Isaías 41
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Isaías 41
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS In this chapter YHWH displays His power and sovereignty by calling Cyrus II (i.e. the to be king of Persia, cf. Isa. 41:2,25) to take over the rule of the Fertile Crescent from Neo-Babylon. This regime change will show YHWH's plan of deliverance for His people (i.e. return from exile) YHWH's judgment of the idols of the peoples who cannot hear, see, or act Chapter 41 has an extensive number of commands used as a rhetorical literary device. directed to the "coastlands," Isa. 41:1 "listen to Me" ‒ BDB 361, KB 357, Hiphil IMPERATIVE "let the peoples gain new strength" ‒ BDB 322, KB 321, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense "let them come forward" ‒ BDB 620, KB 670, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense "let them speak" ‒ BDB 180, KB 210, Piel IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense "let us come together for judgment" ‒ BDB 897, KB 1132, Qal COHORTATIVE directed to "one from the east" (i.e. Cyrus II), Isa. 41:2 ‒ BDB 921, KB 1190, Hiphil JUSSIVE (i.e. Persia) the coastlands speak to each other, "be strong" Isa. 41:6 ‒ BDB 304, KB 302, Qal IMPERATIVE YHWH speaks to His people "do not fear" Isa. 41:10 ‒ BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense (also note Isa. 41:13, 14; see SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR) "do not anxiously look about you" Isa. 41:10 ‒ BDB 1043, KB 1609, Hithpael JUSSIVE YHWH (and the heavenly council; see SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVENLY COUNCIL OF ANGELIC BEINGS) as Judge calls the idols to court (Isa. 41:21-24) "present your cases" ‒ BDB 897, KB 1132, Piel IMPERATIVE "bring forward your strong arguments" ‒ BDB 620, KB 670, Hiphil IMPERATIVE "let them bring forth" ‒ BDB 620, KB 670, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense "let them declare to us" ‒ BDB 616, KB 665, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense "as for the former events, declare what they were" ‒ BDB 616, KB 665, Hiphil IMPERATIVE "that we may consider them" ‒ BDB 962, KB 1321, Qal COHORTATIVE "that we may know their outcome" ‒ BDB 393, KB 390, Qal COHORTATIVE "announce to us what is coming" ‒ BDB 1033, KB 1570, Hiphil IMPERATIVE "declare the things that are going to come forward" ‒ BDB 616, KB 665, Hiphil IMPERATIVE "that we may know that you are gods" ‒ BDB 393, KB 390, Qal COHORTATIVE "do good" ‒ BDB 405, KB 408, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense "do evil" ‒ BDB 949, KB 1269, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense "that we may anxiously look about us" ‒ BDB 1043, KB 1609, Hithpael COHORTATIVE "and fear together" ‒ BDB 431, KB 432 (or BDB 906, KB 1157, Qal COHORTATIVE), Qal JUSSIVE YHWH gives His verdict on the idols in Isa. 41:25-29 "who has declared this" ‒ BDB 393, KB 390, Qal COHORTATIVE "that we may say, 'he is right'?" ‒ BDB 55, KB 65, Qal IMPERFECT, but in a COHORTATIVE sense "when I look, there is no one" ‒ BDB 906, KB 1157, Qal JUSSIVE There is a symbolic trial where the nations are called to account (Isa. 41:1,21) because instead of repentance in the face of YHWH's presence, power and prediction, they make new idols. Notice the number of times "I" is used. YHWH chooses to act. This is similar to Ezek. 36:27-36. The new exodus from exile is described in agricultural terms as it was in Isaiah 35. The promises of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27-29 are now realized. Israel has been restored to covenant status by YHWH's mercy and power.
