isaiah 43 commentary john macarthur

Isaiah 43:2. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.”

Full Answer

What does Isaiah 43 mean in the Bible?

Isaiah 43:15-17. I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.

What does Isaiah 43 say about the blind and deaf?

Isaiah 43:8. Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Some think that the Lord refers here to those who were once blind, but to whom he has given eyes; and to those who were deaf, to whom he has given ears.

What does the Book of Isaiah say about indictment?

( Isaiah 5:1-30) Indictment fleshed out to vindicate God’s severe, righteous judgment 1) ( Isaiah 5:1-7) God cannot be blamed for Israel’s apostasy and unfaithfulness-Parable of the vineyard 2) ( Isaiah 5:8-23) God’s severe judgment directed against an apostate people-6 Woes against 6 Perversions:

What did Isaiah say about the southern kingdom of Judah?

Isaiah prophesied during the period of the divided kingdom, directing the major thrust of his message to the southern kingdom of Judah. He condemned the empty ritualism of his day (e.g., 1:10–15) and the idolatry into which so many of the people had fallen (e.g., 40:18–20 ).

What is Isaiah 43 talking about?

This section contains an oracle of salvation, with the repetition of 'Do not fear' in verses 1 and 5 to emphasize the message of reassurance, that YHWH had made the people of Israel part of his family and just as in the past, he is active in delivering them from every kind of danger in the future.

When you go through deep waters I will be with you Isaiah 43 2 Meaning?

Explanation and Commentary on Isaiah 43:2 In this verse, God is telling the Jewish people that He will be with them in their most troubling times, supporting them through them, giving them the strength to move beyond them and delivering them out of danger without harm.

What does way in the wilderness mean?

#3 “I am making a way in wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” This is symbolic language about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, rivers of living water (Jn 7:38).

Is Isaiah 43 2 a promise from God?

Isaiah 43:2 is an encouragement to every Christian today that God will be with you during your trying times and hard seasons. You may think He is not there but He always is, like He says in His Word. Trust in God's presence every day of your life and rest in His comforting arms when you don't know what to do or say.

Why is God taking me through troubled waters?

I asked God, "Why are you taking me through troubled water?" He replied, "Because your enemies can't swim." I asked God, "Why are you taking me through troubled water?" He replied, "Because your enemies can't swim."

What does it mean to walk through the fire?

There are seasons of pain, brokenness, and struggles. But this is what God says: "When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you." That flame is not meant to burn you. It is meant to purify you. As someone who cooks a lot, I know the dangers and the strengths of fire.

What is the spiritual significance of wilderness?

The wilderness is a locale for intense experiences—of stark need for food and water (manna and quails), of isolation (Elijah and the still small voice), of danger and divine deliverance (Hagar and Ishmael), of renewal, of encounters with God (Moses, the burning bush, the revelation of the divine name, Mount Sinai).

What was the reason why the Hebrews had to stay in the wilderness for 40 years?

Corresponding to the 40 days that the spies toured the land, God decreed that the Israelites would wander in the wilderness for 40 years as a result of their unwillingness to take the land.

What does the Bible mean when it says set your face like a flint?

Jesus set his face like the flint in the walls of the Negev. So resolute and unshakable to get to Jerusalem to complete His true mission on earth.

Who is the author of Isaiah 43?

According to tradition first appearing in the Talmud, a compendium of Jewish law redacted in Babylonia at about 500 CE (Bava Batra 14b-15a), the Book of Isaiah was written by King Hezekiah, who reigned from 715 to 686 BCE, and his aides. How the Jewish sages came to this conclusion is clear.

When I walk through fire and not be burned?

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.

What does it mean for God to do a new thing?

Isaiah 43:18-19. Our God is a God of new beginnings and likes doing new things; it is all over creation! He designed our bodies always to produce new cells, new hair; we are always experiencing new days, years, and seasons. We have a new life in Christ, with new opportunities and new challenges.

When you pass through the waters I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you when you walk through the fire you will?

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

What does it mean for God to do a new thing?

Isaiah 43:18-19. Our God is a God of new beginnings and likes doing new things; it is all over creation! He designed our bodies always to produce new cells, new hair; we are always experiencing new days, years, and seasons. We have a new life in Christ, with new opportunities and new challenges.

Where the enemy comes in like a flood?

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” This paints a rich picture of God riding in to defend His people against overwhelming odds and unspeakable evil.

What is the meaning of Matthew 11 28?

MEANING. This is an invitation by the one and only Jesus. If you're tired and struggling, He can give you rest. This also describes the path to God the Father, but it is not one of labor and hard work. Following Jesus frees us from carrying the burden of our own sin because He has already done that work.

