Isaiah 44:1-28
Q.1. What astounding promises did God make for a future generation? What does this say about God? How did He explain the reversal of Israel’s fortunes? – (Isa.44:1-8)
Judgment was to fall on Judah because of their indifference towards God. However, to keep them from total despondency, God reminded them – 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). More than that, He painted a picture of a bright tomorrow, when the devastations He had prophesied will be no more (Isa.44:3-4). This was possible because God will renew His covenant with Israel, and – … I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants (Isa.44:3 c.f. Jer.31:31-34; Joel 2:28-29). This reminds us about God’s heart of grace toward sinners. It reveals that God keeps His Covenant with those whom He has chosen – 1 But now listen, 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, Do not fear, O Jacob My servant; And you Jeshurun (i.e. Upright one) whom I have chosen (Isa.44:1-2). It explains why Israel will one day be restored and - … belong to the Lord … whilst enjoying a name of honour (Isa.44:5). No other person or god could have either imagined or proclaimed Israel’s restoration, as God has done, because - Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me (Isa.44:6). The reason He has declared Israel’s change of fortunes, is because – … you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, or is there any other Rock? I know of none (Isa.44:8). His stern dealings with the nation, and its predicted rise, are a sign to the nations.
Q.2. Why are idols worthless? From where do they come? How are the resources to make them used? How was the stupidity of worshiping idols underscored? – (Isa.44:9-20)
God exposed the folly of holding graven images and wooden idols in reverence. He predicted that idolaters will all be shamed (Isa.44:9-11). He described the care with which the idolater crafted the image. The fact remained that the idols were made from created materials and fashioned with the use of fire (Isa.44:12-16). God mocked their trust in idols – … He falls down before it and worships; he also prays to it and says, ‘Deliver me, for you are my god’ … No one recalls, nor is there knowledge or understanding to say, ‘I have burned half of it in the fire and also have baked bread over its coals. I roast meat and eat it. Then I make the rest of it into an abomination, I fall down before a block of wood!’ (Isa.44:17 & 19). No such idol can either see or save even itself (Isa.44:18 & 20).
Q.3. On what basis will God’s people be restored? How will Jerusalem be repopulated? How does God treat His messengers? What will Cyrus do? – (Isa.44:21-28)
The Lord challenged His people to remember that He formed them and called them to be His servants. Though they had turned from Him – you will not be forgotten by Me (Isa.44:21). This will happen entirely by the grace of God, when – I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you (Isa.44:22). He called on Heaven and earth to break out into praise – … For the Lord has redeemed Jacob and in Israel He shows forth His glory (Isa.44:23). No one would have either expected or predicted this (Isa.44:25). The Lord, the Redeemer, and Creator of the universe is the One – Confirming the word of His servant and performing the purpose of His messengers. It is I who says of Jerusalem, She shall be inhabited!' And of the cities of Judah,they shall be built’ (Isa.44:26 c.f. 2 Pet.2:20-21). All true prophets and servants of God will then be vindicated. God also gave Isaiah the actual name of the foreign shepherd, whom He would raise up to restore Israel. This name was given long before the person was born. The name of King Cyrus was given almost one hundred years before he made the decree to open the way for Judah to return to the Promised Land (Isa.44:28; 45:1; 2 Chron.36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-2).