saith the LORD. See note on Isaiah 1:11 . strong = strong (for weight or importance). Hebrew. azam Not same word as in verses: Isaiah 41:1 , Isaiah 41:10 . Hebrew. 'amaz. the King of Jacob. This title occurs only here. Heathen kings were the gods of their people. So Jehovah, the King of Jacob, was the God of Israel. read more
"Produce your cause, saith Jehovah, bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and declare unto us what shall happen: declare ye the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or show us things to come. Declare the things that are to come to pass hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil that we may be dismayed, and behold it together. Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work is... read more
Isaiah 41:21. Produce your cause— The prophet here returns to that part whence he had digressed, and makes a similar address to that in the first verse, to which we refer. read more
21. A new challenge to the idolaters (see Isaiah 41:1; Isaiah 41:7) to say, can their idols predict future events as Jehovah can (Isaiah 41:22-25, &c.)? your strong reasons—the reasons for idol-worship which you think especially strong. read more
2. The servant of the Lord 41:1-44:22There is an emphasis on the uniqueness of the Lord compared to other gods in this section, a theme that Isaiah introduced earlier (ch. 40 especially). The prophet particularly stressed Yahweh’s ability to control history in this connection. He did this to assure Israel that God loved her and had a future for her beyond the Exile, specifically to serve Him by demonstrating to the world that He is sovereign over history. These emphases become increasingly... read more
The Lord, through Isaiah, challenged the idolaters to prove that their gods were truly deity. The Lord presented Himself as the King of Jacob, from the nations’ perspective no more than one national god among many, but He is really the King of Kings. read more
Cyrus God’s Agent1-7. Jehovah and the gods of the heathen compared as in a court of judgment. Jehovah has raised up Cyrus and given him victory, in order to carry out His good purposes, while the heathen gods are powerless to affect the course of events. 8-20. A digression: the events which bring terror to the nations bring deliverance to Israel. 21-29. Comparison of Jehovah with the gods of the heathen continued.1. The heathen nations lately conquered by Cyrus are called to plead their case as... read more
(21) Produce your cause.—The scene of Isaiah 41:1 is reproduced. The worshippers of idols, as the prophet sees them in his vision hurrying hither and thither to consult their oracles, are challenged, on the ground not only of the great things God hath done, but of His knowledge of those things. The history of Herodotus supplies some striking illustrations. Crœus and the Cumœans, and the Phocæans, and the Athenians are all sending to Delphi, or consulting their seers, as to this startling... read more
The Antidote to Fear Isaiah 41:10 Fear is common to man; increased by, if it does not originate in, a consciousness of sin. The text indicates three reasons why the Christian should not be afraid. I. God's Presence. 'I am with thee.' Powerful, wise, and loving. II. God's Relationship. 'I am thy God.' These words imply on our part reverence, obedience, and submission; on His part guardianship and blessing. We naturally take special care of that which is our own. III. God's Promise. 1. 'I... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 41:1-29
The living God and idols (41:1-29)At that time Cyrus of Persia had been expanding his empire. He had conquered all the countries to the north and east, and was now threatening Babylon. The prophet imagines God calling the nations to assemble before him and asking them a question: who is it that has stirred up Cyrus to carry out this conquest? The answer: Yahweh (41:1-4).As the armies of Cyrus approach these nations the people panic, and in their distress call upon their gods for protection.... read more