Isaiah 43

Isaiah 43 emphasizes God’s sovereignty and the special relationship He has with Israel. It highlights God’s power to redeem His people, His promise to restore and protect them, and His ultimate plan to reveal His glory through their deliverance. The chapter reassures Israel that despite their failures, God’s love for them is steadfast, and He will guide them through challenges, bringing salvation.

Isaiah 43:1-10 (NKJV)
1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.
5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."
8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears.
9 Let all the nations be gathered together, And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, And show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say, “It is truth.”
10 "You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me."

God reassures Israel of His divine ownership and protection. Despite their difficulties, they are precious to Him. The waters and fire symbolize challenges, but God promises His presence and deliverance through all trials. Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba represent great nations that God sacrificed to save His people. He promises to gather Israel from the ends of the earth, reaffirming His love and purpose for them. God calls them to witness His power and truth, declaring that He is the only God, eternal and incomparable.

Isaiah 43:11-13 (NKJV)
11 I, even I, am the Lord, And besides Me there is no savior.
12 I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses,” Says the Lord, “that I am God.
13 Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?"

God emphasizes His role as the only Savior, reminding Israel that He has always been their deliverer. His works cannot be undone, and He is the ultimate authority. The people are called to bear witness to His divine acts and sovereignty over all things. There is no other god, and His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted.

Isaiah 43:14-17 (NKJV)
14 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "For your sake I will send to Babylon, And bring them all down as fugitives— The Chaldeans, who rejoice in their ships.
15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King."
16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters,
17 Who brings forth the chariot and horse, The army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick).

God promises to deliver Israel from Babylon, bringing down the once-proud Chaldeans. He reminds Israel of His past deliverance, particularly from Egypt, when He made a way through the sea. The imagery of chariots and horses recalls the Egyptian army, which was destroyed in pursuit of the Israelites. God is once again the Redeemer, who will deliver them from their enemies.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV)
18 "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

God encourages His people to look forward to the new works He is about to perform. The past deliverances, while significant, are not the end of His mighty acts. He promises to do something unprecedented, providing paths in wildernesses and rivers in dry lands, symbolizing His ability to bring life and hope even in the most desolate situations.

Isaiah 43:20-21 (NKJV)
20 The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen.
21 This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.

God’s provision extends beyond humanity, affecting all of creation. The wilderness becomes a place of flourishing because of His intervention. The purpose of this divine care is to sustain His chosen people, Israel, who are called to reflect His glory and praise Him for His mighty works.

Isaiah 43:22-24 (NKJV)
22 "But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob; And you have been weary of Me, O Israel.
23 You have not brought Me the sheep for your burnt offerings, Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not caused you to serve with grain offerings, Nor wearied you with incense.
24 You have bought Me no sweet cane with money, Nor have you satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices; But you have burdened Me with your sins, You have wearied Me with your iniquities."

God points out that Israel has neglected true worship. Instead of bringing offerings and sacrifices as a sign of gratitude and faithfulness, they have burdened God with their sins. They have become weary of Him, despite His constant care. God’s tone reflects disappointment in their lack of devotion and acknowledgment of His grace.

Isaiah 43:25-28 (NKJV)
25 "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
26 Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.
27 Your first father sinned, And your mediators have transgressed against Me.
28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary; I will give Jacob to the curse, And Israel to reproaches."

Despite Israel’s failures, God offers forgiveness and redemption for His own sake. He invites them to state their case, knowing that their ancestors and leaders have all sinned. Because of this, Israel has faced reproach and judgment. Yet God’s grace and willingness to forgive is a profound expression of His enduring love for His people.