What does Isaiah 43:10 mean?

Isaiah 43:10. And my servant whom I have chosen: That great Servant of God, you know his name, even Christ Jesus the faithful and true Witness, bears better witness for God than the whole nation of the Jews, or the Lord’s chosen people in all ages, can bear. Isaiah 43:10-11.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee and through the rivers?

Isaiah 43:2. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

What is the literal Israel?

The literal Israel was the type of those chosen and favored ones who by faith are born again according to promise. To these heirs according to promise the Lord saith, “I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.”. Let us now meditate on this passage verse by verse. Isaiah 43:1.

What chapter does the Lord comfort his people?

Isaiah 43. In this chapter the Lord comforts his people. By his divine foresight he perceives that there are great and varied trials a little way ahead, and therefore he prepares them for the ordeal. They are to go through rushing waters and flaming fires; and he kindly bids them not to be afraid.

Which brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power?

Isaiah 43:17. Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.

Was Isaac a child of flesh?

Isaac was not the child of flesh, but he was born according to promise, so that we who are not born of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God, by his Spirit, and according to the divine promise, are the true children of Abraham. We are the spiritual Israel.

Can I pause to comment on each of the precious sentences?

I cannot pause to comment upon each of the precious sentences here, but every word is full of marrow and fatness. Ask the Lord to enable you to feed upon each sentence as it passes before your mind.

What is the promise of Isaiah 43?

Isaiah 43. A RENEWED PROMISE TO ISRAEL OF PROTECTION AND DELIVERANCE. Severe rebuke ( Isaiah 42:18-25) is followed, as so often in Isaiah ( Isaiah 1:25-27; Isaiah 4:2-6; Isaiah 9:1-16, etc.), by comfort and consolation. Israel is assured that God has not cast him off, and promised the comfort of the Divine presence during the existing tribulation ...

What does "I will be with thee" mean?

1. His sympathizing presence. "I will be with thee." Our Divine Friend will be with us, so that we shall be able to feel that he is looking upon us with tender and pitiful regard.

What does it mean when God created man in his own image?

For the better setting forth of his glory, God "created man in his own image" ( Genesis 1:27 )—"created him, formed him, perfected him" ( Isaiah 43:7 ). Then, when he had marred the image in which he was made, God redeemed him. Thus he is still able to set forth God's glory, and to do so is the end of his being.

What is the significance of the setting of the grass and undergrowth on fire?

The first figure in this verse is a very familiar one; the second needs such explanations as are given by writers on Eastern customs. It seems that the setting of the grass and undergrowth on fire, in the East, was commonly practised to annoy enemies, and it sometimes occasioned great terror and distress. Hawkesworth relates that the wild inhabitants of New South Wales endeavoured to destroy some tents and stores belonging to Captain Cook's ship, when he was repairing it, by setting fire to the long grass of that country. This passage has been treasured up by suffering people in all ages, as a hymn is treasured which has suggestive figures ( e.g. "Rock of ages, cleft for me"). The strength, the almost extravagance, of the poetical figures, are found specially helpful in meditative moods. From this assurance we note three things.

Is our life on earth a limited thing?

I. Our life on earth is but a limited and dependent thing. It is but a passing time, an interlude.

What does Isaiah say about the future?

He details numerous aspects of Israel’s future kingdom on earth not found elsewhere in the OT or NT, including changes in nature, the animal world, Jerusalem’s status among the nations, the Suffering Servant’s leadership, and others.

What did Isaiah prophesy?

Isaiah prophesied during the period of the divided kingdom, directing the major thrust of his message to the southern kingdom of Judah. He condemned the empty ritualism of his day (e.g., 1:10–15) and the idolatry into which so many of the people had fallen (e.g., 40:18–20 ). He foresaw the coming Babylonian captivity of Judah because of this departure from the Lord ( 39:6, 7 ).

What are the challenges of Isaiah?

The most critical of them focuses on whether Isaiah’s prophecies will receive literal fulfillment or not, and on whether the Lord, in His program, has abandoned national Israel and permanently replaced the nation with the church, so that there is no future for national Israel. On the latter issue, numerous portions of Isaiah support the position that God has not replaced ethnic Israel with an alleged “new Israel.” Isaiah has too much to say about God’s faithfulness to Israel, that He would not reject the people whom He has created and chosen ( 43:1 ). The nation is on the palms of His hands, and Jerusalem’s walls are ever before His eyes ( 49:16 ). He is bound by His own Word to fulfill the promises He has made to bring them back to Himself and bless them in that future day ( 55:10–12 ).

