Zion Will be Restored and Will Prosper

52:1-12
What good news did God announce to His people?

God’s people were given marching orders in Isaiah 52:1-2. God called on His people to “Awake, awake.” God called on His people to wake up and dress up. They were to remove the garments and chains of captivity and put on their beautiful garments. The reason for this action was the coming release from captivity. God would secure their release “without money” (52:3).

Verse 4 contains a brief résumé of the history of Israel’s oppression, first in Egypt and then at the hands of the Assyrians. God would no longer tolerate the abuse of His people or the blaspheming of His name (52:5). His people would again know His name and heed His voice (52:6).

Verses 7-10 celebrate the announcement of the release of the captives. The marching orders are recorded in verses 11-12 (see also Isaiah 48:20). God also called on His people to “Depart, depart.” They were to depart from their captivity taking nothing but the vessels of worship which had been stolen from them (52:11). They were to not touch, or take, anything unclean, a reference to the things that had led to their ruin.

Some of the people however, were reluctant to leave because they had grown accustomed to Babylon and were not looking forward to rebuilding the ruined city of Jerusalem and nation. God promised to protect them by going before them and being their rear guard (52:12). Biblical commentator Trent C. Butler wrote, “God had given the marching dress, the marching hymn, and the marching order. The only question that remained was who would join in.”

Practical Consideration: We should forsake anything that cools our love for God.
When God instructed His people to depart from Babylon, He also instructed them to avoid touching (and taking) anything unclean (Isaiah 52:12). They were to abandon the things that had interfered in their relationship with God and led them into exile. We too, should avoid anything that cools our love for God lest we end up in captivity.

The Suffering Servant’s Work

52:13-53:12
How did Isaiah describe the suffering Servant (the Messiah, Jesus Christ)?
Isaiah 52:13-15 contains a descriptive summary statement of the Servant.

First, the Servant shall be exalted (52:13).

Second, the Servant will become disfigured through suffering, causing people to look at him with astonishment (52:14).

Third, he will startle the world by His sudden rise from disgrace to fame (52:15).

God will Comfort and Restore Zion

51:1-23
What words of hope and encouragement did God have for the exiles?
Isaiah called on the people in exile to “listen” to his words (51:1-3, 4-6, and 7-8) regarding the certainty of the coming deliverance.

In verses 1-3 he called upon the people to remember how their history miraculously began with Abraham and Sarah. When Abraham was one, God called him and blessed him and multiplied him. In like manner God would perform a similar miracle with the exiles. He would take the few and transform them into a mighty nation and restore their devastated land.

In verses 4-6 he declares that God’s salvation has gone forth.

In verses 7-8 he tells those who are enduring persecution in exile not to be dismayed because their revilers will soon vanish like garments destroyed by insects.

In verses 9-11 the prophet pleads with the Lord to demonstrate His power on behalf of His people even as in the days of old. He cites two dramatic occasions when God demonstrated His power.

First, in creation (51:9). The reference to “Rahab” and the “dragon” in verse 9 is to the creation of the universe. The terms are borrowed from a Babylonian myth that said that Marduk slew a dragon and created the heavens and the earth with the two severed parts. Isaiah was not endorsing the Babylonian myth but emphasizing that God, and not Marduk, was responsible for creation.

Second, God demonstrated His great power in the Exodus (51:10). Verse 11 is a hymn of celebration (see also Isaiah 35:10). The Lord’s response is recorded in verses 12-16. The Lord reminds His people that it is He who comforts them (51:12a). The word “comfort” means more than to console, it means to deliver one out of his troubles.

God tells His people not to fear their oppressors who are like grass that will soon die (51:12b). Apparently, their fear of man had caused them to lose sight of God (51:13). God promises them that they will soon be delivered from bondage and hunger (51:14). God’s promises are trustworthy because they come from Him who created the universe and entered into a covenant with His people (51:15-16).

In verses 17-23 the Lord called upon Jerusalem to rouse herself in anticipation of the coming deliverance. Jerusalem is pictured as a drunken woman staggering through the streets (51:17) with none of her sons to steady her (51:18) because they too are drunk with the Lord’s wrath (51:19-20).

