Isaías 44
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Isaías 44
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO ISAIAH 44:24-45:25 This is a very specific prophecy. Cyrus II, also known as Cyrus "the Great," is mentioned by name in Isa. 44:28 and 45:1. YHWH has claimed several times that He knows and controls events (cf. Isa. 41:22-23; 44:7,26). This prophecy is the major impetus for the theory of multiple authorship of Isaiah. I believe that Isaiah is written by only one author and that God not only reveals the future of the Assyrian Empire, but also that of the Neo-Babylonian and the Persian Empires through this 8 th century B.C. prophet. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BIBLE (its uniqueness and inspiration) SPECIAL TOPIC: PROPHECY (OT) This particular reference to Cyrus has to do with his decree of 538 B.C. that allowed all of the exiled people (exiled by Assyria and Neo-Babylon) to return to their native lands and rebuild their national temples with the help of the Persian treasury. For the specific reference to the Jewish return see Ezra 1:2-4; 6:3-5. Cyrus' primary motivation for this was for each of the nations to pray to their own god on Persia's behalf and Cyrus' successors (cf. Ezra 6:10; 7:23). I think that Isaiah 45:6 is extremely significant. It shows again not only the purpose of God choosing Israel, but also of God choosing Cyrus. God chose Abraham to choose the world and He chose Cyrus for the same larger purpose. SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN Notice the number of times the different words for create are used. BDB 427, KB 428 ‒ form, create, Isa. 44:24; 45:7,9 (twice), 18 (twice) BDB 793, KB 889 ‒ do, make, Isa. 44:24; 45:7,9,11,18 BDB 135, KB 153 ‒ create, Isa. 45:7 (twice), 8,12,18 (twice) The theological emphases of this "new age" section are YHWH alone created everything YHWH formed Israel for a purpose YHWH is alone and unique (monotheism) YHWH proves His existence by predictive prophecy Israel's existence
Isaías 44:1-5
44:1 "listen" This is an IMPERATIVE (BDB 1033, KB 1570) which characterizes many oracles in Isaiah (cf. Isa. 1:2,10; 6:8,9,10; 7:13; 28:14; 32:9; 33:13; 34:1; 36:13; 39:5; 42:18; 46:3,12; 47:8; 48:1,12,14, 16; 51:1,7,21; 55:2,3; 59:1; 66:5). This word means "to hear so as to perform" (cf. James 1:22-25). It became the name (the Shema) of the famous Jewish prayer in Deut. 6:4-5. SPECIAL TOPIC: LISTEN/HEAR ▣ "O Jacob, My servant" Notice the parellelism between lines 1 and 2. YHWH is addressing corporate Israel. SPECIAL TOPIC: MY SERVANT ▣ "whom I have chosen" YHWH chose Israel, Isa. 44:1,2 made Israel, Isa. 44:2 formed Israel, Isa. 44:2 (cf. Isa. 27:11; 37:26; 43:1,7,21; 44:2,21-24; 45:11) helped Israel, Isa. 44:2 SPECIAL TOPIC: HE CHOSE US SPECIAL TOPIC: ELECTION SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT 44:2 Notice the parallelism between lines 1 and 2. "made you" ‒ BDB 793, KB 889, Qal PARTICIPLE, line 1, cf. Isa. 17:7 "formed you" ‒ BDB 427, KB 428, Qal PARTICIPLE, line 2, cf. Gen. 2:7,8 (see #3 above) There are several Hebrew words used to describe YHWH's creative acts. ▣ "Do not fear" This phrase (BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense) is used often in chapters 40-66 (cf. Isa. 40:9; 41:10,13,14; 43:1,5; 44:3; 51:7; 54:4,14; 57:11). They were not to fear because they were God's people He was with them their punishment was over He would provide all they needed SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR (OT) ▣ "Jeshurun" This (BDB 449) was a rare title for Israel meaning "the upright one" (cf. Deut. 32:15; 33:5,26). It is parallel to "O Jacob My servant." 