Isaiahchapter 43

28 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 520 cross-references outward and receives 517 — heaviest partner: Isaiah.

Chapter summary

Jehovah addresses Jacob-Israel as the one he created, formed, and redeemed, calling the nation by name and pledging presence through waters, rivers, and fire; Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba are named as Israel's ransom. He promises to gather offspring from east, west, north, and south, then convenes a courtroom scene: the nations assemble with their witnesses while Israel stands as Jehovah's witnesses that "before me there was no God formed" and "besides me there is no saviour." He announces Babylon's fall, with the Chaldeans as fugitives, and recalls the exodus — a way in the sea, chariot and horse extinguished — before declaring a "new thing": a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The chapter closes with indictment: Israel brought no offerings but burdened Jehovah with sins, yet he blots out transgressions for his own sake, while sanctuary princes face profaning.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Prophecy · Isaiah — see the Isaiah overview for the book's full setting.

1 But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am Jehovah thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in thy stead.

4 Since thou hast been precious in my sight, and honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men in thy stead, and peoples instead of thy life.

5 Fear not; for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the end of the earth;

7 every one that is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yea, whom I have made.

8 Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that 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 former things? let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified; or let them hear, and say, It is truth.