Isaiah 41:1-16
Q.1. What prophecy did the Lord give to the nations? To whom was God referring? How did God underscore that this person was commissioned by Him? – (Isa.41:1-7 c.f. Isa.44:28; 45:1-3)
Isaiah brought a prophecy of doom to the nations (Isa.41:1-3). The idols they had made would not deliver them from the nation of Babylon (Isa.41:5-7). In fact, Babylon’s conquest was not of its own making, but was planned by God – Who has performed and accomplished it, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord, am the first, and with the last. I am He (Isa.41:4).
Q.2. What people did God call His servants and friends? From where would these people come? What reversals did God prophesy? How would this come about? – (Isa.41:8-16)
Though Babylon was going to destroy the nations including the cities of Judah, God had very different plans for His people. Judah would be scattered. However, Isaiah foretold a future gathering of Israel – 8 “But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend, 9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth and called from its remotest parts and said to you, You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you (Isa.41:8-9). On account of their Covenant connection with Abraham, the friend of God, God would complete His plans for them, as for His servant. He would execute His judgment on the nation who has devoured her (Isa.41:11-12). They were to look to no one else to help them - 10 Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand … 13 For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you,Do not fear, I will help you.’ 14 Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you, declares the Lord, and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel (Isa.41:10, 13-14). After God chastened His people, they would again acknowledge Him – … you will rejoice in the Lord, you will glory in the Holy One of Israel (Isa.41:16).