44:3 "I will pour" This VERB (BDB 427, KB 428, Qal IMPERFECT) is often used in connection with anointings or sacrifices. In this verse it is repeated twice. once for the miraculous water of abundance once for the Spirit (see SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE) Isa. 32:15, different word (BDB 788) Joel 2:28, different word (BDB 1049) YHWH is the source of blessings and for desert people water was the symbol of life and abundance (cf. Isa. 44:4). SPECIAL TOPIC: WATERS/SEA, I. A. #4 ▣ "on your offspring" Blessings, like curses, moved through families (cf. Deut. 5:9-10; 7:9). These future generations will know who they are in YHWH, i.e. if their parents teach them (cf. Deut. 4:9,10; 6:7,20-25; 11:19; 32:46), rejoice in it (Isa. 44:5), and live it! SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT PROMISES TO THE PATRIARCHS 44:5 The textual question is to whom this verse refers. proud descendants of Abraham (v. 2) foreigners who claim and extol Israel's God (cf. v. 5; 56:3-6) The VERB "call" (BDB 894, KB 1128, Qal VERB) is translated PASSIVE in the Aramaic Targums, "shall be called" REFLEXIVE (Niphal) in the LXX and the Peshitta, "shall call himself" ACTIVE in the Hebrew, "shall call on" (i.e. act of worship; see SPECIAL TOPIC: CALL ON HIS NAME) It seems to me from the context of the parallelism of lines 2 and 3 that it is talking about foreigners (see UBS Text Project, p. 116). If so, then this is one of those texts that assures non-Jews of access to the one true God (cf. 1 Kgs. 8:41-43)! Not only is the servant a light to the nations (cf. Isa. 2:2-4; 12:4-5; 25:6-9; 42:6-12; 45:22-23; 49:5-6; 51:4-5; 56:6-7; 60:1-3; 66:23), but a savior of the nations! Genesis 3:15 is fulfilled, as well as Gen. 12:3! SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN ▣ "write on his hand, 'Belonging to the Lord'" This seems to reflect the ANE custom of slaves being tattooed with the name of their owner. This would be similar imagery to God marking His followers' foreheads. Paul, in Gal. 6:17, mentions a "brand/mark of Jesus" God marks His faithful followers who believe in Jesus on their hand or forehead in Rev. 7:3 Satan mimics this in Rev. 13:16; 14:9; 20:4 For a fuller discussion see my new Partial Preterist commentary on Revelation (2024) online free at www.freebiblecommentary.org. Click on the second blue box on homepage and then, "written commentaries."
Isaías 44:6-8
44:6 Notice the titles for God in this context (similar to 43:3,15). the Lord (YHWH); see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. the King of Israel; cf. Exod. 15:18; Num. 23:21; Jdgs. 8:23; 1 Sam. 8:7; 12:12; 1 Kgs. 22:19; Ps. 10:16; 29:10; Isa. 6:5; 41:21; 43:15; Jer. 46:18; 48:15; 51:57 Redeemer (BDB 145 I, cf. Isa. 41:14; see SPECIAL TOPIC: RANSOM/REDEEM) the Lord of hosts; see SPECIAL TOPIC: LORD OF HOSTS I am the first and I am the last (cf. Isa. 41:4; 43:10; 48:12; Rev. 1:8,17; 21:6; 22:13) God (Elohim), see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C. Rock, Isa. 44:8 (cf. Isa. 17:10; 26:4; 30:29; Ps. 18:2) These titles emphasize the uniqueness, eternality, faithfulness, and power of Israel's God. SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (NT) ▣ "there is no God besides Me" This is an affirmation of uniqueness and monotheism. This is a recurrent theme in Isaiah (i.e. Isa. 43:11; 45:5,6,21; 46:6,8; Deut. 4:35,38; 1 Sam. 2:2; Mark 12:32). SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM 44:7 "Let him proclaim and declare it" This is an allusion to the court scene again. YHWH is challenging the idols to prove their existence and power but they cannot (cf. Isa. 41:21-24; 