Isaías 41:1-4
41:1 Verse 1 is a literary technique used often in the OT (i.e. a court scene, cf. Isa. 1:18-20; 43:26; 50:8; Hosea 4; Micah 6). YHWH brings the nations, and in Isa. 41:21, their idols before His judgment seat. NASB, NKJV, NRSV, JPSOA "coastlands" "distant lands" NJB, REB "coasts and islands" "O islands" "O you islands" The word (BDB 15) means "coast" or "region." Isaiah uses it often to refer to Gentile nations in the Mediterranean area (cf. Isa. 11:11; 24:15; 41:1,5; 42:4,10,12; 49:1; 51:5; 59:18; 60:9; 66:19). It is parallel to "peoples" (BDB 522, cf. Isa. 49:1). It seems that the nation of Edom is used as a symbol for all "rebellious nations" (i.e. 34:5-17; 63:1-6; Jer. 49:7-22; Lam. 4:21-22; Ezek. 25:12-14; 35:1-15; Obadiah, Mal. 1:2-4). In Isaiah this term often stands for Gentile nations, like Philistia and Phoenicia (cf. Isa. 23:2-6). ▣ "in silence" This is another term related to a court scene (cf. Hab. 2:20; Zech. 2:13). There is nothing to say in light of YHWH's presence and power. ▣ "gain new strength" It is surprising (and uncertain in meaning) that the same VERB (BDB 322, KB 321, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense) used of God's people in Isa. 40:31, is now used for "the peoples" (i.e. Gentiles). ▣ "come forward" This VERB, "draw near" (BDB 620, KB 670, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense) can be used of priests approaching YHWH in sacrifice and worship, but here it is approaching the judge for a defense (cf. Isa. 34:1; 48:16). 41:2 NASB, NRSV, JPSOA, LXX "has aroused" NKJV, REB "has raised up" "brought" "has raised" "has stirred up" The MT has the VERB (BDB 734, KB 802, Hiphil PERFECT), which expresses YHWH's activity in history. used of YHWH Himself ‒ Deut. 32:11; Isa. 42:13; 51:5 used of Assyria ‒ 1 Chr. 5:26 used of Neo-Babylon's enemies ‒ Jer. 50:9; 51:1 used of Medo-Persia ‒ Ezra 1:1; Isa. 13:17; 41:25; 45:13; Dan. 11:2 other nations Philistia ‒ 2 Chr. 21:16 against Judah ‒ Ezek. 23:22 for Judah ‒ Haggai 1:14 ▣ "one from the east" This refers to Cyrus II (cf. "one from the north," Isa. 41:25). He is mentioned specifically by name in Isa. 44:28; 45:1. Cyrus II, known as Cyrus the Great became King of Anshan in 558 B.C. gained control of Media in 550 B.C. controlled Lydia in 546 B.C. controlled Neo-Babylon in 539 B.C. issued a decree in 538 B.C. that all the deported people groups exiled by Assyria and Babylon could go home, including the Jews SPECIAL TOPIC: KINGS OF PERSIA ▣ "Whom He calls in righteousness" The JPSOA translates this by uniting the thoughts of lines 1 and 2, "who has roused a victor (BDB 841) from the east." The Jewish Study Bible (864) mentions that the Targums translate this so as to refer to Abraham whom YHWH called from Ur of the Chaldees (i.e. Gen. 15:6, where the same root, BDB 842, is used of Abraham). If so, then the military part of Isa. 41:2 would refer to Genesis 14, Abraham's defeat of the kings. SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS ▣ "to His feet" It must be remembered that the Ark of the Covenant was viewed as the footstool for YHWH's feet (i.e. 1 Chr. 28:2; Ps. 132:7; Isa. 66:1) and, thereby, His presence. This is an anthropomorphic phrase. SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD DESCRIBED AS HUMAN (anthropomorphism) SPECIAL TOPIC: ARK OF THE COVENANT ▣ "He" Notice all the things that YHWH does for Cyrus II. arouses from the east calls in righteousness delivers up nations before him subdues kings like dust like chaff Verse 3 describes the swiftness of his victories. Verse 4 describes the Lord who accomplishes the victories for His own purposes of redemption and restoration for His people. "subdues" "rule over" NRSV, JPSOA "tramples" "victory" "subjects" "overthrowing" "confounded" The problem is the rare VERB (BDB 921, KB 1190, Hiphil jussive). It basically means "have dominion over" or "rule" (NKJV). This does not seem to fit the context, so the various options. The VERB must refer to Cyrus. 41:3 "traversing with his feet" "he had not gone with his feet" NRSV, NJB "scarcely touching the path with his feet" "swifter than any traveler on foot" "no shackle is placed on his feet" The Hebrew phrase is ambiguous. The ancient versions did not understand it. LXX ‒ "the way of his feet shall proceed in peace" Peshitta ‒ "he shall not pass that way on foot" DSS ‒ "they do not discern the path of his feet" Most modern English translations see it as imagery of speed. However, the JPSOA (p. 864) translates the word "path" (BDB 73) as "shackles" from an Old Aramaic root. It could refer to new territory (NET Bible). 