19. considereth—literally, "layeth it to heart," (Isaiah 42:25; Jeremiah 12:11). abomination—the scriptural term for an idol, not merely abominable, but the essence of what is so, in the eyes of a jealous God (1 Kings 11:5; 1 Kings 11:7). 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 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
God’s purposes for His servants 42:10-44:22The section of Isaiah that I have titled "God’s promises to His servants" (Isaiah 41:1 to Isaiah 42:9) sets the stage and introduces themes that Isaiah proceeded to develop in this section. Those themes are the certainty of redemption (Isaiah 42:10 to Isaiah 43:7), the witness to redemption (Isaiah 43:8 to Isaiah 44:20), and the memory of redemption (Isaiah 44:21-22). read more
Pagans do not see the folly of idol-worship because God has blinded their minds (cf. Isaiah 6:9-10; Isaiah 29:14). Having chosen to refuse the revelation of God that He has given them in nature, He makes it impossible for them to see the truth (cf. Romans 1:18-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11). If this were not the case, they would understand and abandon their practices, since it is so clear that man-made gods are not deity.Modern man is in the same position as his ancient counterpart. Westerners do... read more
The Impotence of Idols1-23. The reproach of God’s people shall be entirely removed. Jehovah the Eternal, who rules the events of history, contrasted with the futile gods of the heathen. 24-28. This great Jehovah pledges the restoration of His people through Cyrus.2. Jesurun] i.e. ’upright,’ a symbolic name of Israel (Deuteronomy 32:15), indicating its ideal character. Fear not] i.e. on account of past failure and apparent inability to realise the future which God sets before you. 3. Cp. Isaiah... read more
The Immanence of God Isaiah 44:8 In the Christian view of God there are two attributes which it is not easy for the human reason to combine. One of them we call the transcendence of God; to the other we give the name of immanence. I. What do we mean by the Divine transcendence? We mean that apart from and above the universe there lives and reigns a personal Creator. And what do we mean by the immanence of God? We mean the presence of the Almighty in creation. A God transcendent, like some... read more
; Isaiah 44:1-28; Isaiah 45:1-25; Isaiah 46:1-13; Isaiah 47:1-15; Isaiah 48:1-22CHAPTER IXFOUR POINTS OF A TRUE RELIGIONIsaiah 43:1-28 - Isaiah 48:1-22WE have now surveyed the governing truths of Isaiah 40:1-31; Isaiah 41:1-29; Isaiah 42:1-25; Isaiah 43:1-28; Isaiah 44:1-28; Isaiah 45:1-25; Isaiah 46:1-13; Isaiah 47:1-15; Isaiah 48:1-22: the One God, omnipotent and righteous; the One People, His servants and witnesses to the world; the nothingness of all other gods and idols before Him; the... read more
CHAPTER 44 Jehovah Continues to Speak 1. Spiritual blessings promised by the gift of the Spirit (Isaiah 44:1-5 ) 2. Jehovah the First and the Last (Isaiah 44:6-8 ) 3. Idolatry rebuked (Isaiah 44:9-20 ) 4. Remember! Return! Sing! (Isaiah 44:21-23 ) 5. The faithful Jehovah, the Redeemer (Isaiah 44:24-27 ) 6. Cyrus named (Isaiah 44:28 ) The outpouring of the Spirit upon Israel’s seed promised in the beginning of the chapter has not yet taken place. Compare with Isaiah 32:15 and Isaiah... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 44:19
none considereth = none reflecteth; none bringeth back to his heart. understanding = discernment. the stock of a tree = a log of wood. read more