Isaiah 48:17-18

17 This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.

Isaiah 48:17-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 48

The prophecy of this chapter is concerning the deliverance and salvation of the Jews, and is addressed unto them; who are described by their natural descent and lineage, and by their hypocrisy in religious things, Isa 48:1,2. By their obstinacy and impudence, and by their proneness to idolatry, and to ascribe that to idols which belonged to God; which were the reasons why the Lord foretold all former things to them, before they came to pass, Isa 48:3-5. And for the same reasons also he declared unto them what should be hereafter, particularly the destruction of Babylon, and their deliverance by Cyrus, Isa 48:6-8. From which account of them it would clearly appear, that it was not for any merits of theirs, but for his own name's sake, for his own glory, that he chose them, purified, and saved them as gold tried in the fire, Isa 48:9-11. He observes his own perfections, his eternity and immutability, and power displayed in creation, to engage their faith in the promise of deliverance, Isa 48:12,13 and points out the deliverer Cyrus, a type of Christ, whom he loved, called, sent, and made him prosperous, Isa 48:14-16. Then he directs them to walk in his ways, with promises of peace and prosperity, Isa 48:17-19. And the chapter is concluded with an exhortation to go out of Babylon with joy, publishing wherever they came their redemption, and who would be supplied with all necessaries in their return to their own land; only it should be observed, that there was no peace or happiness for the wicked, Isa 48:20-22.

Cross References

• 1. S Job 19:25; Isaiah 49:7; Isaiah 54:8
• 2. S Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 43:14
• 3. S Isaiah 28:9; S Jeremiah 7:13
• 4. Isaiah 49:10; Isaiah 57:18; Isaiah 58:11
• 5. S Isaiah 30:11; Psalms 32:8
• 6. S Isaiah 42:23; Deuteronomy 32:29
• 7. Psalms 119:165; Psalms 147:14; S Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 54:13; Isaiah 66:12
• 8. S Isaiah 33:21
• 9. S Isaiah 1:26; S Isaiah 45:8