It has already been observed (the note at Isaiah 43:28), that the commencement of this chapter is properly a continuation and completion of the argument commenced there; and that the division should have been made at what is now the close of the fifth vcrsc of this chapter. This chapter may be divided into the following parts:
I. The assurance that though they had sinned Isaiah 43:23-28 God would have mercy on them, and would restore them to his favor, and to their land Isaiah 44:1-5. They had nothing to fear Isaiah 44:1-2 : God would bless their offspring, and they should grew and flourish like willows by the waters Isaiah 44:3-5, and there should be among them a general turning to the Lord, and devotion to his service Isaiah 44:5.
II. An argument to show that Yahweh was the true God; and a severe and most sarcastic reproof of idolatry - designed to reprove idolaters, and to lead the people to put their confidence in Yahweh Isaiah 44:6-20. This argument consists of the following parts -
1. A solemn assertion of Yahweh himself, that there was no other God Isaiah 44:6.
2. An appeal to the fact that he only had foretold future events, and that he only could do it Isaiah 44:7-8.
3. A sarcastic statement of the manner in which idols were made, and of course, the folly of worshipping them Isaiah 44:9-20.
III. The assurance that Yahweh would deliver his people from all their calamities and oppressions Isaiah 44:21-28. This part contains:
1. The assurance that he would do it, and that their sires were blotted out Isaiah 44:21-22.
2. A calling upon the heavens and the earth to rejoice over so great and glorious an event Isaiah 44:23.
3. An appeal to what Yahweh had done, and could do, as an evidence that he could deliver his people, to wit: he had formed the heavens - he had made the earth without aid - he made diviners mad - he frustrated the plans of the wise, and he had confirmed the promises which he had made by his servants Isaiah 44:24-26; he said to Jerusalem that it should be inhabited, and the cities of Judah that they should be rebuilt; he had dried up the rivers; and he had raised up Cyrus for the express purpose of delivering his people Isaiah 44:26-28; and by all this, it should be known that he would visit, and vindicate, and restore them.