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Isaiah 41:1 open_in_new
The heathen nations lately conquered by Cyrus are called to plead their case as in a law-court.
2-4. The evidence produced on Jehovah's side. It is He who has called Cyrus to his career of conquest in fulfilment of His own purpose.
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Isaiah 41:1-29 open_in_new
Cyrus God's Agent
1-7. Jehovah and the gods of the heathen compared as in a court of judgment. Jehovah has raised up Cyrus and given him victory, in order to carry out His good purposes, while the heathen gods are powerless to affect the course of events.
8-20. A digression: the events which bring terror to the nations bring deliverance to Israel.
21-29. Comparison of Jehovah with the gods of the heathen continued.
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Isaiah 41:2 open_in_new
Who raised up, etc.] RV 'Who hath raised up one from the east, whom he calleth in righteousness to his foot,' i.e. to accompany Him. The one thus raised up is Cyrus: cp. Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 46:11. He is called in righteousness by Jehovah, i.e. in fidelity to His covenant promises, which are to be realised through Cyrus. See the same thought, Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 45:13.
5-7. The heathen, alarmed by Cyrus's suecesses, make alliances for mutual support, and attempt to avert disaster by manufacturing or repairing idols.
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Isaiah 41:7 open_in_new
Saying, etc.] RV 'saying of the soldering, It is good.'
8-10. Israel, on the other hand, descended from the patriarchs, God's chosen people, need have no fear.
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Isaiah 41:8 open_in_new
Servant] with a special mission, as will hereafter appear. But here the emphasis is on what God does for Israel, noton what Israel does for God. Friend] cp. 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23. 'The friend of God' is still the usual title of Abraham in the East.
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Isaiah 41:9 open_in_new
Chief men] RV 'corners.'
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Isaiah 41:10 open_in_new
My righteousness] i.e. faithfulness to My purpose as declared in My promises (see Isaiah 41:2).
11-14. It is impossible that the servant thus chosen and honoured can be cast off (oppressed for ever).
15-16. With Jehovah's aid Israel shall become terrible to its foes.
17-20. Jehovah will make easy their return through the desert, exchanging their misery and need for plenty and happiness, that man may acknowledge Him.
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Isaiah 41:18 open_in_new
High places] RV 'bare heights.'
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Isaiah 41:19 open_in_new
Shittah] RV 'acacia.'
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Isaiah 41:21 open_in_new
The v. reverts to the scene of the court of judgment (Isaiah 41:1).
22, 23. A challenge to heathen gods to foretell the future, to do something or other to show that they exist.
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Isaiah 41:24 open_in_new
The case is summed up against them.
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Isaiah 41:25 open_in_new
Jehovah, on the other hand, has shown His power by raising up Cyrus. The north.. the rising of the sun] referring to the MedoPersian empire. Princes] i.e. of Babylon, who hold Israel in bondage.
26, 27. While the heathen oracles have been dumb, Jehovah has promised restoration to Zion.
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Isaiah 41:26 open_in_new
He is righteous] i.e. has been proved right by the fulfilment of His prophecy.
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Isaiah 41:27 open_in_new
RV 'I first will say unto Zion,' etc. Behold them] the returning exiles.
28, 29. No reply is possible on the part of the heathen; their gods are nought.