What does Isaiah say about the grace of God?

Also known as the “evangelical Prophet,” Isaiah spoke much about the grace of God toward Israel, particularly in his last 27 chapters. The centerpiece is Isaiah’s unrivaled chap. 53, portraying Christ as the slain Lamb of God.

Who was the prophet of Judah?

Isaiah, the son of Amoz, ministered in and around Jerusalem as a prophet to Judah during the reigns of 4 kings of Judah: Uzziah (called “Azariah” in 2 Kings), Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah ( 1:1 ), from ca. 739–686 B.C. He evidently came from a family of some rank, because he had easy access to the king ( 7:3) and intimacy with a priest ( 8:2 ). He was married and had two sons who bore symbolic names: “Shear-jashub” (“a remnant shall return,” 7:3) and “Maher-shalalhash-baz” (“hasting to the spoil, hurrying to the prey,” 8:3 ). When called by God to prophesy, in the year of King Uzziah’s death (ca. 739 B.C.), he responded with a cheerful readiness, though he knew from the beginning that his ministry would be one of fruitless warning and exhortation ( 6:9–13 ). Having been reared in Jerusalem, he was an appropriate choice as a political and religious counselor to the nation.

When did Hezekiah rule Judah?

Hezekiah began his reign over Judah in 715 B.C. and continued for 29 years to ca. 686 B.C. ( 2 Kin. 18:1, 2 ). Reformation was a priority when he became king ( 2 Kin. 18:4, 22; 2 Chr. 30:1 ). The threat of an Assyrian invasion forced Judah to promise heavy tribute to that eastern power.

What does Isaiah say about harlots?

1) ( Isaiah 1:21-31) Despite spiritual harlotry, purified Jerusalem promised a future of justice and righteousness. a) ( Isaiah 1:21-23) Looking at the present-tragic lament-faithful city becomes a harlot. b) ( Isaiah 1:24-26) Looking at the process-tough love-harlot becomes a faithful city.

What is the Isaiah 60?

Isaiah 60 Vistas of the Future, or the Glory of the Kingdom of God. Isaiah 61:1-3 The Glory of the Servant. Isaiah 61-62 The Glory of the Servant and His City. Isaiah 63-64 The Advent in Judgment and Appeal for Deliverance. Isaiah 65 Jehovah’s Answer to Israel’s Appeal, or New Heavens and a New Earth.

What is the lesson of Isaiah 7?

1) ( Isaiah 7:1) History lesson-the victory of faith must feed on past experiences of God’s faithfulness. 2) ( Isaiah 7:2-4a) Command-the victory of faith must look to God with courage. 3) ( Isaiah 7:4b-9a) Encouragement-the victory of faith must be reinforced with godly encouragement.

What does Isaiah 1:2-20 mean?

a. ( Isaiah 1:2-20) Indictment introduced against Judah for spiritual rebellion-with a call for repentance

What is the scarlet dye in Isaiah?

Comment on Isaiah 1:18 - scarlet – towla’ – worm, scarlet stuff, crimson; the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis". When the female of the scarlet worm species was ready to give birth to her young, she would attach her body to the trunk of a tree, fixing herself so firmly and permanently that she would never leave again. The eggs deposited beneath her body were thus protected until the larvae were hatched and able to enter their own life cycle. As the mother died, the crimson fluid stained her body and the surrounding wood. From the dead bodies of such female scarlet worms, the commercial scarlet dyes of antiquity were extracted. (from page 73, "Biblical Basis for Modern Science", 1985, Baker Book House, by Henry Morris) ( See my paper on Towla' - Psalm 22:6-I Am a Worm)

Who said "You're a plumber's son who got lucky"?

Illustration - Executive consultant Richard Hagberg told this story: The head of one large company recently told me about an incident that occurred as he and his wife waited in line to get his driver's license renewed. He was frustrated at how long it was taking and grumbled to his wife, "Don't they know who I am?" She replied, "Yeah, you're a plumber's son who got lucky." -- Fortune (6/26/96). Fresh Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching (Baker), from the editors of Leadership. Its pride that makes you lie to others to keep up the crumbling front that says you’re the best.

Title

Author and Date

• Isaiah, the son of Amoz, ministered in and around Jerusalem as a prophet to Judah during the reigns of 4 kings of Judah: Uzziah (called “Azariah” in 2 Kings), Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (1:1), from ca. 739–686 B.C. He evidently came from a family of some rank, because he had easy access to the king (7:3) and intimacy with a priest (8:2). He was mar...

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Historical and Theological Themes

Interpretive Challenges

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