Isaías 43
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Isaías 43
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS Israel's unique position as YHWH's covenant people is clearly revealed in Isa. 43:1-7. He formed them, Isa. 43:1,7 He redeemed them, Isa. 43:1 He called them by His name, Isa. 43:1,7 He protected them, Isa. 43:2 He is their covenant God, Isa. 43:3 They are precious in His sight, Isa. 43:4 He honored them, Isa. 43:4 He loved them, Isa. 43:4 He is with them, Isa. 43:5 SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT YHWH wants to use them to reveal Himself to the nations, Isa. 43:8-10 (esp. Isa. 43:10c). SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN Verses 10d-f ‒ 13 are a theological affirmation of YHWH's uniqueness. SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM YHWH will bring His people back from exile (Isa. 43:5-6,14,16,19-20) through Cyrus II's decree in 538 B.C. (imagery of a second Exodus) ultimately through the Messiah (a third and final exodus from sin) YHWH will redeem Israel even though they do not deserve it (cf. Isa. 43:22-24). However, this will involve a "new covenant" (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 35:22-36). YHWH has a worldwide redemptive plan SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN YHWH as Israel's redeemer is the focus of this chapter (cf. Isa. 43:1,3,11,14,25-26). YHWH acts because of who He is and for His greater purpose. Israel is a precious tool in the hand of God for universal redemption. Names for God used in chapter 43 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C. D.) "the Lord" (Isa. 43:1,3,11,14) YHWH ‒ The covenant name for God (cf. Exod. 3:14), "I Am," is from the Hebrew VERB "to be." "God" (Isa. 43:3; "El in Isa. 43:13) Elohim ‒ This is a PLURAL word. The rabbis say YHWH is God's name for mercy, while Elohim deals with the world in general (i.e. creator, sustainer). These two names for God are the most common in the OT. I reject the modern western model of "Source Criticism" that turns these names into separate authors. SPECIAL TOPIC: PENTATEUCH SOURCE CRITICISM (J.E.D.P.) "The Holy One of Israel" (Isa. 43:3,15) ‒ This title expresses God's purity and transcendance (see note at Isa. 40:25; see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HOLY ONE). "Savior" (Isa. 43:3,11,12) Yasha ‒ This is from the same root as Joshua and Jesus. The basic meaning is "to be wide" or "spacious" (cf. Isa. 19:20; 45:15,21; 49:26; 60:16; 63:8; see SPECIAL TOPIC: OUR SAVIOR). "Redeemer" (Isa. 43:14) ‒ This is from the same root as Go'el, the kinsman redeemer or avenger (cf. Ruth 4:4,6). This term depicts God as our near kinsman (cf. Isa. 41:14; 44:6,24; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7,26; 54:5,8; 59:20; 60:16; 63:16). It is another example of God's personal relationship with us. Other examples are God as parent or husband. See SPECIAL TOPIC: RANSOM/REDEEM "The Creator" (Isa. 43:15) ‒ YHWH the creator (cf. Isa. 40:28) is also the special covenant God of Israel. This (the VERB bara, cf. Isa. 43:1) is a common theme (cf. Isaiah 40-66). "King" (Isa. 43:15) ‒ God is the true King of Israel. The earthly king is merely His representative (cf. 1 Samuel 8). See See SPECIAL TOPIC: TITLES FOR THE SPECIAL COMING ONE
Isaías 43:1-7
43:1 "Lord" This is from the word YHWH. In Exod. 3:14 it is translated "I Am." This form is from the Hebrew VERB "to be." He is the ever-living, only-living One. SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM ▣ "your Creator" This is a Qal PARTICIPLE (BDB 135, KB 153, used only of divine creation, Gen. 1). This is a common theme throughout the Servant Songs. Here it refers to the establishment of the nation of Israel (cf. Genesis 12; 15; 22). The second line of chapter 43 has the parallel VERB "formed" (BDB 427, KB 428, Qal PARTICIPLE, cf. Isa. 43:21; 44:2,21,24). YHWH was not only the Creator of the physical realm but also the covenant people (cf. Genesis 12; 15; 18; 22). ▣ "O Jacob. . .O Israel" These two VOCATIVES both refer to the collective covenant people, the seed of Abraham. SPECIAL