1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
4 Because you are precious in my eyes,
and honored, and I love you,
I give men in return for you,
peoples in exchange for your life.
5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.
6 I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth,
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
8 Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears!
9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the peoples be assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us the former things? Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right, and let them hear and say, It is true.
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor shall there be any after me.”
11 I, I am the Lord,
and besides me there is no savior.
12 I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and I am God.
13 Also henceforth I am he;
there is none who can deliver from my hand;
I work, and who can turn it back?”
14 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.
15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.”
16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,
17 who brings out chariot and horse,
army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
they are extinguished, quenched like a wick.
18 “Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
20 The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert,
21 the people whom I formed for myself
that they might declare my praise.
22 “Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel!”
23 You have not brought me your sheep for burnt offerings,
or honored me with your sacrifices.
I have not burdened you with offerings,
or wearied you with frankincense.
24 You have not bought me sweet cane with money, or satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins; you have wearied me with your iniquities.
25 “I, I am he
who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,
and I will not remember your sins.
26 Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.
27 Your first father sinned, and your mediators transgressed against me.
28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary, and deliver Jacob to utter destruction and Israel to reviling.
The True Meaning of Isaiah 43
The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah, who lived during the reigns of several Judean kings in the 8th century BCE. Isaiah was known for his powerful messages of judgment and hope, as he spoke on behalf of God to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah delivers a message of comfort and reassurance to the people of Israel in this chapter. He reminds them of God’s unwavering love and protection, even in the midst of their trials and tribulations. The chapter foreshadows the coming deliverance of the Israelites from captivity, as well as the promise of a new and glorious future.
Throughout the passage, Isaiah draws upon imagery and themes from other biblical books, such as the Exodus (Exodus 14:15-31) and the creation account (Genesis 1:1-2:3). These references serve to reinforce the idea that God is the sovereign ruler of all creation and that He will always be faithful to His people.
Isaiah 43:1-7
Sure, let’s break down Isaiah 43:1-7 in more detail:
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“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. The focus in this section is on the relationship between God and the people of Israel, specifically addressing Jacob and Israel. God emphasizes that He is the creator and the one who formed them. This highlights the personal connection God has with His people, knowing them by name and claiming them as His own. The reassurance not to fear reflects God’s protection and redemption of His chosen ones. It signifies that despite any challenges or fears they may face, God is with them and has a unique, personal relationship with each individual.
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“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
This section conveys the promise of God’s presence and protection during times of trials and tribulations. The imagery of passing through waters and fire symbolizes various hardships and challenges that the people of Israel may encounter. However, God assures them that He will be with them throughout these difficult times, ensuring that they will not be overwhelmed or consumed by the circumstances. This reaffirms the idea of God’s faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people from harm.
- “For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. God affirms His identity as the Holy One of Israel and their Savior in this part of the verse. He demonstrates His love and commitment to His people by emphasizing their great value in His sight. The reference to Egypt, Cush, and Seba serves as a reminder of God’s power and willingness to intervene on behalf of His chosen ones. God values and protects His people by mentioning offering nations in exchange for their lives. This illustrates the sacrificial nature of God’s love and His willingness to go to great lengths to ensure the safety and well-being of His beloved. Isaiah 43:1-7 conveys a message of God’s intimate relationship with His people, His unwavering presence during trials, and His sacrificial love and protection. It emphasizes the significance of trusting in God’s promises, even in the face of adversity, knowing that He is faithful to His word and will always fulfill His covenant with His chosen ones. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, love, and faithfulness throughout the narrative of Israel’s history and the broader biblical narrative.
Isaiah 43:8-13
The passage in Isaiah 43:8-13 can be broken down into several important sections that carry significant meaning. God calls forth His people in the opening verses of this passage, reminding them of their identity as witnesses to his existence and power. The mention of blind and deaf people who have eyes and ears but do not perceive or understand serves as a metaphor for the spiritual blindness and deafness that has befallen Israel. Despite having the physical faculties to see and hear, they remain spiritually oblivious to God’s workings. This highlights the importance of not just physical sight and hearing, but spiritual discernment and understanding in recognizing God’s hand at work in our lives.
The next section of this passage focuses on God’s declaration of Himself as the only true God. He proclaims, “Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior” (Isaiah 43:10-11). This declaration of God’s uniqueness and sovereignty echoes throughout the Bible, emphasizing the exclusive claim of God as the one true deity. This key message runs consistently through the biblical narrative, from the Israelites’ struggle with idolatry in the Old Testament to the apostles’ teachings in the New Testament about Jesus as the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12). God reassures His people of His protection and deliverance in the subsequent verses. He reminds them of His past deeds, particularly the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and assures them that He is capable of making a way even in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. This imagery of God providing a way through seemingly impossible situations serves as a powerful reminder of His faithfulness and ability to rescue His people from any adversity they may face. This theme of God’s faithfulness and deliverance is woven throughout the Bible, seen vividly in stories like the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and Daniel’s deliverance from the lion’s den (Daniel 6). God concludes the passage by calling on the people to be His witnesses and to acknowledge Him as the only true God. He challenges them to understand and believe in His power, declaring, “I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Isaiah 43:13). This call to acknowledge and exalt God reverberates throughout the Bible, with numerous passages exalting God’s name and calling on all nations to worship Him (Psalm 46:10, Philippians 2:10-11). It serves as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of humanity: to acknowledge and glorify God in all things. Isaiah 43:8-13 conveys a profound message about God’s uniqueness, faithfulness, and call for His people to be witnesses of His power. The passage emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the one true deity, trusting in His deliverance, and exalting His name above all others. These timeless messages resonate throughout the Bible, illustrating God’s enduring love and sovereignty over all creation.
