Isaiah 41:12

12 When you go out looking for your old adversaries you won't find them - Not a trace of your old enemies, not even a memory.

Isaiah 41:12 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 12 Thou shall seek them, and shalt not find them
They not existing, or being fled into holes and corners, to rocks and mountains, to hide themselves from the wrath of the Lamb, ( Revelation 6:15-17 ) : even them that contended with thee;
or, "the men of thy contention" {p}; who contended with them, not by words and arguments, but by severe persecutions, striving thereby to hinder the progress of the Gospel, and to root Christianity out of the world: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of
nought:
or, "the men of thy war" ^F17; that proclaimed and carried on war against the Christians, in order to destroy them utterly; yet they, and all their efforts, came to nothing, the Gospel prevailed, and Paganism was utterly abolished; which came to pass in Constantine's time, at the opening of the sixth seal, ( Revelation 6:12-14 ) which is a proper comment on this text.

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FOOTNOTES:

F16 (Kytum yvna) "viros jurgii tui", Montanus.
F17 (Ktmxlm yvna) "viri belli tui", Vatablus; "pugnae tuae", Montanus.

Isaiah 41:12 In-Context

10 Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

11 "Count on it: Everyone who had it in for you will end up out in the cold - real losers. Those who worked against you will end up empty-handed - nothing to show for their lives.

12 When you go out looking for your old adversaries you won't find them - Not a trace of your old enemies, not even a memory.

13 That's right. Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I'm not letting go. I'm telling you, 'Don't panic. I'm right here to help you.'

14 "Do you feel like a lowly worm, Jacob? Don't be afraid. Feel like a fragile insect, Israel? I'll help you. I, God, want to reassure you. The God who buys you back, The Holy of Israel.