Isaiah 44
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Jeremiah reproves the Jews in Egypt for continuing in idolatry after the exemplary judgments indicted by God on their nation for that sin, Jer 44:1-14; and, upon their refusing to reform, denounces destruction to them, and to that kingdom wherein they sought protection, vv. 15-30.
Open source ↗CONTINUATION OF THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER. (Isa. 44:1-28) Yet--Though thou hast sinned, yet hear God's gracious promise as to thy deliverance. chosen-- (Isa 41:8).
Open source ↗Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant,.... These words are directed to a remnant according to the election of grace among the Jews, about the time when their princes should be profaned, and the body of the people should be given to curse and reproaches; and who are distinguished from them by the title of the Lord's "servants": who, being called by grace, were made willing to serve him in righteousness and holiness, either by preaching his Gospel, and so had the title of the servants of the most high God, which show unto men the way of salvation; or by observing his commands and ordinances, and walking agreeably to his will, serving him acceptably with reverence and godly fear; as they are also, in the next clause, distinguished from the rest by their being "chosen" of God: and these, having ears to hear, are called upon to hearken to what the Lord had to say unto them; for, notwithstanding the sorrowful things delivered out in the latter part of the preceding chapter, threatening destruction to the nation of the Jews; yet he had some comfortable things to say to this remnant, and therefore would now have them hear them, and attend unto them for their use and comfort: and Israel whom I have chosen; an Israel out of Israel; a seed the Lord had reserved for himself, whom he had chosen in Christ before the world was; to be holy and happy, to grace here and glory hereafter, to believe in him, and profess his name, and to serve him in their day and generation, either in a more public, or in a more private way; chosen vessels they were to bear his name, and show forth his praise. What they were to hear and hearken to is as follows,
Open source ↗The prophet cannot bear to dwell any longer upon this dark picture of their state of punishment; and light of the promise breaks through again, and in this third field of the fourth prophecy in all the more intensive form. "And now hear, O Jacob my servant, and Israel whom I have chosen. Thus saith Jehovah, thy Creator, and thy Former from the womb, who cometh to thy help; Fear not, my servant Jacob; and Jeshurun, whom I have chosen! For I will pour out water upon thirsty ones, and brooks upon the dry ground; will pour out my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine after-growth; and they shoot up among the grass, as willows by flowing waters." In contrast with the cheerem, i.e., the setting apart for destruction, there is here presented the promise of the pouring out of the Spirit and of blessing; and in contrast with the giddūphı̄m, the promise of general eagerness to come and honour Israel and its God (Isa 44:5). The epithets by which Jehovah designates Himself, and those applied to Israel in Isa 44:1, Isa 44:2, make the claim to love all the more urgent and emphatic. The accent which connects מבּטן ויצרך, so as to make יעזרך by itself an attributive clause like בו בּחרתּי, is confirmed by Isa 44:24 and Isa 49:5 : Israel as a nation and all the individuals within it are, as the chosen servant of Jehovah (Isa 49:1), the direct formation of Jehovah Himself from the remotest point of their history. In Isa 44:26, Jeshurun is used interchangeably with Jacob. This word occurs in three other passages (viz., Deu 32:15; Deu 33:5, Deu 33:26), and is always written with kibbutz, just as it is here. The rendering ̓Ισραελίσκος in Gr. Ven. is founded upon the supposition that the word is equivalent to ישׂרלוּן - a strange contraction, which is inadmissible, if only on ac…
Open source ↗Two great truths are abundantly made out in these verses: - I. That the people of God are a happy people, especially upon account of the covenant that is between them and God. The people of Israel were so as a figure of the gospel Israel. Three things complete their happiness: - 1. The covenant-relations wherein they stand to God, Isa 44:1, Isa 44:2. Israel is here called Jeshurun - the upright one; for those only, like Nathanael, are Israelites indeed, in whom is no guile, and those only shall have the everlasting benefit of these promises. Jacob and Israel had been represented, in the close of the foregoing chapter, as very provoking and obnoxious to God's wrath, and already given to the curse and to reproaches; but, as if God's bowels yearned towards him and his repentings were kindled together, mercy steps in with a non-obstante - notwithstanding, to all these quarrels: "Yet now, hear, O Jacob my servant! thou and I will be friends again for all this." God had said (Isa 43:25), I am he that blotteth out thy