41:4 "Calling forth the generations from the beginning" This is an idiom for YHWH's control of time and history (cf. Isa. 40:21; 41:26; 44:7; 45:21). YHWH directs creation, the call of Abraham, and his seed for His purposes. OT predictive prophecy is the strongest evidentiary basis for the inspired Bible! SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BIBLE (its uniqueness and inspiration) SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN ▣ For "beginning" see SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAD. ▣ "'I, the Lord, am the first, and with the last. I am He'" There is a series of Hebraic terms and forms used here to describe God. "the Lord" comes from the Hebrew VERB "to be" (cf. Exod. 3:14, see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.) "the first and the last" (cf. Isa. 44:6; 48:12; Rev. 1:8; 21:6) "I am He" reflects the term "YHWH" (cf. Isa. 43:10; 44:4; John 8:24,28,57-58; 13:19; 18:5) Collectively, these terms seem to reflect that God is the only-living, ever-living God (see SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM). The imagery is used for Jesus, YHWH's Messiah, in Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13. (see SPECIAL TOPIC: MESSIAH)
Isaías 41:5-16
41:5 "The ends of the earth" This second line is parallel to "the coastlands," see note at Isa. 41:1. They both refer to the whole "known" Mediterranean and Near Eastern world. 41:6-7 The Hebrew VERB "make strong" (BDB 304, KB 302) is used three times in these verses. Qal IMPERATIVE ‒ be strong, Isa. 41:6 Piel IMPERFECT with waw ‒ encourage, Isa. 41:7 Piel IMPERFECT with waw ‒ fastens it, Isa. 41:7 The nations looked to each other's deity for help, but in vain, for their gods could not see, hear, or act! Oh, the tragedy of human superstition and imagination! 41:8 "But you, Israel, My servant" There has been much discussion over the term "My servant." It seems to be used in three distinct ways in the OT. for an individual like the king or a prophet (cf. Num. 12:7) for the nation of Israel (cf. Isa. 42:19; 44:21) ultimately for the ideal Israelite, the Messiah (cf. Isa. 52:13-53:12) In the book of Isaiah the second and third options are often merged. SPECIAL TOPIC: MY SERVANT ▣ "I have chosen" This VERB (BDB 103, KB 119, Qal perfect) is an emphasis on God's election (cf. Isa. 41:9; 43:10; 44:1,2; 49:7; Deut. 7:6; 14:2). In the OT election was for service (cf. Gen. 12:3; Exod. 19:5-6), while in the NT election is for salvation which leads to service. SPECIAL TOPIC: HE CHOSE US SPECIAL TOPIC: ELECTION ▣ "Descendant of Abraham My friend" Note YHWH's call and promise to Abraham in Genesis 12; 15; 22. This foundational Patriarchal covenant is emphasized by Paul in Romans 4 and Galatians 3. Abraham is also called YHWH's friend in 2 Chr. 20:7; James 2:23. They talked face to face in Genesis 18. SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT PROMISES TO THE PATRIARCHS 41:9 "You whom I have taken. . .called" Both VERBS are PERFECTS (i.e. completed action). taken ‒ BDB 304, KB 302, Hiphil PERFECT called ‒ BDB 894, KB 1128, Qal PERFECT (see SPECIAL TOPIC: CALLED) Also note the synonymous parallelism between from the ends of the earth its remotest parts In context this refers to the places that Assyria resettled (i.e. exiled) the Israelites (722 B.C.) and Babylon resettled the Judeans (605, 597, 586, 582 B.C.). ▣ "I have chosen you and not rejected you" Judah felt that God had rejected them because of the exile and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by Nebuchadnezzar II in 586 B.C. (i.e. 2 Sam. 7: 1 Chr. 17). The VERB "reject" (BDB 549, KB 540, Qal PERFECT, NEGATED) is used in Lev. 26:44, where YHWH promises not to totally cut off His people because of their sin and covenant breaking. The question comes, how is this promise affected by the NT? It seems to me there are two main options. Israel still has a crucial place in end-time events (i.e. Zech. 12:10;Romans 9-11). God's people have always been those who trust Him and live for Him. In the OT this referred to the seed of Abraham, but also notice Melchizedek (Genesis 14) Job (Job 1) Jethro (Exodus) Caleb (Joshua) Uriah (2 Samuel 11) and others who were not Israelites In the NT this is widened to all believing Gentiles (i.e. Rom. 2:28-29; Galatians 3). 