Isa 41:8-10 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Isa 41:8-16: 41:8-16 These two prophecies of salvation for God’s servant Israel (41:8-13 , 14-16 ) prepare for the first of the suffering servant songs (see study note on 42:1-4). 41:8 The servant—here the nation of Israel—was God’s chosen one , whose calling was grounded in God’s purposes. • Abraham my friend: The phrase in Hebrew could mean Abraham who loves me or Abraham whom I love. See also Jas 2:23 .

Summary for Isa 41:8-16: 41:8-16 ^a These two prophecies of salvation for God’s servant Israel (41:8-13 ^b, 14-16 ^c) prepare for the first of the suffering servant songs (see study note on 42:1-4). 41:8 ^d The servant—here the nation of Israel—was God’s chosen one, whose calling was grounded in God’s purposes.

• Abraham my friend: The phrase in Hebrew could mean Abraham who loves me or Abraham whom I love. See also Jas 2:23 ^e.
41:9 ^f I have chosen you restates 41:8 ^g to emphasize God’s commitment and faithfulness to his people Israel, who had not been faithful to him.

• not throw you away: Because of the Exile, the people felt that God had rejected them (see 49:21 ^h; 54:6 ⁱ). However, God had good purposes for them.
41:10 ^j I am with you: The promise of God’s presence (see 7:14 ^k) is central to the Bible. Because God is present, his people do not need to fear (see also 43:1-2 ^l, 5 ^m).

• I am your God: The Lord used the language of the covenant to affirm that he is their God and that they are his people (see also Jer 7:23 ⁿ; 31:1 ^o, 33 ^p; Ezek 14:11 ^q; 36:28 ^r; 37:27 ^s; Zech 8:8 ^t).

• hold you ... my victorious right hand: The Lord used language reminiscent of the Exodus (cp. Exod 15:6 ^u) to encourage Israel (see also Isa 41:13 ^v; 63:12 ^w).