1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.
2 When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
3 For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
5 Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
7 [Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
8 Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.
9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, [It is] truth.
10 Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I [am] he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11 I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour.
12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when [there was] no strange [god] among you: therefore ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I [am] God.
13 Yea, before the day [was] I [am] he; and [there is] none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry [is] in the ships.
15 I [am] the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
16 Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;
17 Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.
18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.
20 The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.
21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.
22 But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.
23 Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.
24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.
25 I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.
27 Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me.
28 Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 43
Isaiah Chapter 43 is a powerful proclamation of God’s promise of redemption and restoration for Israel. This chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty, His unique relationship with His people, and the assurance of His presence and protection. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the hope He offers to those who trust in Him.
Key Themes
- Divine Redemption: God declares that He has redeemed Israel, emphasizing the personal nature of His relationship with His people.
- God’s Sovereignty: The chapter affirms God’s authority over creation and His ability to deliver His people from any circumstance.
- Assurance of Presence: God promises to be with His people in times of trouble, providing comfort and protection.
- Call to Witness: Israel is called to bear witness to God’s greatness and to declare His works to the nations.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-4: God’s Declaration of Redemption
In these opening verses, God addresses Israel directly, reminding them that they are His chosen people. The language used is intimate and personal, indicating a deep relationship between God and Israel.
- Identity and Assurance: God reassures Israel of their identity as His own, stating, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you.” This establishes a foundation of trust.
- Protection in Adversity: The imagery of passing through waters and fire symbolizes trials and tribulations. God promises His presence in these challenges, indicating that they will not be overwhelmed.
- Value of His People: God expresses His love for Israel by stating that they are precious in His sight, highlighting their significance in His plan.
Verses 5-7: Assurance of Presence
These verses further emphasize God’s commitment to His people, assuring them that He will gather them from the ends of the earth.
- Gathering of the Exiles: God promises to bring back those who are scattered, symbolizing hope for restoration.
- Universal Call: The mention of “everyone who is called by my name” indicates that God’s invitation to redemption extends beyond Israel, suggesting a broader scope of salvation.
Verses 8-13: Witness to the Nations
God challenges Israel to act as witnesses to His greatness, emphasizing their role in proclaiming His power to the nations.
- Blindness and Deafness: The metaphor of blindness and deafness serves to highlight the spiritual condition of the nations, contrasting it with Israel’s knowledge of God.
- God’s Uniqueness: God asserts that there is no other savior besides Him, reinforcing His singular authority and power.
Verses 14-21: Promise of New Things
In this section, God speaks of a new thing He will do, which signifies a transformative act of redemption and renewal.
- Deliverance from Babylon: The reference to Babylon indicates a specific historical context, where God promises deliverance from captivity.
- Creation of a New Path: The imagery of making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert symbolizes God’s ability to create new opportunities and provide sustenance in barren places.
- Response of Creation: The mention of wild animals and the environment responding to God’s actions illustrates the comprehensive impact of His redemptive work.
Verses 22-28: Israel’s Unfaithfulness and God’s Mercy
The chapter concludes with a reflection on Israel’s shortcomings and God’s continued mercy.
- Call to Repentance: God points out Israel’s failure to honor Him, highlighting the need for repentance and acknowledgment of their sins.
- God’s Forgiveness: Despite their unfaithfulness, God promises to forgive and not remember their sins, showcasing His grace and mercy.
- Judgment and Restoration: The chapter ends with a reminder of God’s justice, indicating that while there are consequences for sin, there is also hope for restoration.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 43 encapsulates the essence of God’s relationship with His people, emphasizing themes of redemption, presence, and witness. It serves as a profound reminder of God’s faithfulness and the hope He offers, encouraging believers to trust in His promises and proclaim His greatness to the world.
