‏ Isaiah 43

* God's unchangeable love for his people. (1-7) Apostates and

idolaters addressed. (8-13) The deliverance from Babylon, and

the conversion of the Gentiles. (14-21) Admonition to repent of

sin. (22-28)

1-7 God's favour and good-will to his people speak abundant

comfort to all believers. The new creature, wherever it is, is

of God's forming. All who are redeemed with the blood of his

Son, he has set apart for himself. Those that have God for them

need not fear who or what can be against them. What are Egypt

and Ethiopia, all their lives and treasures, compared with the

blood of Christ? True believers are precious in God's sight, his

delight is in them, above any people. Though they went as

through fire and water, yet, while they had God with them, they

need fear no evil; they should be born up, and brought out. The

faithful are encouraged. They were to be assembled from every

quarter. And with this pleasing object in view, the prophet

again dissuades from anxious fears. 8-13 Idolaters are called to appear in defence of their idols.

Those who make them, and trust in them, are like unto them. They

have the shape and faculties of men; but they have not common

sense. But God's people know the power of his grace, the

sweetness of his comforts, the kind care of his providence, and

the truth of his promise. All servants of God can give such an

account of what he has wrought in them, and done for them, as

may lead others to know and believe his power, truth, and love 14-21 The deliverance from Babylon is foretold, but there is

reference to greater events. The redemption of sinners by

Christ, the conversion of the Gentiles, and the recall of the

Jews, are described. All that is to be done to rescue sinners,

and to bring the believer to glory, is little, compared with

that wondrous work of love, the redemption of man. 22-28 Those who neglect to call upon God, are weary of him. The

Master tired not the servants with his commands, but they tired

him with disobedience. What were the riches of God's mercy

toward them? I, even I, am he who yet blotteth out thy

transgressions. This encourages us to repent, because there is

forgiveness with God, and shows the freeness of Divine mercy.

When God forgives, he forgets. It is not for any thing in us,

but for his mercies' sake, his promise' sake; especially for his

Son's sake. He is pleased to reckon it his honour. Would man

justify himself before God? The attempt is desperate: our first

father broke the covenant, and we all have copied his example.

We have no reason to expect pardon, except we seek it by faith

in Christ; and that is always attended by true repentance, and

followed by newness of life, by hatred of sin, and love to God.

Let us then put him in remembrance of the promises he has made

to the penitent, and the satisfaction his Son has made for them.

Plead these with him in wrestling for pardon; and declare these

things, that thou mayest be justified freely by his grace. This

is the only way, and it is a sure way to peace.