you have burdened me with your sins, you have wearied me with your evil deeds. 25 I, yes, I am the one who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and will not remember your sins.
the name of Jacob, and another will write on his hand,
'The LORD's', and name himself by the name of Israel.
6 "Thus says the LORD the King of Israel and his redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last,
26 "Remind me – let us argue the case together. State your position, so that you may be
vindicated. 27 Your first father sinned, and your teachers have transgressed
and besides me there is no God. 7 Then who is like me? Let him speak and declare it,
and set it out in order before me, from the time I appointed the ancient people. And let them tell them the things that
against me. 28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary, and give Jacob to the curse,
are coming, and will come. 8 Do not fear or be afraid. Have I not told you from that time
and Israel to insults.
and declared it ? You are my witnesses. Is there a God besides me? Indeed, there is no other God. I do not know any.
"Yet listen now, O Jacob my servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen. 2 Thus says the LORD who made you and formed you from the womb,
who will help you:
praise. They did not pray as they ought; their worship was half-hearted and displayed no love for God, no sense of the greatness and wonder of His calling them. In their history they either brought no offerings at all or sometimes brought their poorest things in an unacceptable way (1:11-17; 29:13; Amos 5:25,26; Mal 1:6-13). 43:24 "Burdened", "wearied" – oh, what a burden, what a weariness Israel's sins (and ours) have been to God (Jer 44:22). Compare 53:5; Gen 6:5,6; Eph 4:30; John 1:29. Men's sins may be a pleasure to them, but to God they are pain and grief. 43:25 "Blots out" – 40:2; 44:22; Jer 50:20. "My own sake" – God's love, God's glory are tied up with His people Israel. He cannot, will not let them be eternally destroyed because of their sins. They will yet completely fulfill v 21.
12:10-19; 20:1-6,9. See also Rom 3:9,23. "Spokesmen" – or mediators or representatives – the leaders of the people. 43:28 The truth of v 25 did not change God's mind about the necessity of chastising Israel for its sins. Forgiveness does not mean that the guilty will not have to endure some of the consequences of their sins. Note at Num 14:20-23. 44:1 Verse 21; 41:8,9. 44:2 See 41:10,13,14; 43:1,5. "Jeshurun" – a symbolic name for Israel. It means "Upright one." 44:3 "Water" – 30:25; 32:2; 35:6,7. "Spirit" – it seems there will be an outpouring of God's Spirit on Israel at the end of this age, at the time of the day of the Lord (32:15,16; Joel 2:28-3:2; Ezek 39:29; Zech 12:10-14). There was a partial fulfillment of this at Pentecost (Acts 2:1621). Any individual in this age may receive the fullness of God's Spirit by going to Christ in faith (John 7:37-39). 44:4,5 Here are some of the results in Israel of the outpouring of the Spirit. 44:6 "King", "redeemer" – 41:21; 43:1,15. "LORD of hosts" – note at 1 Sam 1:3. "Last" – 41:4; Rev 1:8,17; 2:8; 22:13. 44:7 See 41:22,23,26; 43:9. 44:8 "Witnesses" – 43:10,12.
"Not remember your sins" – Jer 31:34; Heb 10:17. 43:26 In vs 9-12 the world is like a courtroom for the nations. Here Israel is called to the courtroom, not as a witness but as a defendant. Compare 1:18. 43:27 Both the father of the human race (Adam), and the father of the nation Israel (Abraham – 51:2) were sinners. Adam – Gen 3:6; Rom 5:12; Abraham – Gen
ISAIAH 44:9 940
9 All of those who make a carved image are nothing, and their precious things will not profit; and they are their own witnesses. They do not see or know, to their shame. 10 Who has formed a god, or cast a carved image that is useful for nothing? 11 See, all his companions will be put to shame. The workmen are mere men. Let them all be gathered together,
and prostrates himself before it. 16 He burns part of it in the fire; with part of it he eats meat; he roasts meat, and is satisfied. Yes, he warms himself, and says, 'Ah, I am warm, I have seen the fire.' 17 And with the rest of it he makes a god, his carved image. He falls down before it and worships it
and prays to it, and says, 'Deliver me, for you are my god.' 18 They have not known or understood, for he has shut their eyes,
let them stand up; yet they will be afraid and together will
be put to shame. 12 The blacksmith works with the tongs in the coals, and shapes it with hammers and works
that they cannot see, and their hearts,
that they cannot understand. 19 And no one considers in his heart, nor is there knowledge or
it with the strength of his arms. Yes, he becomes hungry,
and his strength fails; he does not drink water and becomes faint. 13 The craftsman stretches out his measuring line; he sketches one with a marker; he shapes it with planes, marks it out
understanding to say, 'I have burned part of it in the fire, and I have baked bread on its coals. I have roasted meat and eaten it ; and will I make an abomination from
the rest of it? Will I fall prostrate before a block of wood?' 20 He feeds on ashes. A deceived heart has turned him aside,
with a compass, and makes it like the figure of a man,
according to the beauty of a man,
that it may remain in a house. 14 He cuts down cedars for himself, and takes the cypress or the oak, which he secures for himself among
so that he cannot rescue his soul, or say, 'Is this in my right hand not a lie?'