41:10 "Do not fear" This is a very common message from YHWH to His people (BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense, negated, cf. Isa. 41:13,14; 43:1,5; 44:2,8; 51:7,12; 54:4,14). See SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR Notice why they should not fear. YHWH is personally with them YHWH is their covenant God He will strengthen them He will help them (Isa. 41:10,14) He will uphold them (Isa. 41:10,13) all who oppose them will be shamed be dishonored be brought to nothing (Isa. 41:11-12) perish ▣ "for I am with you" There is no stated verb in this phrase (see NKJV). There is an obvious intended word play (cf. Isa. 41:13) between the meaning of the needed verb (I am) and the name for God, YHWH (I Am that I Am, cf. Exod. 3:14). There is no greater promise in all the Bible (cf. Matt. 28:20; Acts 18:10). This truth is reflected in the Messianic title, "Emmanuel" (Isa. 7:14). SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. "Do not anxiously look about you" NKJV, Peshitta "be not discourged" NRSV, REB "do not be afraid" "let nothing terrify you" "do not be alarmed" "wander not" "Be not frightened" The Hebrew VERB (תשׁעה, BDB 1043, KB 1609) in the Hithpael, means "gaze not about (in anxiety)." It is possible that the VERB is from another root (שׁתע), which is found in Ugaritic, meaning "fear" (NET Bible, p. 1250, #21), and therefore, a parallel with line 1. ▣ NASB, NKJV, NRSV, REB, JPSOA "with My righteous right hand" "I will protect you and save you" "with my saving right hand" "with the right hand of my righteousness" "with my just right hand" The translation question is MASCULINE NOUN (BDB 841), which is the term usually translated "righteousness," but here, the connotation of "victorious" (BDB 842, #6. d., cf. Isa. 51:5). SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS 41:11 "all those. . .those who contend" Remember that YHWH has promised blessings to those who bless His people and curses to those who curse them (cf. Gen. 12:3). It must be remembered that Israel's strength, trust, and hope was in YHWH, not in themselves. Notice how the returning Israelites' opponents are characterized. all those who are angered at you, Isa. 41:11 those who contend with you, Isa. 41:11 those who quarrel with you, Isa. 41:12 those who war with you, Isa. 41:12 Also notice their fate. will be shamed, Isa. 41:11 will be dishonored, Isa. 41:11 will be as nothing, Isa. 41:11 will perish, Isa. 41:11 will not be found, Isa. 41:12 will be as nothing, Isa. 41:12 will be non-existent, Isa. 41:12 41:14 "you worm Jacob" This reference to Jacob as being a worm is not a derogatory term, but seems to be imagery for his helplessness (cf. Job 25:6; Ps. 22:6) without God's aid, similar to the imagery of Ezek. 16:6. NASB, NKJV, JPSOA "men" "insect" "little handful" REB, JPSOA footnote "maggot" NET footnote "louse" or "weevil" The MT has "men" (BDB 607) but modern translations emend it to an Akkadian root (NRSV, REB, NET Bible, p. 1250, #28). ▣ "your Redeemer" This (Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPIAL title, cf. Isa. 43:14; 44:6,24; 49:7; 59:20) reflects the Hebrew term Go'el (BDB 145, KB 169). This Hebrew term referred to the "kinsmen redeemer" or "avenger." It is used of one who buys a near relative back from slavery or a prisoner of war (cf. an example would be Boaz in Ruth 4). SPECIAL TOPIC: RANSOM/REDEEM SPECIAL TOPIC: KINSMAN REDEEMER ▣ "the Holy One of Israel" This is a favorite title for Israel's Deity in Isaiah (i.e. Assyrian period, cf. Isa. 1:4; 5:19; 10:17,20; 12:6; 17:7; 29:19,23; 30:11,12,15; 31:1; 37:23; also in the second part of Isaiah in the Neo-Babylonian period, Isa. 40:25; 41:14,16,20; 43:3,14, 15; 45:11; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7; 54:5; 55:5; 60:9,14). Because He is "holy," His people should be holy (cf. Lev. 19:2; Matt. 5:48; 1 Pet. 1:16). This title, in a sense, expresses the impossible tension of a sinful, fallen people conforming to a holy standard. The Mosaic Covenant was impossible to keep (cf. Acts 15; Galatians 3; Hebrews). The old covenant was a way to show the impossibility of humans to conform to God's standard, yet He was with them, for them, preparing them for His answer to their fallen condition. He does not lower His standard, but provides it through His Messiah. The new covenant (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36) is a covenant of faith and repentance, not human performance (cf. Eph. 2:8-9), though it issues in Christlikeness (cf. James 2:14-26). God wants a people who reflect His character to the nations (cf. Matt. 5:48). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HOLY ONE SPECIAL TOPIC: SANCTIFICATION SPECIAL TOPIC: THE SUPERIORITY OF THE NEW COVENANT OVER THE MOSAIC COVENANT 41:15-16 Israel's enemies are described as "mountains" (BDB 249) and "hills" (BDB 148) which will be "threshed," which is an agricultural term for harvesting by means of a heavy sledge (cf. Micah 4:13; Hab. 3:12). This is Hebrew poetry, be careful of literalism! SPECIAL TOPIC: HEBREW POETRY
