Isaiah 41:11-21

11 ecce confundentur et erubescent omnes qui pugnant adversum te erunt quasi non sint et peribunt viri qui contradicunt tibi

12 quaeres eos et non invenies viros rebelles tuos erunt quasi non sint et veluti consumptio homines bellantes adversum te

13 quia ego Dominus Deus tuus adprehendens manum tuam dicensque tibi ne timeas ego adiuvi te

14 noli timere vermis Iacob qui mortui estis ex Israhel ego auxiliatus sum tui dicit Dominus et redemptor tuus Sanctus Israhel

15 ego posui te quasi plaustrum triturans novum habens rostra serrantia triturabis montes et comminues et colles quasi pulverem pones

16 ventilabis eos et ventus tollet et turbo disperget eos et tu exultabis in Domino in Sancto Israhel laetaberis

17 egeni et pauperes quaerunt aquas et non sunt lingua eorum siti aruit ego Dominus exaudiam eos Deus Israhel non derelinquam eos

18 aperiam in supinis collibus flumina et in medio camporum fontes ponam desertum in stagna aquarum et terram inviam in rivos aquarum

19 dabo in solitudine cedrum et spinam et myrtum et lignum olivae ponam in deserto abietem ulmum et buxum simul

20 ut videant et sciant et recogitent et intellegant pariter quia manus Domini fecit hoc et Sanctus Israhel creavit illud

21 prope facite iudicium vestrum dicit Dominus adferte si quid forte habetis dixit Rex Iacob

Isaiah 41:11-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 41

This chapter contains a summons to the enemies of Christ to come and try the cause between God and them before him; words of comfort to true believers, promising them help, protection, and provision; full conviction of idolaters, and their practices; and is closed with a promise of some great person, and what he will do unto them, and for the people of God. The summons is in Isa 41:1, expressed according to the forms used in courts of judicature. The issue of the controversy is put upon this foot, the raising up a certain person from the east, who it was that did it, which appearing to be the work of the Lord, proves the point contended about, Isa 41:2-4, the obstinate persistence of idolaters in their idolatry, notwithstanding this is observed, Isa 41:5-7, the people of God, under the names of Jacob and Israel, the objects of God's choice and affection, Isa 41:8,9 are encouraged against the fear of men, with promises of help and strength from the Lord, Isa 41:10,13,14 of confusion to their enemies, and victory over them, Isa 41:11,12,15,16, and of spiritual provisions, and great prosperity in their wilderness state, in which they should manifestly see the hand of the Lord, Isa 41:17-20 when the idolatrous nations are challenged to produce their strong reasons for their idolatry, and are put upon proving that their idols can foretell things to come, or do good or evil to men, or own they are nothing but an abomination, Isa 41:21-24,26 and then one is spoken of that should come as a mighty warrior, and tread down the Pagan princes, and a set of Gospel ministers should be sent, bringing good tidings to Zion, to the silencing of idolaters, and the cessation of idolatrous worship, Isa 41:25,27,28.