21 "Remember these things, O Jacob and Israel,
the trees of the forest. He plants a pine and the rain makes it grow. 15 Then it will be for a man to burn; for he will take part of it and warm himself. Yes, he burns it and bakes bread; then he makes a god and worships it. He makes a carved image from it,
for you are my servant. I have formed you; you are my servant. O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. 22 I have blotted out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and your sins like a cloud.
44:9-20 The folly of idolatry. See also 40:18-20. 44:9 "Nothing" – 37:19; Ps 115:3-8; 1 Cor 8:4. "They do not see or know" – many otherwise intelligent and educated men defend idolatry. This is God's estimate of such men. 44:10,11 The makers of idols and gods are men, so what they make cannot be God, cannot in a true way represent God – v 20. 44:12 A piece of metal, no matter how well a craftsman may shape it, cannot represent the true God. 44:13-20 A tree made by God cannot be made into God. 44:15 "Worships it" – vs 15,17,19. We must worship God Himself, not the things God has made or that man can make (see Rom 1:21-25; John 4:24). 44:17 "Deliver me" – can that which a person has made from a block of wood hear him? See Ps 135:17. Even if it could hear
him could it save him? See Isa 45:20; 46:7; 47:15. 44:18-20 No one who worships idols has any spiritual wisdom. They become like their idols (Ps 115:8; 135:18). 44:19 "Abomination" – see again that idolatry is detestable to the true God. 44:20 "Ashes" – the idolater is devoted to something that is the opposite of spiritually nourishing.
"Deceived heart" – Jer 17:9. "Lie" – 10:14; 51:17; Rom 1:25. An idol is a lie because it cannot do what its creators say it can do. Also because it completely misrepresents what the true God is like. 44:21 The people of Israel were to be a witness to the true God. It was absolutely essential that they understand and remember the above truth.
"Forgotten" – 49:15,16; Jer 31:20. 44:22 See 40:2; 43:25 – these verses seem to look forward to the cross of Christ. It was
941 ISAIAH 45:8
Return to me, for I have redeemed you."
grasped, to subdue nations before him (and I will loosen the armour of kings, to open the double doors before him;
23 Sing, O heavens! For the LORD has done it. Shout, you lower parts of the earth! Break out into singing, you mountains,
and the gates will not be shut): 2 I will go before you, and make the rough places level. I will break the gates of bronze in pieces, and cut the bars of iron in two. 3 And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD,
you forest and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob,
and glorified himself in Israel. 24 Thus says the LORD, your redeemer, the one who formed you from the womb: "I am the LORD who made all things,
who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, 25 Who frustrates the omens of the liars, and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men backward and
who call you by your name,
am the God of Israel. 4 For the sake of my servant Jacob and Israel my chosen, I have also called you by your name. I have named you, even though you
makes their knowledge foolishness, 26 Who confirms the word of his servant, and carries out the purpose of his
have not known me. 5 I am the LORD, and there is no other. There is no God besides me. I girded you with armour, even though
messengers, who says to Jerusalem, 'You will be inhabited'; and to the cities of Judah, 'You will be built; and I will raise up its ruined places'; 27 Who says to the deep, 'Be dry!' and 'I will dry up your rivers'; 28 who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd and will accomplish all my pleasure'; and saying to Jerusalem, 'You will be built'; and to the temple, 'Your foundation
you have not known me, 6 So that from the rising of the sun and from the west they may know that
there is no one besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.
7 "I form the light, and create darkness. I make peace, and create disaster. I the LORD do all these things. 8 Rain down, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open up, and let them
will be laid.'
"Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have
there alone that God did away with the sins of all His people and made forgiveness possible.
here gives predictions through Isaiah. By fulfilling them He showed Isaiah was a true prophet. These verses look beyond the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. 44:27 Ex 14:21,22; Jer 50:38; 51:36. 44:28 "Cyrus" – Ezra 1:1-4; 6:3-5. The return of Judah's exiles and the rebuilding of the temple meant that Jerusalem would be rebuilt and Judah occupied again.