45:21; 46:10). They cannot predict the future. Notice the number of commands addressed to the false gods (i.e. the idols of the nations). proclaim ‒ BDB 894, KB 1128, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense declare ‒ BDB 616, KB 615, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense recount ‒ BDB 789, KB 884, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense declare ‒ same as #2 44:8 In light of the impotence of the false gods of the nations, Israel is not to tremble ‒ BDB 808, KB 922, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense fear ‒ BDB 923, KB 437 (רהה), Qal IMPERFECT (NEGATED) used in a JUSSIVE sense (different root from Isa. 44:2 (ירה) BDB 431, KB 432) ▣ "you are My witnesses" YHWH had a specific revelatory purpose for His servants/servant (see note at v. 23; 43:10-12; 55:4,6-13). Predictive prophecy is a major part of establishing the uniqueness and inspiration of the Bible. SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BIBLE (its uniqueness and inspiration) ▣ "I know of none" YHWH answers His own question. The VERB (BDB 393, KB 390) is Qal PERFECT; there is no other god or gods, only Him. SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM
Isaías 44:9-11
44:9-20 This is a prose section dealing with the folly of idolatry (cf. Ps. 115:2-8; Isa. 40:18-20; 41:7; 45:20; 46:5-7; Jer. 10:2-16). See a good brief discussion in John H. Walton, ANE Thought and the OT, pp. 116-117. SPECIAL TOPIC: IDOLATRY SPECIAL TOPIC: DIVINATION 44:9 "futile" "useless" "nothing" "worthless" "nothingness" "less than nothing" "to no purpose" LXX, Peshitta "vain, vanity" This is the Hebrew word (BDB 1062) translated "formless" in Gen. 1:2; Jer. 4:23 "desolation" in Isa. 34:11 "emptiness" in Isa. 41:29 here it denotes unreality (i.e. idols, cf. 1 Sam. 12:21; Isa. 41:29) This term (BDB 1062) is parallel to "vain" (BDB 996). It is used in Isaiah often. Isa. 24:10 ‒ ruined cities Isa. 25:21 ‒ false/empty testimony Isa. 34:11 ‒ chaos/desolation Isa. 40:17 ‒ worthless Isa. 40:23 ‒ nothing/void Isa. 41:29 ‒ confusion caused by idols Isa. 44:9 ‒ idols are nothing Isa. 45:18 ‒ the earth as unformed, Gen. 1:2; Jer. 4:23 Isa. 45:19 ‒ waste place Isa. 49:4 ‒ of disobedient Judah's nothingness are vanity Isa. 59:4 ‒ empty arguments Here the idols of the nations are non-existent, vain, worthless things! Other texts suggest that these idols are used by the demonic to seduce and trick fallen humans (cf. Deut. 32:16-17; Ps. 106:37; 1 Cor. 8:4-6; 10:20; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 9:20). SPECIAL TOPIC: DEMONS (fallen angels) 44:10 This is a rhetorical, sarcastic question. 44:11 There is a series of IMPERFECTS used as JUSSIVES describing the idol maker and worshiper. let them assemble ‒ BDB 867, KB 1062, Hithpael IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense let them stand up ‒ BDB 763, KB 840, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense let them tremble ‒ BDB 808, KB 922, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense let them be put to shame ‒ BDB 101, KB 116, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense
Isaías 44:12-17
44:14-20 This shows the folly of idolatry (cf. Jer. 10:2-16). plants a tree cut it for warmth cooking food making a god falls down in worship before a helpless god, the remainder of a cut log. He asks the log to help him, save him! the maker forgets all this preparation because he has deceived himself (Isa. 44:20)
Isaías 44:18-20
