Isaiah Chapter 41

Commentary

God's Help to Israel

1Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.

2Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.

3He pursued them, and passed safely; even by the way that he had not gone with his feet.

4Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.

5The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.

6They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.

7So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved.

8But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

9Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

11Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

12Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

13For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

15Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

16Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

17When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

18I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

19I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:

20That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

Meaningless Idols

21Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.

22Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.

23Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.

24Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.

25I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.

26Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

27The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.

28For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counseller, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

29Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

God’s Help to Israel

1 “Keep silent before me, islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come near, then let them speak. Let’s meet together for judgment.

2 Who has raised up one from the east? Who called him to his foot in righteousness? He hands over nations to him, and makes him rule over kings. He gives them like the dust to his sword, like the driven stubble to his bow.

3 He pursues them, and passes by safely, Even by a way that he had not gone with his feet.

4 Who has worked and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Yahweh, the first, and with the last, I am he.”

5 The islands have seen, and fear. The ends of the earth tremble. They approach, and come.

6 Everyone helps his neighbor. They say to their brothers, “Be strong!”

7 So the carpenter encourages the goldsmith. He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good;” and he fastens it with nails, that it might not totter.

8 “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend,

9 You whom I have taken hold of from the ends of the earth, and called from its corners, and said to you, ‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you away;’

10 Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

11 Behold, all those who are incensed against you will be disappointed and confounded. Those who strive with you will be like nothing, and shall perish.

12 You will seek them, and won’t find them, even those who contend with you. Those who war against you will be as nothing, as a non-existent thing.

13 For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’

14 Don’t be afraid, you worm Jacob, and you men of Israel. I will help you,” says Yahweh, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

15 Behold, I have made you into a new sharp threshing instrument with teeth. You will thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and will make the hills like chaff.

16 You will winnow them, and the wind will carry them away, and the whirlwind will scatter them. You will rejoice in Yahweh. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.

17 The poor and needy seek water, and there is none. Their tongue fails for thirst. I, Yahweh, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

18 I will open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

19 I will put cedar, acacia, myrtle, and oil trees in the wilderness. I will set fir trees, pine, and box trees together in the desert;

20 that they may see, know, consider, and understand together, that the hand of Yahweh has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Meaningless Idols

21 Produce your cause,” says Yahweh. “Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob.

22 “Let them announce, and declare to us what shall happen. Declare the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or show us things to come.

23 Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and see it together.

24 Behold, you are of nothing, and your work is of nothing. He who chooses you is an abomination.

25 “I have raised up one from the north, and he has come; from the rising of the sun, one who calls on my name; and he shall come on rulers as on mortar, and as the potter treads clay.

26 Who has declared it from the beginning, that we may know? And before, that we may say, ‘He is right?’ Surely, there is no one who declares. Surely, there is no one who shows. Surely, there is no one who hears your words.

27 I am the first to say to Zion, ‘Behold, look at them;’ and I will give one who brings good news to Jerusalem.

28 When I look, there is no man; even among them there is no counselor who, when I ask of them, can answer a word.

29 Behold, all of them, their works are vanity and nothing. Their molten images are wind and confusion.

God’s Help to Israel

1 “Be silent before Me, O islands, a

and let the peoples renew their strength.

Let them come forward and testify;

let us together draw near for judgment.

2 Who has aroused one from the east

and called him to his feet in righteousness b?

He hands nations over to him

and subdues kings before him.

He turns them to dust with his sword,

to windblown chaff with his bow.

3 He pursues them, going on safely,

hardly touching the path with his feet.

4 Who has performed this and carried it out,

calling forth the generations from the beginning?

I, the LORD—the first and the last—

I am He.”

5 The islands see and fear;

the ends of the earth tremble.

They approach and come forward.

6 Each one helps the other

and says to his brother, “Be strong!”

7 The craftsman encourages the goldsmith,

and he who wields the hammer

cheers him who strikes the anvil,

saying of the welding, “It is good.”

He nails it down so it will not be toppled.

8 “But you, O Israel, My servant,

Jacob, whom I have chosen,

descendant of Abraham My friend—

9 I brought you from the ends of the earth

and called you from its farthest corners.

I said, ‘You are My servant.’

I have chosen and not rejected you.

10 Do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be afraid, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you; I will surely help you;

I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.

11 Behold, all who rage against you

will be ashamed and disgraced;

those who contend with you

will be reduced to nothing and will perish.

12 You will seek them but will not find them.

Those who wage war against you will come to nothing.

13 For I am the LORD your God,

who takes hold of your right hand

and tells you: Do not fear,

I will help you.