"Redeemed" – note at Ps 78:35. 44:23 The forgiveness, the redemption of Israel brings great joy to God's heart. He wants all nature to share this joy. And it will. See 35:1,2; 49:13; 55:12,13; Rom 8:19-21; 11:12. "Glorified" – 4:2; 40:5; 46:13; 49:3; 55:5; 60:9,21; 61:3. 44:24 "Stretched out" – 40:22; 51:13. 44:25 "Liars" – false prophets or anyone who says he gets messages from God by other means than God has appointed. See Deut 13:1-4; 18:10-14,21,22; Jer 14:14. There will be many who like to think of themselves as prophets, and whom others regard as prophets, who are false. They may give signs that deceive many people (Matt 24:11,24). But God will show in His time and way who is true and who is false.
"Shepherd" – God used Cyrus to help His people return to their land. Cyrus, called God's servant and a shepherd, here seems, in this one regard, to be a picture or type of the Lord Jesus. Cyrus destroyed Babylon's power and restored Israel to its homeland. 45:1-7 A prophecy that God would enable Cyrus to conquer and plunder many lands, and cities. Through him God would bring disaster to some countries (such as Babylon), prosperity to others (Medes and Persians) – v 7. In doing this God had three purposes. He wanted Cyrus to know that the God of Israel was the one who was behind his victories (v 3); He wanted to raise up a helper for Israel (v 4); and He wanted men everywhere to know that He was the one true God (v 6). 45:8 "Righteousness" – v 13; 41:2. Cyrus
"Wise men" – note at 29:14. So much of what the world regards as wisdom is only ignorance in disguise. In good time God will fully reveal this also. 44:26-28 "Servant", "messengers" – the prophets of the Bible. God shows they are true prophets by fulfilling their words. God
ISAIAH 45:9 942
will come over to you,
bring out salvation, and let righteousness spring up with it. I the LORD have created it. 9 Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker! Let a piece of pottery quarrel with
and they will be yours. They will walk behind you. They will come over in chains, and they will fall down before you. They will plead with you, saying, 'Surely God is in you, and no one else;
earth's pieces of pottery. Will the clay say to the one who
forms it, 'What are you making?' Or your handiwork say,
there is no other God.'"
15 Truly you are a God who hides yourself, O God of Israel, the Saviour. 16 They will be put to shame and disgraced, all of them; those who are makers of idols will go away in disgrace together. 17 But Israel will be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation. You will not be put to shame or disgraced world without end. 18 For thus says the LORD who created the heavens, God himself who formed the earth and made it, who established it, who did not create it in vain, who formed it to be inhabited:
'He has no hands?' 10 Woe to him who says to his father, 'What have you begotten?' Or to the woman,
'What have you given birth to?'"
11 Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel and his Maker:
"Do you question me about things to come
concerning my sons? And will you command me concerning
the work of my hands? 12 I have made the earth, and created man on it. I, with my own hands,
"I am the LORD, and there is no other. 19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth. I did not say to the offspring of Jacob,
have stretched out the heavens, and I have given commands to all their
'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak righteousness; I declare things that are right. 20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you who have
starry host. 13 I have raised Cyrus up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways. He will build my city, and he will let
escaped from the nations. Those who set up the wood of their
my captives go, not for price or reward, says the LORD of hosts."
carved image, and pray to a god which cannot save,
14 Thus says the LORD: "The labour of Egypt, and merchandise
have no knowledge. 21 Speak and bring forward your case. Yes, let them take counsel together.
of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans,
men of stature,
was an instrument in God's hand to fulfill His righteous purposes toward Israel. Through Cyrus He released Israel from captivity in Babylon. 45:9-13 There are always men who will quarrel with God's ways. In those days some might have said, "Why should God use a godless nation like Babylon to punish Israel, and then use another godless nation like Persia to set Israel free?" Here is God's answer to man's impious and ignorant questioning. He is the maker of mankind and of Israel (vs 9,11). He is perfectly holy (v 11). He is the Creator of the starry universe (v 12). Obviously, He knows better than man (who is like a broken piece of pottery – v 9) what should be done and how to do it. See 29:16; Jer 18:5-9; Rom 9:20,21. 45:11 "And will you command me. . .?" – the KJV has "command ye me", but in the context (and in the light of the whole Bible) this meaning seems unlikely. Also the Hebrew verb here for "command" is not in
the form of the verb used to express a command (the imperative mood). It seems better to put this sentence (and the preceding one) in the form of a question. 45:13 "Cyrus" – in Hebrew "him." 45:14 See 11:14-16; 14:1,2; 49:23; 54:3; 60:11-14; Zech 14:16-19. 45:15 God is always at work in the earth fulfilling His purposes, but it is all obscure and mysterious to men (55:8,9; Ps 139:6; 145:3; Eccl 8:17; Rom 11:33). Especially He hides Himself from the sinful, disobedient and unbelieving – 1:15; 57:17; 59:2; Deut 31:17; Hos 5:6,7. 45:16 See 42:17; 44:9-11. 45:17 "Saved" – Jer 23:6; Rom 11:26. "Everlasting" – 54:8; Jer 33:16-26. 45:18 See 40:21,22; Ps 19:1-4. 45:19 God openly proclaimed His truth through His servants – 48:16; John 18:1921. Truth has nothing to hide. "I did not say. . .Seek me in vain" – Deut 4:29; 2 Chron 15:2; Jer 29:12-14. 45:20,21 "Nations" – 41:1,21,22; 43:9-13.