These verses served to remind Jerusalem that her punishment came because of her sin (see also Isaiah 40:1-2) and not because of some capricious act on the part of God. God announced that Jerusalem would no more drink of the cup of the His wrath (51:21-22). Instead, He would give the cup to her tormentors who have treated her with contempt (51:23).

In Isaiah 50:1-3, Israel complained that God had arbitrarily divorced her, sold her children into servitude, and sent her into captivity (50:1). There was however, no “certificate of divorce” or bill of sale to substantiate the charge (50:1a).

The reason Israel was sent into exile was because of her sin (50:1b) and unwillingness to respond to God’s voice (50:2a).

God further declared that any delays in the deliverance were caused by His people’s continued disobedience and not because He was unable to deliver them (50:2b). God is not only capable of delivering His people, He is also capable of destroying His foes (50:2c-3).

The Servant Will Serve with God’s Help

50:4-11
How did Isaiah describe the Servant?

First, Isaiah described the servant as being teachable. He listens to God and is obedient to His word (50:4-5). His heart and mind are open to the Lord’s instruction. He has a daily quiet time with the Lord.

Second, the servant is described as being a teacher. Because the Lord has taught him, he in turn teaches others (50:4). Those who listen to God have something to tell others.

Third, he suffered physical abuse and persecution as he performed his task of speaking God’s word (50:6). Compare verse 6 with the treatment of Jesus in Matthew 26:67 and 27:30.

Fourth, he is confident in performing his task because God is on his side and helps him (50:7-9). He knows that God will deal with those who fail to trust Him and obey His word (50:10-11).

The Servant Called to be a Light to the Nations

49:1-13
What assignment did God give to the Servant?
The identity of the servant is difficult to determine. Verse 3 identifies the servant as Israel yet verses 5-6 point to an individual (the Lord Jesus Christ) rather than to the nation. Biblical commentator Page H. Kelley writes, “For while the servant coexists with Israel, and may even be addressed as Israel, he is, nevertheless, distinct from Israel, and has a ministry to perform to Israel.”

The Servant called the nations to pay attention to his words. He declared that the Lord called him (49:1) and prepared him for his mission (49:2). The Servant’s weapon is the word of the Lord (49:2). He is protected by the Lord (49:2). The Servant’s assignment is to restore Jacob/Israel to a right relationship with the Lord, to bring them back from the exile of sin as well as the Babylonian exile (49:5), and to be a “light” (salvation) to the nations (49:6).

Practical Consideration: We are to be a light to the nations.
God’s people were to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). They were to both embody and express the truth of God’s love to a world in darkness. They failed in that responsibility. Instead of overcoming the darkness around them, they allowed themselves to be overcome by the darkness of idolatry and apostasy. The Servant was assigned the task of leading God’s people to once again fulfill their responsibility of being a light to the nations.

We too, are to be a light to those around us. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a). The purpose of light is not to draw attention to itself, but to enable men to see what they would otherwise be unable to see. Our lives should enable men to see the truth of the gospel. Our lives should enable men to see and understand that there is a way to God through Jesus Christ.

The prophet addressed those still in exile in Babylon (49:7) and other places of the earth (49:13). He assured them of their release from captivity (49:8-12). God assured the people that He would personally lead them home on this second Exodus. He would care for them along the way (49:9) and refresh them by springs of water (49:10) as He led them home across a highway in the wilderness (49:11). This caused the prophet to burst forth in praise to God (49:13).

God Had Not Forgotten the Exiles

49:14-50:3
Had God forgotten the exiles?

The city of Zion (God’s people) is personified as a woman who laments that she has been forsaken and forgotten by God (49:14). God reassured His people that while it was possible for a mother to forget her nursing child it was not possible for Him to forget His people (49:15). They were “inscribed” (perhaps tattooed) on the palms of His hands (49:16).

Verses 17-21 describe the rebuilding and repopulation of Zion. She is told to lift her eyes to behold the return of her children (49:17-18). Verses 19-21 describe the land as being too small to contain the vast numbers of returning exiles. Zion, the bereaved mother, is amazed at the great influx of people and can only ask, “Behold, I was left alone; from where did these come?” (49:21).