14 Do not fear, O worm of Jacob,

O few men of Israel.

I will help you,” declares the LORD.

“Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

15 Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge,

new and sharp, with many teeth.

You will thresh the mountains and crush them,

and reduce the hills to chaff.

16 You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away;

a gale will scatter them.

But you will rejoice in the LORD;

you will glory in the Holy One of Israel.

17 The poor and needy seek water, but there is none;

their tongues are parched with thirst.

I, the LORD, will answer them;

I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

18 I will open rivers on the barren heights,

and fountains in the middle of the valleys.

I will turn the desert into a pool of water,

and the dry land into flowing springs.

19 I will plant cedars in the wilderness,

acacias, myrtles, and olive trees.

I will set cypresses c in the desert,

elms and boxwood together,

20 so that all may see and know,

may consider and understand,

that the hand of the LORD has done this

and the Holy One of Israel has created it.”

Meaningless Idols

21 “Present your case,” says the LORD.

“Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob.

22 “Let them come and tell us what will happen.

Tell the former things,

so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome.

Or announce to us what is coming.

23 Tell us the things that are to come,

so that we may know that you are gods.

Yes, do something good or evil,

that we may look on together in dismay.

24 Behold, you are nothing

and your work is of no value.

Anyone who chooses you is detestable.

25 I have raised up one from the north, and he has come—

one from the east who calls on My name.

He will march over rulers as if they were mortar,

like a potter who treads the clay.

26 Who has declared this from the beginning,

so that we may know,

and from times past,

so that we may say: ‘He was right’?

No one announced it, no one foretold it,

no one heard your words.

27 I was the first to tell Zion: d

‘Look, here they are!’

And I gave to Jerusalem

a herald of good news.

28 When I look, there is no one;

there is no counselor among them;

when I ask them,

they have nothing to say.

29 See, they are all a delusion;

their works amount to nothing;

their images are as empty as the wind.

 

Footnotes:

1 a Or coastlands ; also in verse 5
2 b Or from the east, whom victory meets at every step
19 c Or pines  or junipers  or firs
27 d Or Formerly I said to Zion:

God's Help to Israel

1Keep silent towards Me, O isles, And the peoples pass on to power, They come nigh, then they speak, 'Together -- to judgment we draw near.'

2Who stirred up from the east a righteous one? He calleth him to His foot, He giveth before him nations, And kings He causeth him to rule, He giveth them as dust to his sword, As driven stubble to his bow.

3He pursueth them, he passeth over in safety A path with his feet he entereth not.

4Who hath wrought and done, Calling the generations from the first? I, Jehovah, the first, and with the last I am He.

5Seen have isles and fear, ends of the earth tremble, They have drawn near, yea, they come.

6Each his neighbour they help, And to his brother he saith, 'Be strong.'

7And strengthen doth an artisan the refiner, A smoother with a hammer, Him who is beating on an anvil, Saying, 'For joining it is good,' And he strengtheneth it with nails, it is not moved!

8 -- And thou, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, Seed of Abraham, My lover,

9Whom I have taken hold of, from the ends of the earth, And from its near places I have called thee, And I say to thee, My servant Thou art, I have chosen thee, and not rejected thee.

10Be not afraid, for with thee I am, Look not around, for I am thy God, I have strengthened thee, Yea, I have helped thee, yea, I upheld thee, With the right hand of My righteousness.

11Lo, all those displeased with thee, They are ashamed and blush, They are as nothing, yea, perish Do the men who strive with thee.

12Thou seekest them, and findest them not, The men who debate with thee, They are as nothing, yea, as nothing, The men who war with thee.

13For I, Jehovah thy God, Am strengthening thy right hand, He who is saying to thee, 'Fear not, I have helped thee.'

14Fear not, O worm Jacob, ye men of Israel, I helped thee, an affirmation of Jehovah, Even thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

15Lo, I have set thee for a new sharp threshing instrument, Possessing teeth, thou threshest mountains, And beatest small, and hills as chaff thou makest.

16Thou winnowest them, and a wind lifteth them up, And a whirlwind scattereth them, And thou -- thou rejoicest in Jehovah, In the Holy One of Israel dost boast thyself.

17The poor and the needy are seeking water, And there is none, Their tongue with thirst hath failed, I, Jehovah do answer them, The God of Israel -- I forsake them not.

18I open on high places rivers, And in midst of valleys fountains, I make a wilderness become a pond of water, And a dry land become springs of water.

19I give in a wilderness the cedar, Shittah, and myrtle, and oil-tree, I set in a desert the fir-pine and box-wood together.