943 ISAIAH 46:10
Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has been declaring it from that time? Have not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides me. I am a just God and Saviour. There is no one besides me. 22 Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. 23 I have sworn by myself; this word has gone out of my mouth in
and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who are borne by me from birth,
who are carried from the womb: 4 Even to your old age, I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made you, and I will bear you; I will carry you, and will rescue you. 5 To whom will you liken me, and make me equal, and compare me,
so that we may be alike? 6 They pour gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance,
righteousness, and will not return: To me every knee will bow,
and hire a goldsmith; and he makes it into a god. They prostrate themselves,
by me every tongue will swear; 24 He will say, "surely they will say, 'In the LORD alone I have righteousness
yes, they worship. 7 They bear it on the shoulder; they carry it and set it in its place,
and strength. To him men will come; and all who have
raged against him will be ashamed. 25 In the LORD all the descendants of Israel will be justified,
and it stands. It will not move from its place; yes, someone will cry out to it,
but it cannot answer, or save him out of his trouble. 8 Remember this, and show yourselves men. Recall it to mind again,
and will glory.'"
"Bel bows down, Nebo stoops. Their idols are loaded on beasts,
and on cattle; your carriages are loaded heavily; they are a burden to the weary beast. 2 They stoop, they bow down together. They could not deliver the burden, but have gone into captivity themselves.
O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things, things of old. For I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is no one like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things
that are not yet done, saying,
3 "Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
would not be able to save them. 46:3 "Listen" – God speaks. "Carried" – as a father carries a small child. 46:4 They should not fear God would forsake them, that He would be as weak and useless as the gods of Babylon. 46:5-7 God is not like the gods made by men (40:18-20; 44:9-20). 46:7 "It will not move" – Ps 115:7. "It cannot answer" – 1 Kings 18:26; Ps 115:5. "Or save" – 44:17; 45:20. 46:8 "Transgressors" – or "rebels" – 1:2,20,23; 30:1; 57:4. Israel rebelled against God and ran after the gods of the nations around them. That is one reason why in chapters 40-46 God repeatedly condemns idolatry and declares the uselessness of gods. 46:9 "Former things" – God means things like His judgments on the gods of Egypt and His power displayed in the salvation of His people at that time (Ex 12:12; 14:13,14). "No other" – 43:10,11; Deut 4:35. 46:10 "Things that are not yet done" – 41:22; 42:9; 43:9,18; 48:3. "Stand" – it will stand toward Babylon (Jer 51:12,29), and in everything (Ps 33:11;
"Cannot save" – 44:17-19; Jer 2:28. 45:22 God will save Israel (vs 17,25). But His salvation is for all the nations of earth. Their gods and idols can't save them (v 20). Their only hope is in Jehovah the God of Israel, the only God there is. The words of verse 22 are more than an invitation, they are a prophecy (2:2-4; etc). 45:23 "Sworn" – Heb 6:13. A very solemn way of speaking which indicates the importance of what follows.
"Every knee will bow" – Rom 14:11; Phil 2:10,11. 45:24 Men will acknowledge that of all that they have called God the only one who is completely righteous and powerful is Jehovah. 45:25 "All" – Rom 11:26. "Will be justified" – they will be declared righteous in Christ (Jer 23:6; Acts 13:38,39; 1 Cor 1:30; Phil 3:9). "Glory" – Rom 5:1,2; Gal 6:14. 46:1 Bel and Nebo were gods of Babylon. "Bel" means "lord." This god was similar to the god Baal worshiped by the nations around Israel and sometimes by Israel itself. 46:2 Another way of saying that the Babylonians will go into captivity. Their gods
ISAIAH 46:11 944
My counsel will stand, and I will do
5 "Sit silently, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; for you will no longer be called,
all that I please, 11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man from a far country who
'The Lady of kingdoms.' 6 I was angry with my people. I have profaned my inheritance,
carries out my purpose. Yes, I have spoken it ; I will also cause it to happen. I have purposed it, I will also do it.