TOPIC: ISRAEL (the name) ▣ "Do not fear" This is a command (BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense). So often this is God's word for His people, especially after the exile and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (cf. Isa. 40:9; 41:10,13,14; 44:2; 54:4). SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR (OT) ▣ "redeemed" See SPECIAL TOPIC: RANSOM/REDEEM. ▣ "I have called you by name" This (both "redeemed" and "called" are Qal PERFECTS) refers to God's choice of Israel (cf. Isa. 43:7; 45:3-4). This was a special calling through Abraham (cf. Genesis 12; 15; 18; 22). Naming something shows ones power and authority. Adam names the animals ‒ Gen. 2:19-20 Adam names Eve ‒ Gen. 2:23; 3:20 YHWH names the stars ‒ Ps. 147:4; Isa. 40:26; 48:12-13 YHWH names His people ‒ Isa. 43:1,7; 45:3-4 SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT PROMISES TO THE PATRIARCHS ▣ "you are Mine" See Isa. 43:21 and Exod. 19:5-6. Israel was uniquely YHWH's people. 43:2 "the waters. . .the fire. . .the flame" This is such a wonderful text! These are used as imagery of problems, fears, and foes! Oh, what wonderful truth for believers in a fallen world! ▣ "will be with you" This is God's greatest promise (i.e. His personal presence, cf. Isa. 43:5; Deut. 31:6,8; Ps. 23:4; Matt. 28:20). This is what the Messianic title "Immanauel" means (cf. Isa. 7:14). ▣ "Nor will the flame burn you" For a powerful example see Daniel 3. 43:3 "Savior" This root's basic meaning can be translated "to be wide" (BDB 446, KB 448, Hiphil PARTICIPLE). The names Joshua, Hosea, and Jesus are based on this root. SPECIAL TOPIC: OUR SAVIOR ▣ "ransom" This speaks of the high cost of redemption. The object of this verse seems to be Cyrus II's conquests. SPECIAL TOPIC: RANSOM/REDEEM 43:4 There is an apparent parallel between Isa. 43:3 ‒ a Divine ransom involving Egypt, Cush, and Seba instead of Israel Isa. 43:4 ‒ a Divine ransom involving other men (Adam, BDB 9) other peoples (BDB 522) The UBS Text Project (p. 111) gives another option (i.e. Assyria. . .Edom), which is found in the REB. This change is possible without a change of consonants. However, the UBS Text Project rates option #1 as A (very high probability). Verses 3 and 4 are a literary way of showing YHWH's great love for Israel and His willingness for Cyrus' military victories to assure Israel's return to Palestine. 43: 5-7 This reflects the return from Neo-Babylonian exile allowed by Cyrus II's decree (538 B.C.), which allowed all the exiled people groups to return to their homeland. SPECIAL TOPIC: KINGS OF PERSIA, C. 43:7 "called. . .created. . .formed. . .made" God had a purpose for Israel (cf. Isa. 43:10; Gen. 12:1-3; Exod. 19:5-6). SPECIAL TOPIC: CALL ON HIS NAME SPECIAL TOPIC: "THE NAME" OF YHWH SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN
Isaías 43:8-13
43:8 "the people who are blind" This was because of their continuing unbelief and covenant disobedience (cf. Isa. 6:9-10 and 42:18-22). 43:9 There is a series of Qal IMPERFECTS used as JUSSIVES (cf. NRSV and NJB, "let. . ."). let them bring their witness (BDB 678, KB 733) let them justify themselves (BDB 842, KB 1003) let them hear (BDB 1033, KB 1570) let them say (BDB 55, KB 65) The nations, like the idols of Isaiah 40, do not know the future. Only YHWH holds time and history in His hand (i.e. many predictions in Isaiah of the fall of Assyria and Babylon). He will use Israel to reveal Himself and ultimately He will use the Messiah, His special Servant to bring the nations to faith (i.e. Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 1:8). 43:10-13 Notice the many ways YHWH's uniqueness, power, and eternality are expressed. He wants humans, made in His image (cf. Gen. 1:26-27), to know (BDB 393, KB 390, Qal IMPERFECT; see SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOW) believe (BDB 52, KB 63, Hiphil IMPERFECT; see SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS [OT]) understand (BDB 106, KB 122, Qal IMPERFECT) He is the only God (see SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM) I am He, Isa. 43:10,11,12,13 before Me there was no God formed, Isa. 43:10 after Me no God formed, Isa. 43:10 no savior beside Me, Isa. 43:11; 45:22 His acts (all Hiphil IMPERFECTS; see wonderful parallel at Ps. 103:6-14) He has spoken (BDB 616, KB 665) He has saved (BDB 446, KB 448) He has proclaimed (BDB 1033, KB 1570) He is from eternity, Isa. 43:13a; Micah 5:3; Ps. 90:2 His power, Isa. 43:13b,c These truths are what the nations need to know and affirm, Isa. 43:9. 