44:18 Is the unbelief and superstition a result of the Fall (cf. Isa. 1:3; Jer.10:8,14; 2 Cor. 4:4; see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND) YHWH's hand (cf. Ps. 81:12; Isa. 6:9-10; Jer. 10:29; Rom. 11:7-8; 2 Cor. 3:14; see SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD HARDENED The OT relates all causality to God (i.e. see full note at Isa. 14:24-27; also note Isa. 6:9-10; 29:10), but still humans are responsible for their acts. This is the mystery of God's sovereignty and humanity's free will (i.e. necessary human acts for God's forgiveness, cf. Isa. 55:7). Maybe Ps. 81:12 sums it up best (cf. Rom. 1:24,26,28; Phil. 2:12-13). SPECIAL TOPIC: ELECTION/PREDESTINATION AND THE NEED FOR A THEOLOGICAL BALANCE SPECIAL TOPIC: ONE CAUSALITY 44:19 "an abomination" See SPECIAL TOPIC: ABOMINATION. 44:20 "He feeds on ashes" Ashes (BDB 68) has several connotations here. part of the wood the idolater used to make his idol/god, he now uses to cook his food, Ps. 102:9 symbol of insignificance ‒ Gen. 18:27; Ezek. 28:18; Mal. 4:3 symbol of mourning ‒ 2 Sam. 13:19; Esther 4:1,3; Ps. 102:9; Isa. 61:3 symbol of worthlessness ‒ Job 13:12; BDB 68 lists Isa. 44:20 here symbol of that which is unclear, loathsome ‒ Job 30:19 NET Bible, p. 1256, #9, suggests "he eats on an ash heap."
Isaías 44:21-23
44:21-23 In light of the false witness of idolatry, the true witness of YHWH's people is crucial! They are commanded to remember, Isa. 44:21 ‒ BDB 269, KB 269, Qal IMPERATIVE return, Isa. 44:22 ‒ BDB 996, KB 1427, Qal IMPERATIVE (see SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (OT)) YHWH's creation is also to witness shout for joy, O heavens, Isa. 44:23 ‒ BDB 943, KB 1247, Qal IMPERATIVE shout joyfully O depths of the earth, Isa. 44:23 ‒ BDB 929, KB 1206, Hiphil IMPERATIVE break forth with a shout of joy you mountains and forests, Isa. 44:23 ‒ BDB 822 KB 953, Qal IMPERATIVE It is ironic that the idol makers burn and form the trees, but the trees rejoice over YHWH's redemption and Israel's witness to His glory. 44:21 "My servant" See SPECIAL TOPIC: MY SERVANT ▣ NASB, NKJV, NRSV "you will not be forgotten by Me" REB, LXX, Peshitta, JPSOA "never forget me" The interpretive question is, "Does this line of poetry match v. 21a, "remember" (Qal IMPERATIVE) or does it refer to "YHWH's memory?" The MT has a Niphal IMPERFECT (BDB 674, KB 728) VERB which is normally viewed as PASSIVE (NASB). Most ancient versions view it as a Qal IMPERFECT which parallels the call of v. 1 for Judah to remember YHWH. Theologically speaking both are crucial to a covenant relationship. The UBS Text Project, p. 121, gives the PASSIVE a "C" rating (considerable doubt). 44:22 This is another tremendous promise of complete forgiveness. The VERB "wipe out" (BDB 562, KB 567, Qal PERFECT) is also used in Isa. 43:25; Ps. 51:1,2,9. When God forgives, God forgets (cf. Isa. 1:18; 38:17; 43:25; 44:22; Micah 7:19). The bases for this complete blotting out of our transgressions are YHWH's redemption (i.e. "I wipe away your sins") a believer's repentance (i.e. "come back to Me") SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (OT) 44:23 Notice how all creation rejoices at YHWH's forgiveness (cf. Rom. 8:18-22) heavens, cf. Ps. 69:34; 96:11 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN) Sheol, cf. Deut. 33:13; Ps. 148:7; Hab. 3:10 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: SHEOL) mountains, cf. Ps. 65:12; 98:8; 148:9; Isa. 55:12; Hab. 3:10 forests, cf. Ps. 96:12; Isa. 55:12; Hab. 3:10 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: TREES) ▣ NASB, NKJV "lower parts of the earth" NKJV, JPSOA "depths of the earth" "deep places of the earth" "underworld" LXX, Peshitta "foundations of the earth" This apparently refers to Sheol (BDB 982). SPECIAL TOPIC: WHERE ARE THE DEAD?, I. B. 44:24 "His glory" YHWH's glory, in this context, is the truth that He is the only true God, the Creator, the Redeemer. Israel was to witness to the nations of this great truth (cf. v. 8). They were trapped in idolatry, superstition, and manipulated by the demonic. Only Israel had true revelation. They were called into being as the covenant people to share this message with the world. SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDMPTIVE PLAN
