United Commentaries

Isa.41.1-7

The Lord here invited the nations to a trial where he would prove that he alone is God. They were defenseless as he declared that a king from the east (41:2) would crush Babylon, opening the way for Israel to return.

Isa.41.1

The nations coming together for a trial have to listen in silence to the presentation of God’s arguments.

Bring your strongest arguments: Literally let them find new strength, a play on 40:31.

God invited the nations to come . . . and speak, challenging them to refute his case.

Isa.41.2

This king from the east was Cyrus, the Persian king who conquered Babylon in 539 BC and permitted the Jews to return to their land and rebuild Jerusalem (538 BC; Ezra 1:1-4). Isaiah’s prophecies about Cyrus (see Isa 44:28–45:13; 48:14-15) encouraged Israel to look to the Lord as sovereign over all of human history, including the actions of great kings.

Who gives this man victory over many nations? As victorious as the conquering Cyrus was, he was still subject to the Lord.

Isa.41.4

each new generation from the beginning of time: God is sovereign over all things. From the beginning he has unfolded each stage of history according to his plan.

In the book of Revelation, Jesus identifies himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Rev 1:8, 17; 2:8; 21:6; 22:13).

I alone am he: The Lord alone is God (see also Isa 43:10, 13; 46:4; 48:12; Deut 32:39). Jesus used similar expressions for himself (see John 6:35; 8:12, 24; 9:5; 10:7, 9, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5).

Isa.41.5-7

This taunt against idolatry was a response to God’s raising up of Cyrus; the nations hope to find protection in their idols.

Isa.41.6

Be strong! The nations put their hope in things that have no strength, objects made by human craftsmen.

Isa.41.8-16

These two prophecies of salvation for God’s servant Israel (41:8-13, 14-16) prepare for the first of the suffering servant songs (see study note on 42:1-4).

Isa.41.8

The servant—here the nation of Israel—was God’s chosen one, whose calling was grounded in God’s purposes.

Abraham my friend: The phrase in Hebrew could mean Abraham who loves me or Abraham whom I love. See also Jas 2:23.

Isa.41.9

I have chosen you restates 41:8 to emphasize God’s commitment and faithfulness to his people Israel, who had not been faithful to him.

not throw you away: Because of the Exile, the people felt that God had rejected them (see 49:21; 54:6). However, God had good purposes for them.

Isa.41.10

I am with you: The promise of God’s presence (see 7:14) is central to the Bible. Because God is present, his people do not need to fear (see also 43:1-2, 5).

I am your God: The Lord used the language of the covenant to affirm that he is their God and that they are his people (see also Jer 7:23; 31:1, 33; Ezek 14:11; 36:28; 37:27; Zech 8:8).

hold you . . . my victorious right hand: The Lord used language reminiscent of the Exodus (cp. Exod 15:6) to encourage Israel (see also Isa 41:13; 63:12).

Isa.41.14

In exile, Israel was in a lowly state.

God is the Redeemer. He works mightily to rescue and restore people from sin and its consequences (for Israel, the Exile; for application to Jesus, see Luke 2:38; 21:28; Rom 3:24; 1 Cor 1:30; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:1-14; Titus 2:14; Heb 9:12).

Isa.41.16

When the grain is thrown into the wind, the chaff is blown away. Likewise, Israel’s enemies appeared to be strong but would easily be driven off.

Isa.41.18

rivers . . . fountains . . . pools of water . . . springs: These images would strike a responsive chord in an agrarian culture. They also suggest that rescue from the Exile would be a second exodus (cp. Exod 15:27; 17:6).

Isa.41.21-29

This trial scene develops the Lord’s case against idolatry. Idols are nothing but a human creation, whereas God is the Creator of all things. Idols cannot speak, act, accomplish anything, or save their worshipers.

Isa.41.21

the King of Israel: See 6:5; 43:15; 44:6.

Isa.41.25

I have stirred up a leader: The God who had planned the Exile through Babylon had already planned for Israel’s restoration from exile through Cyrus (see 41:2; see also 13:17).

Although Persia is located to the east, rough terrain required those traveling to Israel and Judah to enter from the north.

I will give him victory . . . He will trample them: As Babylon was sent to trample Assyria, so Persia would trample Babylon.

Isa.41.26

Idols and false gods could not predict the future.

Isa.41.27

The messenger with good news told of God’s coming to rescue his people (see 40:9).