Isaiah 43:1-28
Q.1. What was Israel’s relationship with the Lord? How extensive were His promises to His people? Why was Israel to be treated like this? Has any part of this promise been fulfilled? – (Isa.43:1-7)
God reminded His people that He formed them. He redeemed them, so therefore they belonged to Him – I have called you by name; so You are Mine (Isa.43:1). Because of their sins, God had chastened them. However, because they belonged to Him – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you (Isa.43:2). As His people – you are precious in My sight, Since you are honoured and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life (Isa.43:4). This He did – For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour (Isa.43:3). Unlike those nations who do not regard Him, Israel would be treated as His special possession. Because of Israel’s sin, they were to be removed from the land, but – 5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring 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 hold them back.’ Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth (Isa.43:5-6). This has been happening ever since Israel was constituted as a nation in May,1948. Here is one of the reasons why God chose Israel – Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made (Isa.43:7). This calling to be His witnesses to the nations is irrevocable – “You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me (Isa.43:10 c.f. Rom.11:29).
Q.2. How could God make these promises? How does that make Him unique? For what reason had God called Israel? What does fulfilled prophecy highlight about God? – (Isa.43:8-13)
Compared with God’s sovereign control, all of us are flawed and have no power over the future. God asked – … Who among them can declare this and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses that they may be justified, or let them hear, and say, “It is true.” (Isa.43:9). What He is doing, and will do to Israel, is proof of God’s wisdom and sovereign control – 11 “I, even I, am the Lord, and there is no Saviour besides Me. 12 “It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed … So you are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and I am God. 13 “Even from eternity I am He, and there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?” (Isa.43:11-13). Israel’s restoration from dispersion, is living proof that God can and does tell the end from the beginning.
Q.3. What would happen to Babylon? What unique thing would God do for the land and His people? What was Israel’s worship like? Does God respond as we would expect? – (Isa.43:14-28)
God reminded His people of His sovereign authority – I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King (Isa.43:15). Babylon, Judah’s destroyer will be destroyed – … They will lie down together and not rise again; They have been quenched and extinguished like a wick (Isa.43:17). Something utterly inconceivable will happen – I will do something new, now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert (Isa.43:19). This was unexpected because the land was going to be destroyed, and the nation scattered because of its sin. Judah’s worship was insincere, and a formality. – You have not brought to Me the sheep of your burnt offerings, nor have you honoured Me with your sacrifices … (Isa.43:23 c.f. Isa.43:22-24). All others would reject such unfaithfulness, but God made this appeal – Put Me in remembrance, let us argue our case together … (Isa.43:26). God proved that He is in a league of His own, when He declared to the nation – I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins (Isa.43:25). Without God’s heart of love for rebel sinners, we would have no hope. History shows that in the fullness of time, God sent His Son to be our Saviour.