Isaías 44:24-28
44:24-28 This is one sentence in Hebrew. It is a series of relative clauses which are translated by the NIV as "who. . ." It is significant that this is a structured unit (i.e. Isa. 44:24-45:13) because the climax is found in the mention of Cyrus II by name in Isa. 45:28. It is basically a unit dealing with "the God who can" versus the idols who cannot. YHWH announces beforehand what will occur to prove His existence and power (cf. Isa. 41:22-23; 44:7,26). Notice the list of "who. . ." in NIV (i.e. Qal PARTICIPLES). who formed you in the womb, Isa. 45:24 who has made all things, Isa. 45:24 who alone stretched out the heavens, Isa. 45:24 who spread out the earth by Myself, Isa. 45:24 who foils the signs of false prophets, Isa. 45:25 who overthrows the learning of the wise, Isa. 45:25 who carries out the words of his servants, Isa. 45:26 who says of Jerusalem, "it shall be inhabited," Isa. 45:26 who says to the watery deep, "Be dry," Isa. 45:27 who says of Cyrus, "He is my shepherd," Isa. 45:28 44:24 Redeemer" This is the term Go'el, which has the same definition as "ransom" with the added idea of a near kinsman as the agent. It is often a title for God (cf. Job 19:25; Ps. 19:15; 78:35; Isa. 41:14; 43:14; 44:6,24; 49:7; 59:20; Jer. 50:34); it is used in this personal sense to reveal God's character and Israel as His chosen special family. SPECIAL TOPIC: RANSOM/REDEEM SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT) ▣ "the one who formed you from the womb" This is imagery referring to the formation of the nation of Israel (cf. Isa. 45:2). It is used uniquely of the Exodus experience. This concept of birthing also lends itself to the concept of the people of God as the children of God. ▣ "I, the Lord, am. . ." This is literally the phrase, "I am YHWH," which is a key phrase in the OT. It is a play on the covenant name for God, from the VERB "to be" (cf. Exod. 3:14). Its basic meaning is "I am the ever-existing, only-existing God." SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. ▣ "maker of all things" This is the emphasis of God as both Creator (cf. Psalm 104) and Redeemer (cf. Isa. 45:12,18; Psalm 103). ▣ "Stretching out the heavens by Myself" Here again is God as Creator. This phraseology is used in Isa. 40:22; 42:5; 45:12,18; 51:13. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HEAVENS AND THE THIRD HEAVEN SPECIAL TOPIC: THE CIRCLE OF THE EARTH ▣ "all alone" NKJV, Peshitta (Qere) "by Myself" NRSV, DSS, LXX, TEV "no one helped me" "who was with me?" "alone" "unaided" "all by myself" The MT has "who with me" (Ketiv), which parallels "alone" (BDB 94 II) in the previous line of poetry. The Masoretic Text scholars suggested "by myself" (Qere). No one gave YHWH counsel or suggestions when He created the earth (cf. Job 38:4ff). Some scholars see the "Us" of Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7, as referring to an angelic council, but even if this is true, this text asserts YHWH Himself created and performed these things (cf. "by myself" and "all alone"). SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVENLY COUNCIL OF ANGELIC BEINGS SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM 44:25 "omens. . .diviners. . .wise men" This verse is an exposure of the occult practices of the surrounding nations, particularly Neo-Babylon. It is a literary foil for God to discuss His true prophets in Isa. 45:26. Biblically, the way to determine a true prophet is found in Deut. 13:1-3; 18:22. The false prophets and the true prophets are going to be contrasted in order to reveal that God is the only God. It is possible that the Hebrew word translated "boasters" in the NASB can mean (i.e. "the omens of boasters") liars, vain talkers (BDB 95 III) soothsayers, from an Akkadian root (AB, vol. 20, p. 72), which would make it parallel to "diviners" (line 2). The Barim priests of Neo-Babylon were known for their predictions (Leupold, p. 133). SPECIAL TOPIC: MAGIC SPECIAL TOPIC: DIVINATION 44:26 "Confirming the word of His servant" God is in control of history. His forth-telling of future events is one way to prove to all mankind that YHWH is the only Creator, Redeemer God (cf. Isa. 41:22-23; 45:7,26; see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BIBLE [its uniqueness and inspiration]). Throughout this section of Isaiah prophecy is used as a means of God demonstrating His ability over against the inability of the occult practices to determine future events. The words "servant" (BDB 712) and "messengers" (BDB 521) are parallel. The first is SINGULAR (UBS Text Project, p. 122, gives the SINGULAR a "B" rating) and the second PLURAL. Is this meant to refer to the Servant the prophets (NET Bible) or are both to be understood as the prophet? Thereby, "servant" would be a way to characterize all prophets. This verse may be an allusion to Isa. 2:2-4 or Micah 4:1-4. ▣ "It is I who says of Jerusalem, 'she shall be inhabited'" This is a very specific prophecy of not only the restoration of Jerusalem but also of the cities of Judah (cf. Isa. 2:2-4; Dan. 2:24-27; Mic. 4:1-3). 44:27 There has been much discussion on the meaning of this verse. These are the theories: YHWH controls the waters of chaos (cf. Genesis 1; Psalm 74:12-17; Isa. 51:10). It is a reference to God's splitting of the Red Sea and the Jordan River and, therefore, is a reference to the Exodus. It shows that God can overcome any barrier and is used in the sense of God drying up or overcoming the Euphrates River (i.e. note Isa. 11:15-16) so that Cyrus can defeat Babylon. This is used in some sense that God is the controller of moisture which proves that He, and not Ba'al, is the true fertility God, the God of abundance. SPECIAL TOPIC: WATERS/SEA 44:28 "It is I who says of Cyrus" Cyrus is mentioned by name for the first time in this context. He is also mentioned by name in Isa. 45:1. Josephus, in his book, Antiquities of the Jews, 11.1.2, says that Jewish tradition believes that these prophecies were shown to Cyrus and because of them he allowed the Jews to return to Judah. We also learn that Cyrus was impressed by these prophecies in 2 Chr. 36:22-23. ▣ "He is My shepherd" This term primarily speaks of a leader or administrator. There are two very strong kingly terms used here, "shepherd" (BDB 944 I) in Isa. 44:28 and "anointed one" (BDB 603) in Isa. 45:1. Both of these terms show that God will use Cyrus to accomplish His larger purposes. This does not imply that Cyrus became a believer (cf. Isa. 45:5c), but that God uses human instrumentality in order to accomplish His purposes (i.e. Exod. 3:7-10). SPECIAL TOPIC: ANOINTING IN THE BIBLE, F. #4 ▣ "Your foundation will be laid" The fulfillment of this prophecy, related to both the city of Jerusalem and the temple, is found in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel (i.e. Dan. 9:24-27), and Haggai.