Isaiah 41:2-12

2 quis suscitavit ab oriente iustum vocavit eum ut sequeretur se dabit in conspectu eius gentes et reges obtinebit dabit quasi pulverem gladio eius sicut stipulam vento raptam arcui eius

3 persequetur eos transibit in pace semita in pedibus eius non apparebit

4 quis haec operatus est et fecit vocans generationes ab exordio ego Dominus primus et novissimus ego sum

5 viderunt insulae et timuerunt extrema terrae obstipuerunt adpropinquaverunt et accesserunt

6 unusquisque proximo suo auxiliatur et fratri suo dicit confortare

7 confortabit faber aerarius percutiens malleo eum qui cudebat tunc temporis dicens glutino bonum est et confortavit eum in clavis ut non moveatur

8 et tu Israhel serve meus Iacob quem elegi semen Abraham amici mei

9 in quo adprehendi te ab extremis terrae et a longinquis eius vocavi te et dixi tibi servus meus es tu elegi te et non abieci te

10 ne timeas quia tecum sum ego ne declines quia ego Deus tuus confortavi te et auxiliatus sum tui et suscepi te dextera iusti mei

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

Isaiah 41:2-12 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.