E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 43:16
maketh a way in the sea. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 14:16 , Exodus 14:21 , Exodus 14:22 .Psalms 77:19; Psalms 77:19 ). read more
maketh a way in the sea. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 14:16 , Exodus 14:21 , Exodus 14:22 .Psalms 77:19; Psalms 77:19 ). read more
together: or, at once. tow = wick. Hebrew flax. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for the wick made of it. read more
Isaiah 43:16-17. Thus saith the Lord— The prophet in these words confirms what he had advanced respecting the deliverance from Babylon, by the former deliverance which God had wrought for his people from Egypt; thus, from the view of the past, strengthening the faith and hope of believers in what was to come. Some, however, suppose that these words are a kind of preface to the following period, in which the new work of grace is foretold. read more
16, 17. Allusion to the deliverance of Israel and overthrow of Pharaoh in the Red Sea, the standing illustration of God's unchanging character towards His people (Exodus 14:21; Exodus 14:22; Exodus 14:27; Exodus 14:28). read more
17. the power—the might of the enemies host, every mighty warrior. they shall lie down together—as Pharaoh's army sank "together" in a watery grave. read more
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
The prophet gave an unusually long description of the Giver of the promise to follow (Isaiah 43:18-21) because of the unusual content of the promise. The One giving the prediction was the One who in power, love, and faithfulness had delivered His people from Egypt in the Exodus. His destruction of the Egyptian adversary had been final. read more
The Mission of Israel1-21. The dispersed Israelites shall be ransomed and restored. They are witnesses before the world that Jehovah is the true God. A second and more wonderful exodus is in store for Israel. 22-28. This deliverance is not a return for service rendered to God, but a free gift.1. But now] In contrast to the wrath poured upon Israel (Isaiah 42:24-25) God will manifest His redeeming love. 3. Egypt, etc.] The meaning is that these nations shall take the place of Israel as vassals.... read more
(16) Which maketh a way in the sea . . .—A distinct echo of Exodus 14:16 and Psalms 77:19. The return from Babylon is to be as a second Exodus from another house of bondage. In the one, as in the other, the “horse and his rider” are to be thrown into the sea. read more
Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 43:1-28
Redemption through God’s grace (43:1-28)Despite Israel’s failure and subsequent punishment, God has not cast off his people for ever. God used the power of foreign nations to enslave them and bring sufferings and hardships upon them, but he will now destroy the power of those nations. He will make them pay the ransom price for the redemption of captive Israel. They will fall so that Israel can go free (43:1-4). Wherever the captives are, they are still God’s people, and he will bring them back... read more