transgression, which is the only thing that creates this distance; and when that is taken away the streams of mercy run again in their former channel. The pardon of sin is the inlet of all the other blessings of the covenant. So and so I will do for them, says God (Heb 8:12), for I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. Therefore hear, O Jacob! hear these comfortable words; therefore fear not, O Jacob! fear not thy troubles, for by the pardon of sin the property of them too is altered. Now the relations wherein they stand to him are very encouraging. (1.) They are his servants; and those that serve him he will own and stand by and see that they be not wronged. (2.) They are his chosen, and he will abide by his choice; he knows those that are his, and those wh…
Open source ↗44:1-5 The promise of salvation extended the usefulness of sinful Israel to another generation (44:3). The past was bleak (see 43:22-28), but the future would be a glorious new era transformed by the Spirit.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… יַעֲקֹב (Yaʻăqôb, H3290) — Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity בָּחַר (bâchar, H977) — properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application יָצַר (yâtsar, H3335) — to mould into a form; especially as apotter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a… בֶּטֶן (beṭen, H990) — the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything עָזַר (ʻâzar, H5826) — to surround, i.e. protect or aid יָרֵא (yârêʼ, H3372) — to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten יַעֲקֹב (Yaʻăqôb, H3290) — Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant יְשֻׁרוּן (Yᵉshurûwn, H3484) — Jeshurun, a symbolic name for Israel בָּחַר (bâchar, H977) — properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select
Open source ↗יָצַק (yâtsaq, H3332) — properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as… מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ, H6771) — thirsty (literally or figuratively) נָזַל (nâzal, H5140) — to drip, or shed by trickling יַבָּשָׁה (yabbâshâh, H3004) — dry ground רוּחַ (rûwach, H7307) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively,… זֶרַע (zeraʻ, H2233) — seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity בְּרָכָה (Bᵉrâkâh, H1293) — benediction; by implication prosperity צֶאֱצָא (tseʼĕtsâʼ, H6631) — issue, i.e. produce, children
Open source ↗צָמַח (tsâmach, H6779) — to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative) בֵּין (bêyn, H996) — between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction,… חָצִיר (châtsîyr, H2682) — grass; also a leek (collectively) עָרָב (ʻârâb, H6155) — a willow (from the use of osiers as wattles) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen יָבָל (yâbâl, H2988) — a stream
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority,… יַעֲקֹב (Yaʻăqôb, H3290) — Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch כָּתַב (kâthab, H3789) — to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe) יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), כָּנָה (kânâh, H3655) — to address by an additional name; hence, to eulogize יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity גָּאַל (gâʼal, H1350) — to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow,… צָבָא (tsâbâʼ, H6635) — a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army);… 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 בִּלְעֲדֵי (bilʻădêy, H1107) — except, without, besides אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with…
Open source ↗קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… עָרַךְ (ʻârak, H6186) — to set in a row, i.e. arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications) שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… עוֹלָם (ʻôwlâm, H5769) — properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… אָתָה (ʼâthâh, H857) — to arrive בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Open source ↗פָּחַד (pâchad, H6342) — to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general רָהָה (râhâh, H7297) — to fear שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… אָז (ʼâz, H227) — at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… עֵד (ʻêd, H5707) — concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. prince יֵשׁ (yêsh, H3426) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection) אֱלוֹהַּ (ʼĕlôwahh, H433) — a deity or the Deity בִּלְעֲדֵי (bilʻădêy, H1107) — except, without, besides צוּר (tsûwr, H6697) — properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder;… יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,…
Open source ↗יָצַר (yâtsar, H3335) — to mould into a form; especially as apotter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a… פֶּסֶל (peçel, H6459) — an idol תֹּהוּ (tôhûw, H8414) — a desolation (of surface), i.e. desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in… חָמַד (châmad, H2530) — to delight in יַעַל (yaʻal, H3276) — properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively;… עֵד (ʻêd, H5707) — concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. prince רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… בּוּשׁ (bûwsh, H954) — properly, to pale, i.e. by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be…
