Isaiah 44 (v6-8)

Consider a couple of matters in the opening verses of this chapter.  In v2 Israel is referred to as “Jeshurun”.  The term means “upright”.  Israel is anything but upright at this time, so the use of the term indicates what they will become when God restores them.  The term is used only 3 other times in the Scriptures:

·        Deut. 32:15 in the “Song of Moses”, a song to remind Israel of God’s love for them when they would later rebel and be chastened by Him.  God would not completely abandon them. 

·        Deut. 33:5, 26 at the beginning and end of Moses’ predictions of the 12 tribes.  God was “King in Jeshurun” when they gathered to enter the land (v5).  There is no God like the “God of Jeshurun” whose “everlasting arms” will be a refuge for them.  The passage (v26-29) strikes a tone similar that in Isaiah 40-66 leading us to believe Isaiah was drawing upon Deuteronomy.

“Jeshurun” reminds Israel that though they are not now upright, and though they will be chastened, yet He will be their refuge and will restore them.

Second, note the nature of that “restoration” in v3.  “Thirsty” can apply to the people or the land.  “Dry ground” in the second phrase indicates it should read “I will pour water on the thirsty land” (cf. NASV).  The last half of v3 does speak of people, the “seed” or “offspring” of Israel.  Here is the wonderful “new covenant” when God pours out His spirit on Israel.  In Genesis God had promised Abraham a nation that would include land and people (Gen. 12:1-3).  Here God says that Israel’s restoration will involve both the land and the people.

Now consider what this chapter says about the God who is able to do this!

·        v6-8: Only God can do what He says He will do.  He has been faithful in the past, is faithful now, and will be in the future (v7).  “Besides Me there is no God” (v6).

·        v9-20: those who make and worship idols are witnesses (like Israel is to her God).  But they give testimony to nothing because the idol itself is nothing.  No matter how sincere the worshiper, his idol cannot answer his prayer (v9-14).  The same wood that makes the idol is used to build a fire for warmth and cooking (v15-17).  “Shall I fall down before a block of wood” (v19)?  

·        v21-28: only the personal God of Jeshurun, the Creator and Redeemer, can do all the things that must be done (including the appointment of Cyrus the Persian, v28) to bring about Israel’s restoration.  To deny this is to deny God!

Consider the practical application of this for us today.  History is strewn with the failed gods that men have devised in an attempt to craft a capable god.  One after another these isms have failed their worshipers: idealism; social, religious and political liberalism; existentialism; communism; animism; polytheism; naturalism; and yes, capitalism.  Any philosophy not centered on the worship of the true God is as trustworthy as a block of wood.  Who is your redeemer?