and given them into your hands. You showed them no mercy. On the elderly you have laid your very
12 "Listen to me, you stubborn in heart, who are far from righteousness. 13 I am bringing my righteousness near. It will not be far away, and my
heavy yoke. 7 And you said, 'I will be a lady forever' so that you did not lay these things
to your heart, or remember their coming end. 8 Therefore now hear this, you who are given to pleasures, who live carelessly,
salvation will not be delayed. And I will place salvation in Zion for
Israel my glory.
who say in your heart, 'I am, and there is no other besides me; I will not sit like a widow, nor will I know the loss of children.' 9 But these two things will come to you in a moment, in one day: the loss of children, and widowhood. They will fully come on you because
"Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground. There is no throne,
O daughter of the Chaldeans. For you will no longer be called tender
and delicate. 2 Take the millstones, and grind flour. Remove your veil; tie up the skirt; uncover the leg, cross the rivers. 3 Your nakedness will be uncovered; yes, your shame will be seen. I will take vengeance, and I will not
of your many sorceries and because of the great abundance
of your magic spells. 10 For you have trusted in your wickedness. You have said, 'No one sees me.' Your wisdom and your knowledge have
meet you as a man would. "
4 As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name,
perverted you, and you have said in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one else besides me.' 115:3; Dan 4:35; Eph 1:11; Heb 6:17). 46:11 This refers to Cyrus – 41:2; 45:1. He would come swiftly on Babylon and other lands to take plunder. 46:12 "Righteousness" – v 8; 1:4,15; 29:13; 64:6,7. 46:13 "Near" – 41:2; 45:8. "Israel my glory" – or possibly "my glory to Israel" – 35:2; 40:5; 44:23; 49:3. Probably looks forward to the defeat of Babylon, and the return of the Jews to Israel. 47:1-15 Other prophecies concerning Babylon at 13:1-14:23; 21:1-9; Jer 50:1 – 51:64. Here Babylon is pictured as a daughter of the human family. Because of Babylon's wickedness she will lose her kingdom (v 1), be put to shame (vs 2,3), no longer be queen (v 5), see her people destroyed (v 8), and be utterly disappointed in her sorcerers, astrologers and wise men (vs 10-15). 47:1 "In the dust" – 3:26; 29:4; Job 2:13. "Chaldeans" – Babylonians. 47:2 "Grind" – not the usual work for a queen! 47:3 Nah 3:5. She will be unable to defend herself.
the Holy One of Israel.
would take vengeance on Babylon. The reason for God's vengeance is clear from the rest of the chapter. God's vengeance is always righteous judgment. Note at Num 31:2. 47:4 "Redeemer" – note at Ps 78:35. "LORD of hosts" – note at 1 Sam 1:3. "Holy One of Israel" – note at 1:4. 47:5 Babylon was a beautiful and a powerful city. 47:6 "My people" – 42:23-25; 2 Chron 36:15-17. This verse speaks of a future event as if it had already happened. This is not uncommon in prophecy. Now God's anger would come on Israel's oppressors. Note at Jer 50:33,34. 47:7,8 Reveals the arrogance and ignorance of Babylon (Jer 50:31). Compare Ps 49:11. See Rev 18:7. 47:9 "In one day" – indicates the suddenness of Babylon's capture (v 11).
"Many sorceries" – v 12. Babylon was a center of idolatry, sorcery, and astrology in the ancient world. They learned that none of these could help when God rose in anger to punish them. 47:10 "No one sees me" – 29:15; Heb 4:13. "Wisdom" – Babylon was noted for its wise men, but their so-called wisdom contributed
"Vengeance" – 13:17-19. Shows how God
945 ISAIAH 48:11
and they went out of my mouth,
11 Therefore disaster will come on you. You will not know from where it rises. And calamity will fall on you. You will not be able to avert it; and desolation will come on you
and I declared them. Suddenly I acted, and they took place. 4 Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew,
suddenly, which you will not understand. 12 Stand now with your spells, and with your many sorceries, in which you have laboured from your youth. See if you will be able to profit,
and your brow bronze, 5 I declared it to you long ago. Before it happened I declared it to you,
so that you could not say, 'My idol has done them, and my carved
if you may succeed. 13 You are wearied by your many counsels. Now let the astrologers, the stargazers who make monthly
image and my cast metal image has
commanded them.' 6 You have heard; look at all this. And will you not declare it ? From this time I tell you new things, hidden things that you have not known. 7 They are created now, and not long ago; and before this day you have not heard
predictions, stand up and save you from
these things that will come on you. 14 See, they will be like stubble; the fire will burn them; they will not rescue themselves from
them, so that you cannot say, 'See, I knew them.' 8 You certainly did not hear; you certainly did not know; from that time your ear certainly was
the power of the flame. There will not be a coal to warm
oneself at, or a fire to sit before! 15 Those with whom you have laboured from your youth, your merchants,
not opened; for I knew that you would deal very
will be like this to you. Each one of them will wander to his quarter. No one will save you.
treacherously, and that you were called a transgressor
from the womb.