When God gives a signal to the nations they will bring Zion’s children home (49:22) and the rulers of other nations will pay homage to Jerusalem (49:23). Verse 24 records a question that was surely on the minds of the exiles, “Can the prey [exiles] be taken from the mighty man [Babylon]?” or “Is God able to deliver us?” (Refer also to 49:14 where they asked “Does God care?”). The question receives an affirmative reply in verse 25. The exiles will be delivered (49:25) and their captors will destroy themselves through civil war and internal strife (49:26a). As a result, people will know that God is a mighty God (49:26b).

Practical Consideration: We are important to God.
The exiles asked two questions that men often ask when they are in trouble: “Does God care?” (Isaiah 49:14) and “Is God able to deliver us?” (Isaiah 49:24). The answer to both of these questions is a resounding “Yes!” God assured His captive people that His care for them was greater than the care of a mother for her infant child. He also assured them that He was greater than their captors and able to deliver them. Our circumstances can often blind us to the fact that God cares for us and is able to deal with anything that touches our lives. He cares and is able to deliver us from anything that threatens or enslaves us.

God’s Promise to a Rebellious People

48:1-22
What promise did God make to His rebellious people?
Isaiah 48 begins with a vehement attack by the prophet on God’s people. The prophet accused the people of Judah of claiming to be God’s people but not living like God’s people in truth and righteousness (48:1-2). Their genealogy was right but their theology was wrong. The people were insensitive, unresponsive, and uninterested in the new things God was doing for them (48:3-4).

The prophet reminded the people of the things God had done for them in the past (48:3-6a). In the past God announced events and caused them to come to pass. These were things God, and not any idol, did. In the present, God was preparing to do new things which they knew nothing about (48:6b-7).

The new things are likely a reference to Cyrus’ conquest of Babylon, the release of the exiles and their return to their homeland. Israel would witness the fulfillment of these things (declared by God) in her history.

God would do these new things in spite of the disappointing behavior of His people (48:8-11). God would do these things for His own sake and that His name might be glorified.

God, the creator of heaven and earth (48:12-13), chose Cyrus to be the instrument to carry out His purpose (48:14-15). The prophet exhorted the people to listen to his message from God who has spoken plainly to His people and fulfilled His words to them throughout their history (48:16).

Isaiah 48:17-19 served to remind Israel of her history of wasted opportunities because she failed to heed the word of the Lord (48:17). God Himself had been their faithful teacher, but they refused to listen to and learn from Him. Her history would have been different had she been obedient to God’s word (48:18). They forfeited many blessings because of their stubborn refusal to listen to God. Among the benefits the people forfeited are: [1] peace or “well-being”, [2] “righteousness”, (which included victory and salvation) and [3] the fulfillment of God’s promise to make them as numerous as the sea (48:18-19).

Practical Consideration: Disobedience is costly.
The history of God’s people was filled with accounts of wasted opportunities and forfeited blessings because of their disobedience. Disobeying God may give us what we want but will rob us of what God wants to give us.

Isaiah 48:20 contains the long-awaited call to return home. The prophet shouted the call and invited the people to rejoice and join him in spreading this good news of God’s deliverance to the ends of the earth. The prophet assured the people that God would make adequate provision for their return home just as He did for their forefathers in the first Exodus (48:21).

The words of verse 22 serve as a warning to any who might choose to stay in Babylon and not undertake the journey home. Josephus writes that many Jews did remain in Babylon, “being unwilling to leave their possessions.” For these, there would be no peace.

Practical Consideration: If we cling to the old things we will miss out on the new things.
Josephus records that many Jews did not leave their Babylonian homes because they were attached to their possessions. They refused to return to their own homeland because they had become possessed by possessions and enslaved to comfort. Their possessions robbed them of the real peace and security that God wanted to give them. They missed out on the wonderful new thing that God was doing because they refused to give up their old things.

47:1-15
What fate awaited Babylon?

The fall of Babylon is predicted in Isaiah 47. Babylon is referred to as “virgin daughter” (47:1), a reference to the fact that as a nation, she was still unconquered. Isaiah boldly prophesied however, that this virgin queen would be removed from her throne, stripped of her royal attire, raped by her conquerors, and be reduced to doing the work of a common slave girl (47:1-4).

