Isaiah 41:8-16
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).
41:14 x In exile, Israel was in a lowly state.
• God is the Redeemer. He works mightily to rescue and restore people from sin and its consequences (for Israel, the Exile; for application to Jesus, see Luke 2:38 y; 21:28 z; Rom 3:24 aa; 1 Cor 1:30 ab; Gal 4:5 ac; Eph 1:1-14 ad; Titus 2:14 ae; Heb 9:12 af).
41:16 ag When the grain is thrown into the wind, the chaff is blown away. Likewise, Israel’s enemies appeared to be strong but would easily be driven off.
Copyright information for
TNotes