"Hear this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have come from the waters of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, and invoke the God of Israel, but not in truth or in righteousness. 2 For they call themselves after the holy city, and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of hosts is his name. 3 I have declared the former things long ago;
9 "For my name's sake I will delay my anger, and for my praise I will restrain it from you, so that I do not cut you off. 10 See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction. 11 For my own sake, yes, for my own sake, I will do it ; for why should my name be profaned? And I will not give my glory to another.
to their destruction. 47:12,13 Spoken ironically. There was no possibility that their sorcerers would bring success.
"Not in truth" – 29:13. Compare John 4:24. 48:2 "Holy city" – Jerusalem (52:1). 48:3-6 God can do what sorcerers and astrologers and idolaters cannot do. This is one of the leading themes of chapters 41-48 (41:21-29; 42:8,9; 43:9-13; 44:69; 45:19-21; 46:8-10; 47:13). 48:3 Ex 32:9; Jer 6:28; Ezek 3:7; Acts 7:51. 48:8 "Did not know" – 1:3; 6:9,10. 48:9 See 1 Sam 12:22; Ps 78:38; Isa 37:35. If God did not restrain His anger who would not be cut off? Notes on God's anger at Num 25:3; Ps 90:7-11; John 3:36; Rom 1:18. 48:10 Jer 9:7; Ezek 22:17-22; Ps 66:1012. Many of God's people through the centuries have been tested in this furnace (1 Pet 1:6,7; 4:1,12). 48:11 Verse 9. If God completely destroyed the nation Israel, if He did not continue to work in them to bring them back to Himself and make them what they ought to be, if He did not keep His promises toward them,
"Astrologers" – were common in Babylon (Dan 2:2,10). But they would fail as Babylon's crisis hour approached, as they always fail. For it is impossible to predict accurately the future of a people or an individual by the stars. Astrology is an ancient superstition without the slightest basis in reality. See note on Gen 25:24. 47:14,15 The sorcerers and astrologers would not be able to save either Babylon or themselves. For an account of their helplessness and ignorance on the very night of Babylon's capture see Daniel chapter 5. On astrology see notes at Gen 25:24; Dan 2:2. 48:1 Even when they ran after idols (v 5), even when their spiritual condition was as described in 1:2-17, they liked to continue with the forms of their religion.
ISAIAH 48:12 946
12 Listen to me, O Jacob and Israel, my called people; I am he; I am the first,
who leads you in the way that you should go.
18 "O that you had listened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves
I am also the last. 13 And my hand has laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand has spanned the heavens. When I call to them, they stand up together. 14 All of you, assemble yourselves and listen. Who among them has declared these things ? The LORD loves him; he will carry out
of the sea, 19 And your descendants would have been like the sand, and the offspring of your body like its grains; his name would not have been cut off
or destroyed from my presence."
20 Go out of Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans. With a voice of singing declare, tell this, send it out to the ends of the earth, saying, "The LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob."
his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm will be against the Chaldeans. 15 I, I myself, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I have brought him, and he will make
21 And they did not thirst when he led them through the deserts. He caused water to flow out of the rock
his way successful. 16 Come near to me; listen to this. From the first I have not spoken in secret. From the time that it happened,
for them. He also split the rock,
I am there. And now the Lord God, with his spirit,
and water gushed out. 22 "There is no peace", says the LORD, "for the wicked."
has sent me. 17 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the LORD your God who teaches
Listen to me, O islands, and pay attention, you peoples far away! The LORD called me from the womb;
you to your benefit,
His name would be dishonored. Compare Ex 32:9-14; etc. 48:12 "First. . .last" – 44:6. 48:13 "Heavens" – 40:21,22; 42:5; 51:13. "Together" – all creation obeys God. Only men together with Satan and his demons disobey. 48:14,15 "Who. . .has declared" – see note at vs 3-6.