Isaiah 43:14-21
God asserts His sovereignty and authority over His people in Isaiah 43:14-21. Let’s break down this passage into sections for a more detailed commentary:
Verse 14:
“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘For your sake I send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice. God introduces Himself as the Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel in this verse. He, as the Redeemer, saves His people from peril and delivers them from their enemies. Here, the reference to Babylon and the Chaldeans likely alludes to the historical event of the Babylonian exile where the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians as a form of punishment for their disobedience. Despite this, God is showing His power by declaring that He can bring down even the mighty Babylonians.
Verse 15:
“I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.”
This verse reinforces God’s identity as the Holy One and the Creator of Israel. God is asserting His authority over His people by emphasizing that He is their King. It serves as a reminder that God is not just a distant deity but rather a personal God who is intimately involved in the lives of His chosen people.
Verse 16-17:
“Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick. God references the miraculous event of the parting of the Red Sea during the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt in these verses. God is showcasing His power over nature and His ability to overcome any obstacle in their path by reminding His people of this supernatural intervention. The imagery of chariots and horses being extinguished like a wick emphasizes the insignificance of human strength in the face of God’s might.
Verse 18-19:
“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
These verses challenge the Israelites to let go of past grievances or victories and focus on the new work that God is about to do. It speaks to the idea of God’s continuous work in the lives of His people, bringing about new beginnings and opportunities for growth. This message of hope and renewal is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God’s faithfulness to His promises and His ability to bring forth new blessings in unexpected ways.
Verse 20-21:
“The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. God highlights His provision for His people in these final verses. Just as He provided water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert for the Israelites during their time of need, God promises to meet the needs of His chosen people. The image of even wild animals honoring God emphasizes the universal recognition of His power and provision. The ultimate goal of God’s provision is not just for the sustenance of His people but also for them to declare His praise and bring glory to His name. God’s sovereignty, power, provision, and faithfulness to His people are showcased in Isaiah 43:14-21. It serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate Redeemer and Creator who is actively involved in the lives of His chosen ones. The passage encourages believers to trust in God’s ability to bring about new beginnings, overcome obstacles, and provide for their needs. It underscores the importance of remembering God’s past faithfulness while looking forward to the new things He is about to do. The themes of redemption, new beginnings, and praise resonate throughout the Bible, illustrating God’s enduring love and care for His people.
Isaiah 43:22-28
A few key sections in Isaiah 43:22-28 shed light on God’s message to the people of Israel. The passage begins with God accusing the Israelites of not calling on Him, Jacob not wearying themselves for Him, and not bringing Him sheep for burnt offerings or honoring Him with incense. This suggests that the people had become complacent and neglectful in their worship of God. They had drifted away from their devotion and duties towards Him.
The verse then brings attention to the burdens of sin and offerings that the people were bringing before God. God proclaimed that the people burdened Him with their sins and wearied Him with their offenses. This underscores the importance of sincere repentance and the need for genuine hearts in worship rather than mere rituals. The emphasis here is on the inward transformation and contrite spirit that God desires from His people.
God, in His mercy and compassion, reminds the people of His unchanging nature. He declares that He is the one who blots out their transgressions for His own sake and remembers their sins no more. This is a powerful message of forgiveness and redemption that echoes throughout the Bible. It portrays God as a loving and forgiving Father who is always ready to pardon the repentant hearts.
The passage also points towards the future and the necessity for the people to remember God’s faithfulness. God urges them to put Him in remembrance, to state their case, and to confess their sins. The people can renew their relationship with God and move forward in His grace by acknowledging their wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness. God challenges the people in the final part of the verse to present their case and justify their actions. He offers them the opportunity to defend themselves, but ultimately highlights His own sovereignty and authority. God proclaims Himself as the ultimate judge and redeemer, emphasizing that He alone can save His people from their sins and deliver them from destruction. This passage from Isaiah 43 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s call for sincere worship, repentance, and reliance on His forgiveness and grace. It highlights the importance of maintaining a humble heart and a contrite spirit before God. God’s desire is for His people to turn away from sin, seek His forgiveness, and walk in His ways, as seen in this verse and throughout the Bible. The story arc of redemption and forgiveness is central in the Bible, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
After Isaiah 43
The Lord promises to be with His people through the waters and the fires in Isaiah 43, bringing them safely through trials. He calls them by name, declaring His love and protection over them. God is faithful and will never abandon us in our times of need as we reflect on these words. Let us hold fast to His promises and trust in His unfailing presence in our lives. Let us carry the assurance of God’s constant care and guidance as we move forward into the next chapter. He goes before us and makes a way where there seems to be no way; let us walk in faith. May we be encouraged by the words of Isaiah 43 and continue to seek the Lord with all our hearts, confident in His power to deliver us from every trial and lead us into His perfect peace.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.