The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 44:6-20
A FURTHER CONTRAST OF GOD WITH IDOLS . The captive Jews, dwelling scattered in a land the inhabitants of which were, one and all, idolaters, and having by hereditary taint an inclination to idolatry, would be easily tempted, during the long and weary period of the Captivity, to put away the worship and even the thought of Jehovah, who had allowed their subjugation, and conform to the religion of their conquerors. Hence the repeated contrasts in these later chapters—specially... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 44:6
The Lord the King of Israel . Therefore entitled to Israel's allegiance (comp. Isaiah 43:15 ). And his Redeemer; i.e. Israel's Redeemer—he who had redeemed them from Egyptian bondage—who will redeem them from the power of Babylon—who, best of all, will redeem them from their sins. The First … the Last (comp. Isaiah 41:4 , with the comment). Beside me there is no God . This had been distinctly asserted in the Law ( Deuteronomy 4:35 , Deuteronomy 4:39 ; Deuteronomy 32:39 ); but... read more