Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:
Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
One shall say, I am the Lord’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel.
Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.
Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.
They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.
Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?
Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.
The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.
He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:
And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.
They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.
And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?
He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.
Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;
That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:
That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Isaiah 44 is a powerful chapter that contrasts the living God with lifeless idols. It reaffirms God's unwavering love for Israel and His sovereign plan for their future, while simultaneously exposing the absurdity of idolatry. This chapter offers profound insights into God's character, His relationship with His chosen people, and the spiritual dangers of worshipping false gods.
God's Promise and Israel's Future (Isaiah 44:1-5)
Even amidst messages of judgment, God's enduring plan for Israel shines brightly. He declares Israel as His servant, chosen and formed by Him (Isaiah 44:1-2). This isn't a fleeting relationship but a covenantal bond established by God's own initiative. The promise of pouring out His Spirit and blessing on their offspring (Isaiah 44:3) speaks to a future restoration and spiritual renewal. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's millennial kingdom, when Israel will be delivered from unbelief and wholeheartedly declare, "I am the LORD's" (Isaiah 44:5). This future hope serves as an anchor, reminding Israel (and us) that God's plans transcend present circumstances.
The Absurdity of Idolatry (Isaiah 44:6-20)
Isaiah launches into a compelling declaration of God's uniqueness, contrasting Him with the utter worthlessness of idols. God proclaims, "I am the first and...the last; besides me there is no god" (Isaiah 44:6). This sets the stage for a scathing critique of idolatry. Those who craft idols are "nothing" (Isaiah 44:9), their efforts futile and misguided.
Isaiah vividly describes the process of idol-making (Isaiah 44:12-17). A craftsman fells a tree, uses part of it for fuel and cooking, and then carves the remainder into a "god." The absurdity reaches its peak when the craftsman bows down to his own creation and prays, "Save me, for you are my god!" (Isaiah 44:17). Isaiah exposes the utter irrationality of worshipping something crafted by human hands. The idolater fails to ask the fundamental question: "Should I bow down to a block of wood?" (Isaiah 44:19).
This passage challenges the notion that pagan practices are simply innocent attempts by ignorant people to worship a higher power. Isaiah presents idolatry as a deliberate act of rebellion against God, a surrender to deception. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, noting that those who "suppress the truth" about God will believe anything and are "without excuse" (Romans 1:18-23). Idolatry, therefore, is not merely a misunderstanding but a conscious rejection of the one true God.
God's Redemption and Cyrus' Prophecy (Isaiah 44:21-28)
The contrast between the living God and lifeless idols is stark. Idols are blind, deaf, and mute, whereas the Lord "stretched out the heavens by myself" (Isaiah 44:24). Moreover, God possesses the power to prophesy and bring His plans to fruition.
Isaiah highlights God's sovereign control over history by prophesying the rise of Cyrus, a Persian king, more than a century before he appeared (Isaiah 44:28). Cyrus would conquer Babylon and facilitate the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem, enabling the rebuilding of the temple. This prophecy would have been an incredible source of comfort and hope for the exiles in Babylon. The fulfillment of this prophecy served as undeniable confirmation that God was faithful to His promises and that Jerusalem and its temple would indeed be restored (Isaiah 44:28). This demonstrates God's active involvement in human affairs and His unwavering commitment to His people.
Isaiah 44 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unique nature, His unwavering commitment to His people, and the folly of idolatry. It encourages us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are worshipping the one true God and not placing our trust in anything else. It is a call to embrace God's promises, trust in His sovereignty, and find hope in His redemptive plan.
Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:
Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
One shall say, I am the Lord’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel.
Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.
Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.
They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.
Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?
Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.
The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.
He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:
And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.
They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.
And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?
He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.
Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;
That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:
That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Isaiah 44 is a powerful chapter that contrasts the living God with lifeless idols. It reaffirms God's unwavering love for Israel and His sovereign plan for their future, while simultaneously exposing the absurdity of idolatry. This chapter offers profound insights into God's character, His relationship with His chosen people, and the spiritual dangers of worshipping false gods.
God's Promise and Israel's Future (Isaiah 44:1-5)
Even amidst messages of judgment, God's enduring plan for Israel shines brightly. He declares Israel as His servant, chosen and formed by Him (Isaiah 44:1-2). This isn't a fleeting relationship but a covenantal bond established by God's own initiative. The promise of pouring out His Spirit and blessing on their offspring (Isaiah 44:3) speaks to a future restoration and spiritual renewal. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's millennial kingdom, when Israel will be delivered from unbelief and wholeheartedly declare, "I am the LORD's" (Isaiah 44:5). This future hope serves as an anchor, reminding Israel (and us) that God's plans transcend present circumstances.
The Absurdity of Idolatry (Isaiah 44:6-20)
Isaiah launches into a compelling declaration of God's uniqueness, contrasting Him with the utter worthlessness of idols. God proclaims, "I am the first and...the last; besides me there is no god" (Isaiah 44:6). This sets the stage for a scathing critique of idolatry. Those who craft idols are "nothing" (Isaiah 44:9), their efforts futile and misguided.
Isaiah vividly describes the process of idol-making (Isaiah 44:12-17). A craftsman fells a tree, uses part of it for fuel and cooking, and then carves the remainder into a "god." The absurdity reaches its peak when the craftsman bows down to his own creation and prays, "Save me, for you are my god!" (Isaiah 44:17). Isaiah exposes the utter irrationality of worshipping something crafted by human hands. The idolater fails to ask the fundamental question: "Should I bow down to a block of wood?" (Isaiah 44:19).
This passage challenges the notion that pagan practices are simply innocent attempts by ignorant people to worship a higher power. Isaiah presents idolatry as a deliberate act of rebellion against God, a surrender to deception. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, noting that those who "suppress the truth" about God will believe anything and are "without excuse" (Romans 1:18-23). Idolatry, therefore, is not merely a misunderstanding but a conscious rejection of the one true God.
God's Redemption and Cyrus' Prophecy (Isaiah 44:21-28)
The contrast between the living God and lifeless idols is stark. Idols are blind, deaf, and mute, whereas the Lord "stretched out the heavens by myself" (Isaiah 44:24). Moreover, God possesses the power to prophesy and bring His plans to fruition.
Isaiah highlights God's sovereign control over history by prophesying the rise of Cyrus, a Persian king, more than a century before he appeared (Isaiah 44:28). Cyrus would conquer Babylon and facilitate the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem, enabling the rebuilding of the temple. This prophecy would have been an incredible source of comfort and hope for the exiles in Babylon. The fulfillment of this prophecy served as undeniable confirmation that God was faithful to His promises and that Jerusalem and its temple would indeed be restored (Isaiah 44:28). This demonstrates God's active involvement in human affairs and His unwavering commitment to His people.
Isaiah 44 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unique nature, His unwavering commitment to His people, and the folly of idolatry. It encourages us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are worshipping the one true God and not placing our trust in anything else. It is a call to embrace God's promises, trust in His sovereignty, and find hope in His redemptive plan.