48:20 God speaks to the remnant as though they were already in Babylon and as if Babylon were destroyed. He who knows the end from the beginning may (and does) speak so (46:10). This foretells Israel's release from captivity and the joy they would experience because of it. 48:21 A reminder of what God did once before in desert regions (Ex 17:6; Num 20:11; Deut 8:15; Ps 78:15,16). The reminder was to assure Israel of God's care and provision for them during the return from Babylon. See also 32:2; 35:6; 43:19; 49:10. Of course, there is spiritual truth here for believers now too as they journey through the desert of this world to the heavenly Mount Zion. 48:22 See 3:11; 57:20,21. The wicked in Israel would not share in the redemption and joy of v 20. How can there be peace for the wicked when God has set His face against all wickedness and will take vengeance on it? But even the wicked may have what seems to be peace – temporarily (Ps 73:3-12,1620; Rom 2:4-6). 49:1-7 In this section God tells the world that He chose the nation Israel for special purposes (v 2,3). They failed in these purposes (v 4) and went away from God (v 5). But One would rise out of Israel who would bring Israel back to God and be a source of salvation to the whole world (vs 5,6). This is the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. 49:1 "Listen" – 1:1; 41:1. "From the womb" – if an individual is meant it would be Jacob who here repre-
"These things" – probably refers to Cyrus' conquest of Babylon (41:2; 45:1-3,13).
"Chaldeans" – Babylonians (also v 20). 48:16 See 45:19. In the last words of the verse the speaker is probably Isaiah. He refers to his appointment and empowering as a prophet (6:9; 2 Pet 1:21). 48:17 "Redeemer" – Ps 78:35. "Holy One" – 1:4. "Who teaches" – notes at Ps 25:4,5. How great a teacher God is! How great the sinful, stubborn, and willful ignorance of people who cannot learn from so great a teacher! 48:18 "Peace. . .righteousness" – two words which sum up much of what God desires for His people (Rom 14:17). They result from obedience to God (Ps 119:9,165) just as restlessness and evil result from disobedience.
"Waves" – both rivers and waves move on without ceasing. 48:19 "Like the sand" – Gen 15:5; Deut 1:10. If Israel had been obedient they would have been far more numerous than they were. God's judgment had cut off many of them and was about to take away more.
947 ISAIAH 49:14
from the body of my mother he
princes also will worship, because of the LORD who is faithful,
made mention of my name. 2 And he has made my mouth like a sharp sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand, and made me a polished arrow. He has hidden me in his quiver, 3 And said to me, "You are my servant, O Israel; in you I will be glorified." 4 Then I said, "I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing, in vain. Yet surely justice for me is with the LORD, and my reward is with my God."
and the Holy One of Israel, and he will choose you." 8 Thus says the LORD, "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. And I will keep you, and give you as a
covenant for the people,
to restore the earth, to assign the desolate inheritances, 9 That you may say to the prisoners, 'Go out!' to those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves!' They will feed along the paths,
5 "And now the LORD who formed me from the womb to be his servant to
bring Jacob back to him says (even though Israel is not gathered, yet I will be honoured in the eyes of the
and their pastures will be in all the
high places. 10 They will not hunger or thirst, nor will the heat or sun strike them,
LORD, and my God will be my strength), 6 Yes, he says, 'It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to raise up
for he who has mercy on them will lead them, and will guide them by the springs of water. 11 And I will make a road of all my mountains, and my highways will be raised up. 12 See, these will come from afar, and, lo and behold, these from the north
the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel. I will also give you as a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation to the
ends of the earth.'"
and from the west, and these from the land of Sinim."
7 Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel,
13 Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! Break out into singing, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted his people, and will have mercy on his afflicted. 14 But Zion has said, sents the whole nation – Gen 25:21-26. However, birth here may mean the birth of the nation as in 44:1,2, and not the birth of an individual. 49:2 "Sword" – Israel was given the word of God, and its prophets spoke the word of God which is a sword (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12; Rev 2:12,16; 19:15).
to him whom man despises, to him whom the nation abhors, to a servant of rulers, "Kings will see and arise;
17:1,5). 49:6 "Jacob" – the Lord Jesus will do this (Zech 12:9-14; Rom 11:25-29; Rev 17:1-8). "The ends of the earth" – God's purposes of grace are both for Israel as a nation and for all the world (Luke 2:30-32; Acts 3:1921; Rom 15:8-10). 49:7 "Despises" – 53:3. The nation as a whole despised the only one who could turn them back to God (53:3; Matt 27:22; John 15:24; Acts 7:52). "Servant" – the Lord Jesus was a servant to all (Matt 20:28; Rom 15:8). The time is coming when all kings will bow the knee before Him (Ps 72:8-11). 49:8 "The day of salvation" – this looks forward to this New Testament age (2 Cor 6:2).
"Shadow" – this indicates protection. "Arrow" – Israel was an instrument of judgment in God's hand on wicked nations. 49:3 "Servant" – 41:8,9. The whole nation was to serve God on earth and do His will.