20So that they see, and know, And regard, and act wisely together, For the hand of Jehovah hath done this, And the Holy One of Israel hath prepared it.

Meaningless Idols

21Bring near your cause, saith Jehovah, Bring nigh your mighty ones, saith the king of Jacob.

22They bring nigh, and declare to us that which doth happen, The first things -- what they are declare ye, And we set our heart, and know their latter end, Or the coming things cause us to hear.

23Declare the things that are coming hereafter, And we know that ye are gods, Yea, ye may do good or do evil, And we look around and see it together.

24Lo, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought, An abomination -- it fixeth on you.

25I have stirred up one from the north, And he cometh, From the rising of the sun he calleth in My name, And he cometh in on prefects as on clay, And as a potter treadeth down mire.

26Who hath declared from the first, and we know? And beforetime, and we say, 'Righteous?' yea, there is none declaring, Yea, there is none proclaiming, Yea, there is none hearing your sayings.

27First to Zion, Behold, behold them, And to Jerusalem one proclaiming tidings I give,

28And I see that there is no man, Yea, of these that there is no counsellor, And I ask them, and they return word:

29Lo, all of them are vanity, Nought are their works, Wind and emptiness their molten images!'

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Isaiah 41?
2Introduction to Isaiah 41
3Context of Isaiah 41
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Isaiah 41 Unique Insights
7Isaiah 41 Connections to Yeshua
8Isaiah 41 Scriptural Echoes
9Isaiah 41 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Isaiah 41?

Introduction to Isaiah 41

Isaiah 41 stands as a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to Israel amid uncertain times. This chapter presents a divine courtroom scene where יהוה (Yahweh) challenges the nations and their idols while simultaneously comforting His chosen people. The imagery is stark and compelling – the Creator of the universe personally addresses both the coastlands of the world and His beloved servant Israel, weaving together themes of divine power, historical purpose, and intimate care that resonate deeply with readers across millennia.

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Context of Isaiah 41

This chapter falls within the broader “Book of Comfort” section of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), coming immediately after the pivotal transition in chapter 40 that shifts the prophetic focus from judgment to consolation. The historical setting likely places this prophecy during the rise of Cyrus the Great, though its message transcends its immediate context to speak to all generations of God’s people facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The larger context of Isaiah reveals this chapter as part of God’s unfolding plan to restore and redeem His people. It connects backwards to the promises made to Abraham and forwards to the ultimate servant-messiah who would fulfill Israel’s calling. The chapter’s themes of divine sovereignty and tender care for Israel form a crucial bridge between the book’s earlier messages of judgment and its later revelations of the suffering servant.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • “Coastlands” (איים, iyyim) – This term refers not just to literal islands but to distant nations and territories, emphasizing the universal scope of God’s rule and the global stage on which He demonstrates His sovereignty.
  • “Servant” (עבדי, avdi) – Used here as a title for Israel, this word carries deep covenant significance, pointing to both privilege and responsibility in God’s redemptive plan.
  • “Fear not” (אל־תירא, al-tira) – This phrase appears multiple times in the chapter, using the jussive form to express not just a command but a divine promise of protection and presence.
  • “First and Last” (ראשון ואת־אחרנים, rishon v’et-acharonim) – A divine title emphasizing God’s comprehensive control over history and His eternal nature.
  • “Helper” (עזרתיך, azarticha) – The Hebrew word implies more than casual assistance; it suggests covenant partnership and divine enablement.
  • “Crushed” (תדק, tadok) – A agricultural metaphor involving the thorough crushing of grain, used here to describe Israel’s future victory over enemies.
  • “Choose” (בחרתיך, becharticha) – This term implies not just selection but intimate knowledge and purposeful designation for special service.
  • “Strengthen” (אמצתיך, imatzticha) – The Hebrew connotes internal fortification, suggesting God’s work of building up His people from within.
  • “Right hand” (ימין, yamin) – A symbol of power and authority in Hebrew thought, here used to describe God’s personal involvement in strengthening His people.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1’s summons to “coastlands” to “renew their strength” deliberately echoes the language of Isaiah 40:31, but applies it ironically to the nations who will ultimately find their strength failing before יהוה.
  • The description of God “stirring up one from the east” (v. 2) uses military terminology that would have been familiar to ancient readers, but subverts it by showing this conqueror as merely a tool in יהוה’s hands.
  • The repetition of “fear not” (verses 10, 13, 14) employs the Hebrew jussive form rather than a simple imperative, suggesting divine enablement rather than mere command.
  • The imagery of Israel as a “worm” (v. 14) deliberately contrasts with the mighty nations, demonstrating God’s pattern of working through the weak to shame the strong.
  • The threshing imagery in verses 15-16 transforms agricultural language into a metaphor for spiritual victory, connecting to similar imagery in Micah 4:13.
  • The water imagery in verses 17-18 recalls the exodus narrative but expands it to encompass spiritual provision, using terms that would resonate with both desert dwellers and those familiar with Israel’s history.