Isaías 41:17-20
41:17-20 These verses reflect God's presence and blessing with the Judean returnees with imagery from abundance in nature (cf. Lev. 26; Deut. 27; 28). This abundance was meant to attract the nations to YHWH. As YHWH provided food, water, and protection (i.e. His presence with Israel during the Exodus), He will do it again. In a sense, this was a second exodus of Israel from foreign bondage. For a good list of future prosperity promises, see Isa. 32:20. Prosperity was linked to covenant obedience (Lev. 26; Deut. 28) restoration of the covenant people to Canaan a way to attract the nations to YHWH 41:19 For a good resource for identifying ancient plants and animals see UBS Fauna and Flora of the Bible. 41:20 "the Holy One of Israel" See SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HOLY ONE
Isaías 41:21-24
41:21 This is a court scene (cf. Isa. 41:1). This same type of imagery is found in Isa. 1:18-20). ▣ "The King of Jacob says" This title occurs only here. YHWH was the ideal King of the Covenant people (cf. Isa. 43:15; 44:6; Exod. 15:18; Num. 23:21; Jdg. 8:23; 1 Sam. 8:7; 12:12; 1 Kgs. 22:19; Isa. 6:5). Jacob's name (i.e. Israel) represents all the Covenant people, all thirteen tribes (cf. Isa. 45:4). SPECIAL TOPIC: ISRAEL (the name) 41:22-23 Predictive prophecy is one of the strongest evidences of the inspiration of the Bible. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BIBLE (its uniqueness and inspiration) SPECIAL TOPIC: INSPIRATION 41:22-24 This refers to the national gods. God calls on them to act or predict or do anything, but they cannot because they are vanity or nothingness (Isa. 41:24,28-29). 41:23 This verse is one of the places where the compilers of the MT recognized a Hebrew variant and suggested a change. The MT is not the oldest Hebrew MSS. It was not completed until A.D. 900 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: MASORETIC TEXT) The MT has "and we shall see," 23c (Qere, ונראה, BDB 906, Qal IMPERFECT, NKJV, Leupold), but they suggest "and we shall be afraid" (ketiv, ונרא, BDB 431, Qal IMPERFECT, NASB). The UBS Text Project, p. 104, gives "see" a B rating (some doubt). 41:24b "amounts to nothing" "is nothing" "is nothing at all" "less than nothing" "none existant" "less than nullify" "corrupt" The NOUN (BDB 67, KB 79) is found only here. Most translations take it as parallel to "nothing" (BDB 34 II) in line one. KB Lexicon gives several guesses something worthless chaotic void illusion The UBS Text Project, p. 104, lists two possible Hebrew roots. מאפע (BDB 67) מאפס (cf. v. 29b, BDB 67) It gives option #1 only a "C" rating (considerable doubt). Please remember, even though we are not sure of the meaning of a word the larger context the Hebrew poetic prallelism still provide the inspired message! 41:24c "abomination" See SPECIAL TOPIC: ABOMINATION
Isaías 41:25-29
41:25 "have aroused one from the north" This again refers to Cyrus II (cf. Isa. 41:2; 44:28; 45:1). The only direction that one could come into Palestine from the Fertile Crescent was from the north because a desert was directly to the east (i.e. "from the rising of the sun"). ▣ "he will call on My name" This may refer to Cyrus' proclamation recorded in 2 Chr. 36:22-23 and Ezra 1:1-2. SPECIAL TOPIC: CALL ON HIS NAME SPECIAL TOPIC: "THE NAME" OF YHWH "he will come upon rulers" "he will come against princes" NRSV, TEV, NJB "he shall trample on rulers" "he marches over rulers" "he has trampled rulers" "he steps on rulers" The MT has the common VERB "come" (בוא, BDB 97, KB 112, Qal IMPERFECT) which several translations assume from context, means "step on." The UBS Textual Project, p. 106, suggests another possible root. ויבא ‒ he will come (MT) ויבס ‒ he will tread upon However, the UBS Text Project put #1 in the text but gave it a "C" rating (considerable doubt). The NET Bible likes option #2 (p. 1251 #18). 41:26 YHWH shows His existence and power by His prophesied acts in history (cf. Isa. 43:9; 45:21). This may refer to Isa. 30:8, where YHWH tells the prophet to write down His prophecy so that the accuracy of His predictions prove His power, knowledge, and control over human history. 41:27 "here they are" This seems to refer to true prophets, as Isa. 41:28 and 29 refer to false prophets and the tragedy of people turning to helpless idols. 41:29 Isaiah describes the pagan national gods/idols (i.e. molten images, BDB 651) in four words. a delusion (BDB 19) nothing (BDB 67) their works are wind (BDB 924) empty (BDB 1062)