In this chapter God describes some of the major differences between Himself and false gods. ” ‘Listen to me, O house of Jacob… I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? Those…
Category: Isaiah
Thoughts and commentaries on the Book of Isaiah.
Isaiah 45
This chapter has two main sections – a proclamation from God to Cyrus (King of Persia), and a proclamation from God describing Himself as the one and only true God / Savior. “For the sake of… Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me. I…
Isaiah 44
This chapter is a “Markan sandwich” – a literary device which essentially has “theme a”, “theme b”, then “theme a” again, with “theme b” being of great importance and informing the overarching “theme a”. “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.’ The…
Isaiah 43
This chapter describes God’s desired salvation for His people and the role of provider He offers, yet there is clearly some lament because God’s people do not take Him up on His offers. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters,…
Isaiah 42
This chapter has a few themes including a prophesy of Jesus, a commission of God’s people, a song of praise, and a condemnation of sin (specifically from God’s people). “Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath…
Isaiah 41
This chapter reminds us that God is with His people, and we do not need to fear – He will be there in the thick of things, holding our hand, leading us in His ways. “But you, Israel, my servant… you whom I took from the ends of the earth… I have chosen you and…
Isaiah 40
This powerful, often-quoted chapter is essentially a song of comfort for God’s people, and praises to God. God is depicted as someone beyond comparison, because He is so powerful and so unique He can only be compared to Himself. Today I’m offering a prayer that’s a paraphrase of this ‘psalm’. I don’t know about you,…
Isaiah 39
In this chapter the King of Babylon sends an envoy to King Hezekiah. He shows them the full extent of Israel’s wealth and military. Isaiah then confronts Hezekiah. “Then Isaiah said… “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: …all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this…
Isaiah 38
King Hezekiah becomes gravely ill and is told he will die. Hearing this, he cries out to God and weeps bitterly. God (through Isaiah) tells him that he shall live another 15 years. The king then writes this prayer / psalm to God. “Like a swallow or a crane I chirp; I moan like a…
Isaiah 37
Following the Rabshakeh’s (king of Assyria’s) mocking of God, King Hezekiah sends messengers to Isaiah to ask for help. While waiting for a response, Hezekiah goes to the temple to pray. ” ‘O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the…