Isaiah 41 Unique Insights

The chapter contains a fascinating legal metaphor where יהוה presents His case against the nations’ gods in a cosmic courtroom. The Hebrew text uses specific legal terminology that would have been familiar from ancient Near Eastern covenant documents, effectively turning the tables on Israel’s oppressors by subjecting their deities to cross-examination.

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A particularly striking element is the prophetic anticipation of Cyrus the Great, though unnamed in this chapter. The description of one “stirred up from the east” uses language traditionally reserved for divine action, suggesting that even this pagan king’s conquests serve יהוה’s purposes. This concept would have been revolutionary to ancient hearers, challenging their understanding of how God works in history.

The repeated use of “I Am” statements throughout the chapter echoes the divine self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush, creating a deliberate connection between God’s past deliverances and His promised future interventions. Early rabbinic commentaries noted this parallel, seeing it as evidence of God’s consistent character across generations.

The transformation of Israel from “worm” to “threshing sledge” presents a profound theological statement about divine empowerment. The Hebrew terms used suggest not just a change in circumstance but a fundamental transformation of nature, foreshadowing the new creation themes that would later be associated with Messianic expectation.

Isaiah 41 Connections to Yeshua

The servant theme in this chapter finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua the Messiah. While Israel is identified as the servant here, the language points forward to the perfect Servant who would fully embody Israel’s calling. This connection becomes especially clear when comparing the supportive language used here with the later Servant Songs, particularly Isaiah 42:1-4.

The promise of God holding His people’s right hand (v. 13) takes on deeper significance in light of Yeshua’s position at the right hand of the Father (Psalm 110:1) and His role as mediator and intercessor. The imagery of divine strength perfected in weakness becomes a central theme in Messianic fulfillment, particularly visible in the paradox of the cross.

Isaiah 41 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter’s themes resonate throughout Scripture, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected truth. The legal challenge to false gods echoes Elijah’s contest on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). The transformation of wilderness into waterways recalls both the exodus narrative and points forward to the new creation promises in Revelation 22.

The “fear not” statements find parallel expressions in angelic announcements throughout Scripture, including Gabriel’s words to Mary (Luke 1:30). The theme of God choosing the weak to shame the strong becomes a central New Testament principle, articulated clearly in 1 Corinthians 1:27.

Isaiah 41 Devotional

This chapter speaks powerfully to believers facing overwhelming circumstances. Just as Israel was called to trust God’s promises despite the threatening presence of mighty empires, we too are invited to rest in His sovereign care when facing our own “coastlands” and “kings.”

The repeated “fear not” statements, each backed by specific promises of God’s presence and help, provide a template for dealing with anxiety and fear in our own lives. We’re reminded that our identity isn’t determined by our current circumstances (being a “worm”) but by God’s transforming purpose for us.

God’s promise to make rivers flow in desert places speaks to His ability to provide refreshment and renewal in our spiritual dry seasons. The challenge is to trust His timing and methods, even when the pathway forward isn’t clear.

Did You Know

  • The “coastlands” mentioned in verse 1 would have included territories as far west as Spain and as far east as India in ancient understanding.
  • The Hebrew word for “strengthen” in verse 10 shares its root with the word for “adopt,” suggesting God’s commitment goes beyond mere assistance to family relationship.
  • The reference to Abraham as “my friend” in verse 8 is the only place in the Hebrew Bible where this exact title is used for a human being in relation to God.
  • The threshing sledge mentioned in verse 15 was a heavy wooden platform embedded with sharp stones or metal teeth, making it an especially vivid metaphor for transformation from weakness to strength.
  • The legal terminology used in the chapter’s opening verses mirrors the language found in ancient Near Eastern international treaties.
  • The “right hand” imagery appears exactly seven times in the chapter, a number associated with completeness in Hebrew thought.
  • Archaeological discoveries have confirmed that the practice of securing idols with nails (verse 7) was indeed common in ancient metalworking techniques.
  • The Hebrew phrase translated “I am the first and the last” uses a grammatical construction that implies continuous, active involvement rather than mere chronological position.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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