Isaiah 41
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Ishmael executes his conspiracy against Gedaliah the governor and his companions, and attempts to carry away the Jews who were with him captives to the Ammonites, Jer 41:1-10; but Johanan recovers them, and purposes to flee into Egypt, Jer 41:11-18.
Open source ↗ADDITIONAL REASONS WHY THE JEWS SHOULD PLACE CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S PROMISES OF DELIVERING THEM; HE WILL RAISE UP A PRINCE AS THEIR DELIVERER, WHEREAS THE IDOLS COULD NOT DELIVER THE HEATHEN NATIONS FROM THAT PRINCE. (Isa. 41:1-29) (Zac 2:13). God is about to argue the case; therefore let the nations listen in reverential silence. Compare Gen 28:16-17, as to the spirit in which we ought to behave before God. before me--rather (turning), "towards me" [MAURER]. islands--including all regions beyond sea (Jer 25:22), maritime regions, not merely isles in the strict sense. renew . . . strength--Let them gather their strength for the argument; let them adduce their strongest arguments (compare Isa 1:18; Job 9:32). "Judgment" means here, to decide the point at issue between us.
Open source ↗Keep silence before me, O islands,.... The great controversy in the world after the coming of Christ, which is expressly spoken of in the preceding chapter, was, as Cocceius observes, whether he was a divine Person; this was first objected to by the Jews, and afterwards by many that bore the Christian name; some, in the times of the apostles, especially the Apostle John; and others in later ages; some affirmed that he was a mere man, as Ebion and Cerinthus; others that he was a created God, as Arius; and others a God by office, as Socinus and his followers; now these are called upon, wherever they were, whether on the continent, or in the isles of the sea; and especially all such places which were separated from Judea by the sea, or which they went to by sea, were called islands, perhaps the European nations and isles are more particularly intended; and now, as when the judge is on the bench, and the court is set, and a cause just going to be tried, silence is proclaimed; so here, Jehovah himself being on the throne, and a cause depending between him and men being about to be tried, they are commanded silence; see Zac 2:13, and let the people renew their strength; muster up all their force, collect the most powerful arguments they had, and produce their strong reasons in favour of their sentiments: let them come near, then let them speak; let them come into open court, and at the bar plead their cause, and speak out freely and fully all they have to say; and let them not pretend that they were deterred from speaking, and not suffered to make their defence, or were condemned without hearing: let us come near together in judgment: and fairly try the cause; the issue of which is put upon this single point that follows.
Open source ↗Summons to the contest: "Be silent to me, ye islands; and let the nations procure fresh strength: let them come near, then speak; we will enter into contest together." The words are addressed to the whole of the heathen world, and first of all to the inhabitants of the western islands and coasts. This was the expression commonly employed in the Old Testament to designate the continent of Europe, the solid ground of which is so deeply cut, and so broken up, by seas and lakes, that it looks as if it were about to resolve itself into nothing but islands and peninsulas. על החרישׁ is a pregnant expression for turning in silence towards a person; just as in Job 13:13 it is used with min, in the sense of forsaking a person in silence. That they may have no excuse if they are defeated, they are to put on fresh strength; just as in Isa 40:31 believers are spoken of as drawing fresh strength out of Jehovah's fulness. They are to draw near, then speak, i.e., to reply after hearing the evidence, for Jehovah desires to go through all the forms of a legal process with them in pro et contra. The mishpât is thought of here in a local sense, as a forum or tribunal. But if Jehovah is one party to the cause, who is the judge to pronounce the decision? The answer to this question is the same as at Isa 5:3. "The nations," says Rosenmller, "are called to judgment, not to the tribunal of God, but to that of reason." The deciding authority is reason, which cannot fail to recognise the facts, and the consequences to be deduced from them.
Open source ↗That particular instance of God's care for his people Israel in raising up Cyrus to be their deliverer is here insisted upon as a great proof both of his sovereignty above all idols and of his power to protect his people. Here is, I. A general challenge to the worshippers and admirers of idols to make good their pretensions, in competition with God and opposition to him, Isa 41:1. Is is renewed (Isa 41:21): Produce your cause. The court is set, summonses are sent to the islands that lay most remote, but not out of God's jurisdiction, for he is the Creator and possessor of the ends of the earth, to make their appearance and give their attendance. Silence (as usual) is proclaimed while the cause is in trying: "Keep silence before me, and judge nothing before the time"; while the cause is in trying between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan it becomes all people silently to expect the issue, not to object against God's proceedings, but to be confident that he will carry the day. The defenders of idolatry are called to say what they can in defence of it: "Let them renew their strength, in opposition to God, and see whether it be equal to the strength which those renew that wait upon him (Isa 40:31); let them try their utmost efforts, whether by force of arms or force of argument. Let them come near; they shall not complain that God's dread makes them afraid (Job 13:21), so that they cannot say what they have to say, in vindication and honour of their idols; no, let them speak freely: Let us come near together to judgment." Note. 1. The cause of God and his kingdom is not afraid of a fair trial; if the case be but fairly stated, it will be surely carried in favour of religion. 2. The enemies of God's church and his holy religion may safely be challenged to say and d…
Open source ↗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. 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.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
חָרַשׁ (chârash, H2790) — to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to… אִי (ʼîy, H339) — properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island לְאֹם (lᵉʼôm, H3816) — a community חָלַף (châlaph, H2498) — properly, to slide by, i.e. (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce… כֹּחַ (kôach, H3581) — vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means,… נָגַשׁ (nâgash, H5066) — to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a… דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose יַחַד (yachad, H3162) — properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly מִשְׁפָּט (mishpâṭ, H4941) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a…