God charged the Babylonians with cruel treatment of Jewish prisoners of war, especially the elderly (47:6). This was unnecessary even though they were the chosen instrument of God’s judgment (47:6). Their pride would lead to their downfall (47:7).

The Babylonians however, felt secure (47:8) by virtue of their system of divination (47:9) and their position as a world power (47:10). Their intricate system of divination, spells, and sorceries would be useless to them against the coming judgment of God (47:11-15). There would be none to save Babylon in the day of God’s judgment (47:15).

The Fall of Babylon and the Lesson to Be Learned

46:1-2
How did the prophet conceive of the religion of Babylon?
“Bel” (the sun god, also known as Marduk) and “Nebo” (the son of Bel and the god of writing and learning) were the chief gods of the Babylonians. Isaiah painted a graphic picture the impotence of these gods.

First, they had to be carried by their worshipers.

Second, when Cyrus was advancing toward Babylon, Bel and Nebo could not stop him.

Third, the worshipers of these gods could not carry them to safety on the backs of weary beasts in an effort to protect them from Cyrus. Even these impotent Babylonian gods were taken captive.

Biblical commentator George Adam Smith notes that “it makes all the difference to a man how he conceives his religion — whether as something that he has to carry, or as something that will carry him.” A man’s religion will either be a load or a lift!

Practical Consideration: We can place our confidence in God.
The Babylonians placed their confidence in Bel and Nebo, two chief gods in their pantheon. These gods were however, impotent and unable to help them and protect them from the advance of Cyrus. People today foolishly place their confidence and trust in things that are unable to help them or protect them. People today place their confidence in things that are not competent. We should place our confidence in God. He alone is competent and able to help and protect us.

46:3-4
How was God different than the Babylonian gods?
In contrast to the Babylonian gods who had to be borne and carried about by men, God carried His people. He carried them in the past and would continue to do so until their old age. There would be no lapse in His caring for His people. These were comforting words to a people in exile, many of whom felt they had been forsaken by God or that God no longer cared for them.

Practical Consideration: God never stops caring for us.
God reminded His people that He had cared for them in the past and would continue to do so until their old age. There had never been a lapse in His caring for them. God cares for us all the time. He sees and is concerned about everything that touches our lives. He will never stop caring for us.

46:5-7
What indicting words did Isaiah speak concerning idolatry?
Isaiah once again spoke condemning and indicting words against the idols of the Babylonians. Unlike the idols of the Babylonians, God could not be represented by an image (46:5). Isaiah listed five absurdities regarding idolatry. First, the impotent images were costly (46:6). Second, they must be carried from place to place (46:7a). Third, once set in place they cannot move (46:7b). Fourth, they cannot respond to the cries or prayers of those who worship them (46:7c). Fifth, they cannot deliver men from their troubles (46:7d).

Practical Consideration: God is bigger than we are.
The Babylonians worshiped things they had made with their own hands. Their gods had to be carried about and set in place. Their gods had to be polished and repaired. Their gods had to be protected from the elements. It is foolish to trust in anything that can be put in a box and carried about. Our God is bigger than we are. If we could carry Him He would not be big enough to carry us. If we had to sustain Him He would not be big enough to sustain us. If He was the product of our hands we would not receive anything from His hands. If He were small enough to be transported He would not be big enough to help us with our troubles.

46:8-13
What word did Isaiah speak to disbelievers and cynics?
This passage is addressed to “transgressors” (46:8) and the “stubborn-minded” (46:12). God cautioned these rebellious disbelievers and cynics to “remember” what He has done and who He is (46:8-9). God is the God (the mastermind) of history (46:10). An example of God’s control over history is cited in verse 11. Cyrus was God’s choice to deliver His people from exile. Verses 12 and 13 declare that God was preparing to do a great new thing in the history of His people, namely their deliverance from captivity through the agency of Cyrus.

Practical Consideration: Those who forget what God has done cannot see what He is about to do.
Many of God’s people forgot who God is and what He had done for them in the past. They did not remember how He had manifested Himself in their history. They did not remember His gracious and miraculous acts on their behalf. These stubborn-minded people had a difficult time accepting the words of the prophet that God was going to do a great new thing for His people. It is hard to accept what God is going to do when we forget what He has done. If we cannot clearly see His activity in the past we will look at the future with skepticism and disbelief.

