Isaiah 41
-The coastlands are to listen in
silence as they gain new strength. Eventually they will come forward and speak
and come together for some kind of judgment. The one aroused from the East is
probably referring to Cyrus II of Persia, and could possibly be the one from
the north referred to as well (Isaiah 41:1-2, 25). The Medes from the north and
the Persians from the east. This is at least what many scholars will interpret.
He conquered Babylon, who had conquered Judah, in 539 B.C. and was responsible
for releasing the exiled Jews so that they could return to Jerusalem. Although
Cyrus II is in no way a believer, he executes the righteous acts of God’s
Divine plan in the world (Isaiah 45:1-5). Truly it is God as the Ultimate One
who performs and accomplishes these events. He is the first, and with the last
as the Great “I AM (Isaiah 41:4, Revelation 1:8; 2:8; 22:13).”
-Though the coastlands (Tel Aviv,
the political capital of modern Israel and where most of the Jewish people
live, is on the Mediterranean coast) were afraid when they saw the trembling to
the ends of the earth with the approaching doom from the enemies of the people
of God, they are told to say each to his brother, “Be strong!” and “It is
good!” Israel, God’s servant, whom He has chosen and is His friend, has now at
this time (obviously a prediction we are seeing in present times in the here
and now) been taken from the ends of the earth in its remotest parts and put
back together again. God reassures them that He has chosen them and not
rejected them. He tells them not to fear, for He is with them. They are not to
anxiously look about, for He is their saving God to strengthen and help. He
promises to uphold them with His righteous Right Hand (Isaiah 41:5-10). All
those who are angered at Israel “will be shamed and dishonored; those who
contend with you (Israel) will be as nothing and will perish.” In fact, all
those who quarrel with God’s people will not even be found. “Those who war with
you will be as nothing and non-existent (Isaiah 41:11-12).” The LORD doubly
assures over and over again His promises for protection and help, so they can
be released from all fear and doubt (Isaiah 41:13-14a). He is their Redeemer,
the Holy One of Israel. He makes them to prosper in weapons, which can thresh
(to beat, to pound) and pulverize the mountains. The hills will become like
chaff, which the wind can carry away. The storm will scatter the enemies of
God, but His people will rejoice in the LORD and glorify the Holy One of Israel
(Isaiah 41:14b-16). *Application* Any recent attention to the news about what
is going on in Israel today with her enemies looming and threatening should excite
us as believers to the prophesies given here thousands of years ago. Watch the
signs of the times and look to the LORD on high. The Redeemer is alive!
-“The afflicted and needy are
seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst; I,
the LORD, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake
them. I will open the rivers on the bare heights and springs in the midst of
the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land fountains
of water.” God will put the cedar in the wilderness, the acacia, the myrtle,
the olive, and juniper trees in the desert together with the box tree and the
cypress. The purpose, that they may see and recognize and consider and gain
insight as well for the fact that God has done these miraculous things by His
creative powers (Isaiah 41:17-20, Revelation 12:6).
-The rest of the chapter mocks
the absurdity of those who go to idols for their security and well-being. They
amount to nothing. Their arguments are vain. They cannot prophesy (tell the
future). They are an abomination to the true LORD and King. These idols are
deception and lies, which lead people astray. They are false and futile,
absolutely worthless. They are wind and emptiness (Isaiah 41:21-29).
*Application* Seek the authentic God and have faith in Him.
Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 41:4
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