READ: Is. 44:1-8: … Fear not, O Jacob My servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants… And My blessing on your offspring… Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and His Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God… Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed, there is no other Rock; I know not one.
The LORD now returns to His words of promise and again uses those special names with deep meaning. Verse 1: Jacob, My servant, Israel, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
Jeshurun is an affectionate name for Israel, a people with whom God shares a tender relationship. The LORD refers to Himself as their Maker from the womb, pointing to His involvement with His people since Egypt. Through all these names, God’s great affection for His people shines through, despite their waywardness and sin against Him.
Once again, we hear those comforting words: “Fear not.” Now, the LORD gives a new promise: “I will pour water on the thirsty and floods on the dry ground.” He refers to the special spiritual blessings He will bestow upon His people, which will lead to their growth and indeed cause them to flourish.
This culminates in the event of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is poured out, fulfilling what Joel prophesied: And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy … (Acts 2:16-17).
This pertains to the 120 members of the church on Pentecost, representing Israel and speaking of the mighty works of the LORD.
Thus, God’s people will fulfill their purpose to witness His greatness in serving Him. They cannot do this on their own; they need to be filled with the Spirit (v.8).
Why are sons and daughters mentioned here?
Sing: Ps. 18:9