God Chooses Cyrus to Fulfill His Purpose

44:24-45:13
Who did God select to fulfill His purpose?
Isaiah 44:24-28 praise God as Creator (44:24) of all things and as the Lord of history (44:25-28). As the Lord of history, God frustrated the omens of diviners and the knowledge of wise men (44:25). This is a reference to the efforts of nations to get a word from their gods when they felt threatened by Cyrus.

As the Lord of history, God spoke regarding the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the cities of Judah (44:26). As the Lord of history, God announced that He would use a pagan (see 45:4, “Though you have not known Me”) ruler named Cyrus to accomplish His purpose (44:28). Psalm 119:91b states, “For all things are Thy servants.”

As the Creator of all things and the Lord of history, God can use anything or anyone He desires to accomplish His purpose in the world. God would grant Cyrus military successes in order to put him in a position to help His people (45:1-3, 5). God would do these things for the sake of His people (45:4) and that men and nations might acknowledge Him (45:6-7).

God had made His choice. God would use Cyrus (rather than someone from the line of David) despite any objections from His people (who were like vessels of clay arguing with the potter) about working to accomplish His purpose through a pagan ruler (45:9-13). Note: Read Ezra 1:1-4.

Practical Consideration: All things are God’s servants.
Psalm 119:91b declares that all things are God’s servants. God’s people had a difficult time accepting that God would use a foreign nation to punish them and a foreign ruler to deliver them. We should remember that everything in the universe is at God’s disposal to use as He desires to fulfill His purposes. We are in no position to argue with God regarding the instruments He chooses to use to accomplish His divine purposes.

All Nations Called to Salvation

45:14-25
What call did God issue to the nations?
God called the nations to forsake their worship of idols and turn to Him for salvation. The message of verse 14 is addressed to Jerusalem. Other nations would recognize the work of Cyrus as divinely ordained by Israel’s God and consequently acknowledge Him as the One true God.

Verses 15-17 tell of the judgment awaiting those who reject God. In verses 18-19 God declares that He has openly spoken the truth for all to hear. In verses 20-21, the idols of the nations are again challenged to prove themselves. Verses 22-23 are an invitation to all men to turn to the Lord for salvation (see also 45:6). Verses 24-25 affirm that those who turn to the Lord will be justified while those who reject Him will be ashamed.

43:22–44:9
How did the prophet assess the history of Israel?
Isaiah 43:22-28 recount the history of Israel in a panoramic sweep. The whole history was one of failure. The people failed to call upon God and grew weary of Him (43:22). They proved to be disappointing in their worship of Him (43:23-24).

Israel’s history, especially since her “first forefather” (Jacob), had been a history of sin. Even the nation’s political and religious leaders were guilty of leading the people astray (43:27). These things were shared to explain to the exiles why they had been punished.

But, in spite of all this, they were still God’s chosen servant (44:1), formed to be an instrument of His purpose (44:2). Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, is referred to as “Jeshurun,” which means “the upright one.”

Isaiah 44:3-5 describe the blessings that will be poured out on exiles and their descendants. Isaiah 44:6-8 is a brief oracle regarding the supremacy and sovereignty of God (44:6, 8) in which the gods of the nations are again challenged to demonstrate their power (44:7).

The Stupidity of Worshiping Idols

44:9-20
How did Isaiah describe the stupidity of worshiping idols?
Isaiah penned some very strong, though satirical, words about the stupidity of worshiping idols. God’s people were exposed to every form of idolatry during their exile. These words were very likely intended to teach them the stupidity of choosing those man-made gods over the God of the universe. Those who fashion and worship idols will “be put to shame” (44:9-11).

Verses 12-17 describe the process of the manufacture of idols. Isaiah accentuates the absurdity of the process by noting that an idol maker cuts a piece of wood and uses part of it in his cooking fire and the other part to fashion an idol before which he falls in obeisance. Such individuals are entirely deluded and deceived (44:18-20). Note: Read Psalm 115.