"In you I will be glorified" – the highest purpose for which God called Israel. God will fulfill this purpose. See also 43:21. The glory of His character and attributes and works will yet be displayed in that nation. 49:4 The nation admits their efforts to fulfill God's purposes came to nothing. But in hope they leave their future in God's hands. 49:5 "Servant" – note at 42:1-9. The future hope of Israel, the purposes for which God called them, will be fulfilled. Here an individual – the Messiah – comes into view who represents Israel and who will do what the nation failed to do.
"Covenant" – note at 42:6. "Earth" – 44:26. This looks to the end of this New Testament age. Because a prophecy is partly fulfilled now does not mean it is completely fulfilled now. 49:9 See 42:7; 61:1. 49:10 See 48:21; Ps 121:6; Rev 7:16. 49:11 See 11:16; 26:7; 35:8; 62:10. 49:12 See 11:11; 43:5,6; 60:4. "Sinim" – or "Syene." This indicates Aswan, located in the south of Egypt. 49:13 Note at 44:23; 54:7-10. 49:14 An example of the depression that
"Honoured. . .strength" – all the honor and strength of the Lord Jesus came from God the Father (John 5:19,30; 8:50,54;
ISAIAH 49:15 948
"The LORD has forsaken me,
22 Thus says the Lord God: "See, I will lift up my hand to the Gentiles, and set up my banner for the peoples; and they will bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters will be carried on
and my Lord has forgotten me."
15 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, so that she does not have compassion
on the son of her womb? Yes, they may forget, but I will not forget you. 16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Your walls are continually before me. 17 Your children will make haste; your destroyers and those who laid you
their shoulders. 23 And kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down to you with their
face toward the ground, and lick up the dust of your feet. And you will know that I am the LORD; for those who wait for me will not
waste will go away from you. 18 Lift up your eyes and look all around; all these assemble together and come to you. As I live, says the LORD, you will
be put to shame."
24 Will the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? 25 But thus says the LORD: "Even the captives of the mighty will
surely put them all on as an ornament, and fasten them on you, as a bride does. 19 For your waste and desolate places, and your destroyed land, will now be too small for the inhabitants, and those who swallowed you up will
be taken away, and the prey of the terrible will be rescued. For I will contend with him that
contends with you, and I will save your children. 26 And I will cause those who oppress you to eat their own flesh, and they will be drunk with their own
be far away. 20 The children whom you will have, after you have lost the others, will say again in your ears, 'This place is too small for me. Give me a place where I can live.' 21 Then you will say in your heart, 'Who has begotten these for me,
blood as with sweet wine. And all flesh will know that I, the LORD, am your Saviour and your Redeemer,
the mighty One of Jacob."
since I have lost my children, and been desolate, a captive, and going here and there? And who brought these up? See, I was left alone. As for these, where have they been ?'"
Thus says the LORD, "Where is the certificate of your mother's divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors have I sold you?
sometimes comes when God chastises His people (Ps 13:1; 44:24; Lam 5:22; Heb 12:12). 49:15,16 From this verse to the end of the chapter God speaks to the city of Jerusalem. How can we ever imagine that God will not fulfill His word to the nation of Israel? That the literal Zion is here meant is clear from the context (v 5,6,19,22). Of course the spiritual truth is applicable to all believers in every age.
v 22 where Zion's sons are distinguished from Gentiles. In 14:2; 43:6; 60:9 other nations are said to bring Israel back. 49:23 Jerusalem will become the beloved city, the favorite of the nations – 2:2-4.
"You will know" – v 26; 60:16; Ezek 12:20; 13:9; 36:38. "Not be put to shame" – 29:22; Rom 10:11. 49:25 God will restore the captives of Israel, and their plunder – 14:2; etc.
"Engraved you on the palms of my hands" – compare Ex 28:9-12. Who can blot out names engraved on the hands of God?
"Contend" – 51:22; Jer 50:34; Gen 12:3; Num 23:8,11; Zech 2:8. 49:26 God will make Israel's enemies as Israel's enemies made them (Lam 4:10).
"Before me" – compare Deut 11:12. 49:17,18 "Your children" – the exiles from Jerusalem shall return there.
"Jacob" – God's dealing with Israel, especially at the end of this age, will cause all mankind to know that He has not abandoned that nation and that city, but saved them. 50:1-3 In 49:15-26 God spoke to Zion as if that city were a mother. See too vs 17,18,20; 51:17,18. He spoke of her "sons" and "children." Now God speaks to the sons and children, the people of Israel. The words
"Ornament" – indicates the joy and pride Zion will feel at the return of her exiles. 49:19,20 This was not fulfilled when the exiles returned from Babylon. A comparatively small number returned then. See Ezra 2:64. 49:21,22 Jerusalem itself will be astonished at the number of her sons who return. That literal Jews are meant seems clear from