43:10 "You are My witnesses" This is imagery for a court scene (cf. Isa. 43:12; 1:18; 41:21; 44:8; Rom. 8:31-39; Matt. 25:31-46), where all the nations are gathered (cf. Isa. 43:9). ▣ "Before Me there was no God" This refers to monotheism (cf. Isa. 43:10-13). This is reflected in Exod. 20:5. SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM 43:13 "eternity" This follows the Septuagint. The MT has "from the day." SPECIAL TOPIC: SEPTUAGINT SPECIAL TOPIC: THE MASORETIC TEXT
Isaías 43:14-21
43:14 "the Lord your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel" See Contextual Insights, G. ▣ "will bring them all down as fugitives" This refers to the fall of Neo-Babylon by Cyrus II. It was not Cyrus' power that defeated Neo-Babylonians but YHWH's power and purpose (i.e. "for your sake"). There is a possible revocalization of the Hebrew consonants (BDB 138). "fugitives," מברחים, Peshitta, NASB, NKJV, NET, cf. Ezek. 17:21 only, but possibly Isa. 15:5 "bars," MT, Ezek. 38:11, בריחים, JPSOA, cf. Isa. 45:2 The UBS Text Project, p. 112, gives option #1 a B rating. ▣ "the Chaldeans" Herodotus (450 B.C.), Hist. I, uses this term (BDB 505) to refer to an ethnic group (cf. 2 Kgs. 24:1-4; Dan. 5:30) as well as a priestly class (cf. Dan. 2:2; 3:8; 4:7; 5:7,11) whose usage goes back to Cyrus II. Even before this time period Assyrian records used the term (BDB 505) in an ethnic sense (cf. R. K. Harrison, Introduction to the Old Testament, p. 1113). Also read the good discussion of the possibility of a confusion of two similar terms (i.e. Kal-du vs. Kasdu) in The Expositors Bible Commentary, vol. 7, pp. 14-15 or Robert Dick Wilson, Studies in the Book of Daniel, series 1. Because Gen. 11:28 states that Ur of the Chaldeans was the home of Terah and his family, Chaldeans may have been ethnically Semitic (i.e. same racial group as the Hebrews). SPECIAL TOPIC: CHALDEANS ▣ There is another possible revocalization of the Hebrew consonants. into the ships (BDB 58, NASB, NKJV) in lamentation (change of vowels, JPSOA, NRSV, NJB, TEV, REB, NET Bible) the LXX has "bound in ships" It is possible that Isa. 43:14 should be taken as Neo-Babylonian people thinking they could escape the Persian army by floating down river (i.e. Euphrates) in the ships they were so proud of, yet now they will be ships of mourning! 43:15 "your King" This is possible linked to 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17. See Contextual Insights, G. 43:16 This uses the Exodus from Egypt (cf. Isa. 43:17; Exodus 14-15) as imagery for the return from Neo-Babylon YHWH's control of the waters of chaos. See SPECIAL TOPIC: WATERS ▣ "I will do something new" This theme of something "new" is so common in Isaiah (cf. Isa. 41:15; 42:9,10; 48:6; 62:2; 65:17; 66:22). See full note at Isa. 62:2. SPECIAL TOPIC: OLD THINGS. . .NEW THINGS 43:19 "I will even make a roadway in the wilderness" This is a very common biblical theme (cf. Isa. 40:1-4). ▣ NASB, NKJV, NRSV, NJB, JPSOA, LXX, Peshitta "Rivers" REB, DSS "Paths" The UBS Text Project, p. 113, cannot decide between the MT, "rivers/streams" and DSS "paths." נהרות ‒ BDB 625, "rivers" נתיבות ‒ BDB 677, "paths" I think option #2 is a better poetic parallel to the previous line of poetry (notice "path," BDB 677, in v. 16, as well as "a way," BDB 292). However, v. 20 does involve YHWH bringing water (i.e. rivers, BDB 677) to the desert. 43:20 Instead of curses (cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28) the beasts became tame. Nature blooms and produces in light of YHWH's presence and blessings, imagery of a restored Garden of Eden. See Isa. 32:20 for a list of passages like this.
