God’s Protection of Israel

Isaiah 41:1–16
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The Lord confronts the nations and the islands in judgment (v. 1). The reference to nations and islands suggest all the world’s people. God told the nations that because He controls history, they really have no control over the future (vv 2-4). The Lord affirms that He is the one who brings events to pass (v. 4). He notes that the alliances between the nations will not help them as God’s will is carried out (vv 5-7). In fear, the nations everywhere will be driven to help and encourage each other (v. 6). However, rather than turn to the true God, these idolatrous people from the islands will get more and more involved in idol worship (v. 7).

God chose Israel through Abraham because He wants to and not because the people deserved it (vv. 8-10). Although God chose the Israelites to represent Him to the world they failed to do this; so He punished them and sent them into captivity in Babylon. In contrast with God’s choosing and helping Israel, He will not protect nations who oppose her. They will perish (vv. 11-12). The Lord says to his people, “Fear not (vv. 10, 13, 14)!” The Jewish remnant faced the challenge of a long journey home and the difficult task of rebuilding. This could bring many causes of fear, but there was one big reason not to be afraid. The Lord was with them and would give them great success. With the Lord’s help Israel will defeat the nations as if she were threshing and winnowing grain (vv. 15-16).

Even though Israel was in exile because of sin and unbelief, she still was not rejected by God.

Application

When I get concerned about the future, I just need to talk to God, who knows the generations of the future and He knows the generations of the past.