God’s Forming of Israel

Topic: Prophecy
Passage: Isaiah 44:1–8

April 19, 2019

Commentary

In this chapter, Isaiah contrasts God’s forming of Israel (vv. 1-8) to the Gentiles forming of their gods (vv. 9-20). This chapter also contains one of the most amazing prophesies found anywhere in the Old Testament (v. 28). Cyrus, the king of Persia, is named as the coming deliverer of the Jewish people more than 140 years in advance. This prediction is paralleled only where Josiah is named three hundred years ahead of his time (I Kings 13:2).

Isaiah says that the Lord will revive Israel physically and spiritually (vv. 1-2). He will pour out water on the land, making it well watered and He will pour out His Holy Spirit on their descendants (v. 3). This outpouring of the Spirit will occur when the people have returned in belief to the land which is just after Christ’s second coming to establish the millennium (Joel 2:25-29). Redeemed Israel will prosper numerically like grass and willow trees (v. 4) and they will want to be known as righteous individuals (v. 5). The Lord reminds Israel that He is their one and only God (v. 6).

The Lord agrees in His uniqueness by challenging anyone to tell of the past and the future (v. 7). The question is asked as to who else can predict the future with this kind of accuracy that He can. He even calls on the people to be His witnesses to the fact that he can indeed predict in advance of their fulfillment (v. 8). Because He has redeemed them, they should have nothing to fear.

Application

There is a time coming when Israel will be proud of belonging to God (v. 5). I should be proud now to be one of His and be delighted to let everyone know about my relationship with Him.

Isaiah 44:1– 8 (NET)

1 “Now, listen, Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen!”

2 This is what the Lord, the one who made you, says— the one who formed you in the womb and helps you: “Don’t be afraid, my servant Jacob, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

3 For I will pour water on the parched ground and cause streams to flow on the dry land. I will pour my Spirit on your offspring and my blessing on your children.

4 They will sprout up like a tree in the grass, like poplars beside channels of water.

5 One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord,’ and another will use the name ‘Jacob.’ One will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and use the name ‘Israel.’”

6 This is what the Lord, Israel’s king, says, their Protector, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the first and I am the last, there is no God but me.

7 Who is like me? Let him make his claim! Let him announce it and explain it to me— since I established an ancient people — let them announce future events.

8 Don’t panic! Don’t be afraid! Did I not tell you beforehand and decree it? You are my witnesses! Is there any God but me? There is no other sheltering rock; I know of none.