sins they were spoiled of all their possessions. This fully came to pass in the destruction of the
Jewish nation. There is no resisting, nor escaping God's anger. See the mischief sin makes; it
provokes God to anger. And those not humbled by lesser judgments, must expect greater. Alas!
how many professed Christians are blind as the benighted heathen! While the Lord is well-pleased
in saving sinners through the righteousness of Christ he will also glorify his justice, by punishing
all proud despisers. Seeing God has poured out his wrath on his once-favoured people, because of
their sins, let us fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of us should be found
to come short of it.
Chapter 43
God's unchangeable love for his people. (Is. 43:1-7) Apostates and idolaters addressed. (Is.
43:8-13) The deliverance from Babylon, and the conversion of the Gentiles. (Is. 43:14-21)
Admonition to repent of sin. (Is. 43:22-28)
Is. 43:1-7 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.
Is. 43:8-13 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
Is. 43:14-21 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.
Is. 43:22-28 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