Practical Consideration: God is worthy of worship.
Isaiah pointed out the absurdity of worshiping lifeless pieces of wood and metal fashioned into the likeness of a god. People today still worship lifeless pieces of wood and metal. People today still give their senseless devotion to meaningless things. People today still feverishly labor to spend on the things they worship.

It has been rightly noted, “Whatever a man seeks, honors, or exalts more than God, this is the god of his idolatry” (William B. Ullathorne). God alone is worthy of our worship. He alone is deserving of our highest praise and deepest devotion.

God’s Call for Israel to Remember His Redemption

44:21-23
What did God call upon Israel to remember?

God called upon Israel to “Remember these things. . .” (44:21-22): [1] “you are My servant,” [2] “I have formed you,” [3] “you will not be forgotten by Me,” [4] “I have wiped out your transgressions,” [5] “I have redeemed you.” These are wonderful assurances to a people in exile. They speak of a bright and hopeful future for God’s people. This is reason for rejoicing (44:23).

A Once Rebellious People Called to Witness

43:1-7
What evidence of God’s love is contained in Isaiah 43:1-7?

The tone of the language changes between the preceding verses and the oracle of salvation contained in Isaiah 43. Verses 1-7 are filled with encouragement. God will redeem His people (43:1) and help them overcome any obstacles on their homeward journey (43:2).

God, Israel’s Savior, will pay any price to liberate His people, including the whole of Africa (43:3-4). Oh how God loved His people! God will do this because His people are precious in His sight (43:4a). Verses 5-7 speak of the release and return of God’s people from exile (in Babylon).

Practical Consideration: God is a God of love.
God’s judgment of His people was redemptive in design. It was a purposeful judgment. God knew what it would take to purge His people of their worship of idols and their proclivity to straying. When God’s judgment had accomplished its purpose, God worked to secure the release of His people from captivity and to orchestrate their trip home.

God expressed a willingness to pay whatever price was necessary to secure the release of His people. God’s ultimate expression of His love for man and His willingness to pay a high price to redeem mankind was in the cross of Christ. It is the ultimate witness to the love of God.

43:8-13
Who did God ask to testify of His greatness to the world?
In Isaiah 43:8-13, the nations are called together in a courtroom setting and challenged to present witnesses to validate the divinity of their gods by giving evidence of their involvement in history (43:9 and see also 41:21-29). There was, of course, no response.

God’s people (43:8) are summoned to testify to His divinity and activity in history (43:10-13). His involvement in history is seen in the history of Israel. Warren Wiersbe comments, “Frederick the Great asked the Marquis D’Argens, ‘Can you give me one single irrefutable proof of God?’ The Marquis replied, ‘Yes, your majesty, the Jews.'”

43:14-21
What new thing would the Lord do?
Isaiah 43:14-21 speak of a new exodus. God would bring Babylon (the Chaldeans) down (43:14) and make a way home for His people (43:15-21). Notice the exodus themes: “a way through the sea” (43:16); the destruction of “the chariot and the horse” (43:17); and the making of “a roadway in the wilderness” (43:19).

God’s people were admonished to turn their attention from the former things (43:18, e.g., the first exodus) to behold the new thing (43:20, i.e., their imminent liberation from the Babylonian exile and the transformation of the wilderness). The people of the new exodus were to declare the praises of God (43:21).

43:22–44:9
How did the prophet assess the history of Israel?
Isaiah 43:22-28 recount the history of Israel in a panoramic sweep. The whole history was one of failure. The people failed to call upon God and grew weary of Him (43:22). They proved to be disappointing in their worship of Him (43:23-24).

Israel’s history, especially since her “first forefather” (Jacob), had been a history of sin. Even the nation’s political and religious leaders were guilty of leading the people astray (43:27). These things were shared to explain to the exiles why they had been punished.

But, in spite of all this, they were still God’s chosen servant (44:1), formed to be an instrument of His purpose (44:2). Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, is referred to as “Jeshurun,” which means “the upright one.”

Isaiah 44:3-5 describe the blessings that will be poured out on exiles and their descendants. Isaiah 44:6-8 is a brief oracle regarding the supremacy and sovereignty of God (44:6, 8) in which the gods of the nations are again challenged to demonstrate their power (44:7).