Open source ↗עוּר (ʻûwr, H5782) — to wake (literally or figuratively) צֶדֶק (tsedeq, H6664) — the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity מִזְרָח (mizrâch, H4217) — sunrise, i.e. the east קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… רֶגֶל (regel, H7272) — a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) גּוֹי (gôwy, H1471) — a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… רָדָה (râdâh, H7287) — to tread down, i.e. subjugate; specifically, to crumble off מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king עָפָר (ʻâphâr, H6083) — dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud חֶרֶב (chereb, H2719) — drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or… נָדַף (nâdaph, H5086) — to shove asunder, i.e. disperse קַשׁ (qash, H7179) — straw (as dry)
Open source ↗רָדַף (râdaph, H7291) — to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively (of time) gone by) עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,… שָׁלוֹם (shâlôwm, H7965) — safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health,… אֹרַח (ʼôrach, H734) — a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) רֶגֶל (regel, H7272) — a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
Open source ↗פָּעַל (pâʻal, H6466) — to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… דּוֹר (dôwr, H1755) — properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God רִאשׁוֹן (riʼshôwn, H7223) — first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun) אַחֲרוֹן (ʼachărôwn, H314) — hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
Open source ↗אִי (ʼîy, H339) — properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… יָרֵא (yârêʼ, H3372) — to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten קָצָה (qâtsâh, H7098) — a termination אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) חָרַד (chârad, H2729) — to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety) קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose אָתָה (ʼâthâh, H857) — to arrive
Open source ↗עָזַר (ʻâzar, H5826) — to surround, i.e. protect or aid אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… רֵעַ (rêaʻ, H7453) — an associate (more or less close) אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively…
Open source ↗חָרָשׁ (chârâsh, H2796) — a fabricator or any material חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… צָרַף (tsâraph, H6884) — to fuse (metal), i.e. refine (literally or figuratively) חָלַק (châlaq, H2505) — to be smooth (figuratively); by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots) to… פַּטִּישׁ (paṭṭîysh, H6360) — a hammer הָלַם (hâlam, H1986) — to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband פַּעַם (paʻam, H6471) — a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow) אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) טוֹב (ṭôwb, H2896) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the… דֶּבֶק (debeq, H1694) — a joint; by implication, solder מַסְמֵר (maçmêr, H4548) — a peg (as bristling from the surface) מוֹט (môwṭ, H4131) — to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall
Open source ↗יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant יַעֲקֹב (Yaʻăqôb, H3290) — Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch בָּחַר (bâchar, H977) — properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select זֶרַע (zeraʻ, H2233) — seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity אַבְרָהָם (ʼAbrâhâm, H85) — Abraham, the later name of Abram אָהַב (ʼâhab, H157) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
Open source ↗חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… קָצָה (qâtsâh, H7098) — a termination אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… אָצִיל (ʼâtsîyl, H678) — an extremity (Isaiah 41:9), also a noble אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant בָּחַר (bâchar, H977) — properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select מָאַס (mâʼaç, H3988) — to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
Open source ↗יָרֵא (yârêʼ, H3372) — to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten שָׁעָה (shâʻâh, H8159) — to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider,… אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… אָמַץ (ʼâmats, H553) — to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage) עָזַר (ʻâzar, H5826) — to surround, i.e. protect or aid תָּמַךְ (tâmak, H8551) — to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close יָמִין (yâmîyn, H3225) — the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more… צֶדֶק (tsedeq, H6664) — the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
Open source ↗חָרָה (chârâh, H2734) — to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy בּוּשׁ (bûwsh, H954) — properly, to pale, i.e. by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be… כָּלַם (kâlam, H3637) — properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult אֱנוֹשׁ (ʼĕnôwsh, H582) — a man in general (singly or collectively) רִיב (rîyb, H7379) — a contest (personal or legal) אָבַד (ʼâbad, H6) — properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
Open source ↗בָּקַשׁ (bâqash, H1245) — to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to… מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or… אֱנוֹשׁ (ʼĕnôwsh, H582) — a man in general (singly or collectively) מַצּוּת (matstsûwth, H4695) — a quarrel מִלְחָמָה (milchâmâh, H4421) — a battle (i.e. the engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare) אֶפֶס (ʼepheç, H657) — cessation, i.e. an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the…
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… יָמִין (yâmîyn, H3225) — the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יָרֵא (yârêʼ, H3372) — to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten עָזַר (ʻâzar, H5826) — to surround, i.e. protect or aid
Open source ↗יָרֵא (yârêʼ, H3372) — to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten תּוֹלָע (tôwlâʻ, H8438) — the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the colorfrom it, and cloths dyed… יַעֲקֹב (Yaʻăqôb, H3290) — Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch מַת (math, H4962) — properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural) יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity עָזַר (ʻâzar, H5826) — to surround, i.e. protect or aid נְאֻם (nᵉʼum, H5002) — an oracle יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God גָּאַל (gâʼal, H1350) — to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow,… קָדוֹשׁ (qâdôwsh, H6918) — sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.
But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.
Be silent before the LORD, all people, for He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling.”
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”
Come near, O nations, to listen; pay attention, O peoples. Let the earth hear, and all that fills it, the world and all that springs from it.
Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
Come near to Me and listen to this: From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time it happened, I was there.” And now the Lord GOD has sent me, accompanied by His Spirit.
The One who vindicates Me is near. Who will dare to contend with Me? Let us confront each other! Who has a case against Me? Let him approach Me!
Listen to Me, O islands; pay attention, O distant peoples: The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me.