Isaiah 44

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:1-22

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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:2

Yahweh, the covenant God who formed Israel into a nation, would help her. Therefore His chosen servant should not fear (cf. Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:1) even though Israel had fallen far short of God’s desires for her. The endearing name "Jeshurun" means "upright one" (cf. Deuteronomy 32:15; Deuteronomy 33:5; Deuteronomy 33:26). Even though Israel had stumbled badly, she was still upright because God had held her up. "Jacob" (deceiver) may represent what Israel was in the past and... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:3

The Lord promised to pour out His Spirit on the Israelites in the future. This gift would have the same effect for the nation as pouring water on dry ground would have for the landscape. It would bring refreshment and new life, indeed, a whole new spiritual attitude (cf. Isaiah 32:15; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Ezekiel 37:7-10; Joel 2:28-29). Blessing would come to the descendants of Isaiah’s audience. Isaiah in this verse may have meant that God would bring both physical and... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:4

Then the Israelites would grow like flowers among the grass and like poplars planted beside streams of water (cf. Psalms 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8). The Old Testament writers often regarded numerous progeny as a sign of divine blessing (cf. Genesis 15:5; Psalms 127:3-5). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:5

In that day it will be an honor to be a member of the nation of Israel (cf. Psalms 87:4-6), not a dishonor (cf. Isaiah 43:28; Ezekiel 36:19-20). Many people will come to Yahweh because of His blessing on Israel. It is difficult to know whether the "ones" mentioned here are Israelites or Gentiles. Some will even write their identification with Yahweh on their hands. The Mosaic Law forbade the Israelites from disfiguring their bodies (Leviticus 19:28). These Israelites will not be living under... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:6

With the titles he chose, the Lord highlighted His special relationship with Israel, His intentions for the nation, and His ability to fulfill those intentions. As Israel’s near kinsman, He would not allow her to perish. He is incomparable; there is no one like Him. The gods are not God. The same terminology used in this verse describes Jesus Christ later in Scripture (Revelation 1:17; Revelation 2:8; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:7

The proof of God’s uniqueness is His ability to foretell the future and then bring it to pass. Anyone who claims to be able to do this must prove to God that he has done it. God’s creation of Israel and His revelation of the future to and through her is the great proof of His deity. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:8

The Israelites should not fear even though they were heading for captivity. God had told them that they would return from captivity as well as go into it. When they did return, they would be able to witness to the world that the Lord had predicted and performed both events. In the meantime they could seek refuge in their Rock, their only support and protector."The character of God is the ultimate assurance of His people." [Note: Motyer, p. 345.] Seeking refuge in idols is not only fruitless but... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:8-20

The witness to redemption 43:8-44:20Isaiah continued to show that Yahweh was both willing and able to deliver His people, a theme begun in Isaiah 42:10. He confronted the gods, again (cf. Isaiah 41:21-29), but this time he challenged them to bring forth witnesses to their deity, namely, people who could confirm their ability to predict the future. The captive Judeans were Yahweh’s witnesses. They would, despite their spiritual blindness and deafness, give witness to His ability to predict their... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:9

The prophet began by stating his premise. Idol makers engage in futile (Heb. tohu) activity because the idols they make do not profit people. Those who promote idol worship do not see the folly of idolatry themselves, and they will be ashamed by the failure of their gods. read more

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:1-22

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:2

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:3

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:4

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:5

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:6

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:7

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:8

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:8-20

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 44:9

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