Isaías 43:22-24
43:22-24 This is not a condemnation of sacrifice in general but of false motives (JPOSOA footnote, cf. Jeremiah 7; Amos 5). The VERBS are all PERFECTS which show a settled attitude of rebellion. 43:22 These are acts of worship done at the temple. 43:24 "sweet cane" This (BDB 889) refers to holy anointing oil (cf. Exod. 30:23; Jer. 6:20). ▣ "sins. . .iniquities" See SPECIAL TOPIC: SIN IN THE OT, A. #1, #2
Isaías 43:25-28
43:25 "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake" God's forgiveness is an act of pure grace, not merit (cf. Isa. 37:35; 48:9,11; Ezek. 36:22-36; Eph. 2:8-9). ▣ "I will not remember your sins" When God forgives, God forgets (cf. Isa. 1:18; 38:17; 44:22; Ps. 103:12; Micah 7:19)! What a needed truth in light of Satan's continuing condemnations! Oh the mercy and grace of God! SPECIAL TOPIC: WORDS FOR FORGIVENESS 43:26 "let us argue our case together" This reflects a legal imagery of a court room (cf. Isa. 1:18; 41:21; Rom. 8:31-39). This verse has a series of commands by the judge. put Me in remembrance ‒ BDB 269, KB 269, Hiphil IMPERATIVE let us argue our case together ‒ BDB 1047, KB 1627, Niphal COHORTATIVE state your case ‒ BDB 707, KB 765, Piel IMPERATIVE 43:27 "Your first forefather sinned" Literally it is "father." It could refer to Adam or Jacob or any Jewish ancestor. It shows that God's love is undeserved. The OT does not dwell on the origin of sin, but acknowledges its presence and pervasiveness. On the origin of "sin" some rabbis, like Paul, emphasize Genesis 3, but most emphasize Genesis 6 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: "sons of God" in Genesis 6). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND SPECIAL TOPIC: THE AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY ▣ "spokesmen" This is a reference to either the prophets the priests or Levites (cf. 2 Chr. 30:22) the civil leaders 43:28 "I will pollute the princes of the sanctuary" The VERB "pollute" (BDB 320 III, KB 319, Piel IMPERFECT with waw) can mean "pollute," defile," or "profane." The NEB and REB slightly change the Hebrew consonants to "your princes profaned my sanctuary," which follows the LXX. It is uncertain whether the two VERBS of Isa. 43:28 refer to the past or the future. The Hebrew text links verses 27 and 28. Verse 28 obviously refers to the past. Most of chapter 43 deals with YHWH's current deliverance of Israel from exile. Hebrew TENSES do not give time, just action; time must be ascertained from the context. SPECIAL TOPIC: HEBREW GRAMMAR, II. A. ▣ "the ban" This is from the word herem (BDB 356). Something was "holy," so unusable by fallen humanity, therefore, it must be destroyed. An example would be Jericho (cf. Joshua 6). SPECIAL TOPIC: CURSE (OT)