Open source ↗יָצַר (yâtsar, H3335) — to mould into a form; especially as apotter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a… אֵל (ʼêl, H410) — strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity) נָסַךְ (nâçak, H5258) — to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint aking פֶּסֶל (peçel, H6459) — an idol יַעַל (yaʻal, H3276) — properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively;… בִּלְתִּי (biltîy, H1115) — properly, a failure of, i.e. (used only as a negative particle, usually with a…
Open source ↗חָבֵר (châbêr, H2270) — an associate בּוּשׁ (bûwsh, H954) — properly, to pale, i.e. by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be… חָרָשׁ (chârâsh, H2796) — a fabricator or any material אָדָם (ʼâdâm, H120) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.) קָבַץ (qâbats, H6908) — to grasp, i.e. collect עָמַד (ʻâmad, H5975) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) פָּחַד (pâchad, H6342) — to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general יַחַד (yachad, H3162) — properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly
Open source ↗בַּרְזֶל (barzel, H1270) — iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement חָרָשׁ (chârâsh, H2796) — a fabricator or any material מַעֲצָד (maʻătsâd, H4621) — an axe פָּעַל (pâʻal, H6466) — to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise פֶּחָם (pechâm, H6352) — a coal, whether charred or live יָצַר (yâtsar, H3335) — to mould into a form; especially as apotter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a… מַקָּבָה (maqqâbâh, H4717) — properly, a perforatrix, i.e. a hammer (as piercing) כֹּחַ (kôach, H3581) — vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means,… זְרוֹעַ (zᵉrôwaʻ, H2220) — the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force רָעֵב (râʻêb, H7457) — hungry (more or less intensely) אַיִן (ʼayin, H369) — a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle שָׁתָה (shâthâh, H8354) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen יָעַף (yâʻaph, H3286) — to tire (as if from wearisome flight)
Open source ↗חָרָשׁ (chârâsh, H2796) — a fabricator or any material עֵץ (ʻêts, H6086) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks) נָטָה (nâṭâh, H5186) — to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used… קַו (qav, H6957) — a cord (as connecting), especially formeasuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a… תָּאַר (tâʼar, H8388) — to delineate; reflex. to extend שֶׂרֶד (sered, H8279) — a (carpenter's) scribing-awl (for pricking or scratching measurements) עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application מַקְצֻעָה (maqtsuʻâh, H4741) — a scraper, i.e. a carving chisel מְחוּגָה (mᵉchûwgâh, H4230) — an instrument for marking a circle, i.e. compasses תַּבְנִית (tabnîyth, H8403) — structure; by implication, a model, resemblance אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… תִּפְאָרָה (tiphʼârâh, H8597) — ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively) אָדָם (ʼâdâm, H120) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.) יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to…
Open source ↗כָּרַת (kârath, H3772) — to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to… אֶרֶז (ʼerez, H730) — a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots) לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) תִּרְזָה (tirzâh, H8645) — a species of tree (apparently from its slenderness), perhaps the cypress אַלּוֹן (ʼallôwn, H437) — {an oak or other strong tree} אָמַץ (ʼâmats, H553) — to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage) עֵץ (ʻêts, H6086) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks) יַעַר (yaʻar, H3293) — a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees) נָטַע (nâṭaʻ, H5193) — properly, to strike in, i.e. fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively) אֹרֶן (ʼôren, H766) — the ash tree (from its toughness) גֶּשֶׁם (geshem, H1653) — a shower גָּדַל (gâdal, H1431) — to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor,…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend—
As for you, O Jacob My servant, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, and do not be dismayed, O Israel. For I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return to quiet and ease, with no one to make him afraid.
A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited.
O offspring of His servant Abraham, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones.
I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
Now this is what the LORD says— He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!
Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant— My loving devotion promised to David.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
Who among you will pay attention to this? Who will listen and obey hereafter?