READ: Is. 41:1-16: … But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, you are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand… Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel! I will help you, says the LORD and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
In the first verses, there is a legal dispute that God holds with the heathen nations over the question: who is God? He now shows that He, in His power, appoints someone who will forcibly carry out God’s righteous policy.
The person referred to is King Cyrus, even though his name is not mentioned here (compare 44:13). He is a tool in God’s hands to lead Israel out of exile. The heathen nations are terrified of him and seek refuge in idols (vv.5-7).
But let Israel not turn to idols, but fully entrust themselves to the LORD. Emphasizing God’s greatness and majesty is primarily intended to encourage God’s people in exile.
God’s love for Israel, here addressed in its weakness as Jacob, goes back to the covenant of grace that God once made with Abraham, and rests on His election. Therefore, He will strengthen, help, and support them.
Verse 14 tenderly states: “Do not fear, little worm Jacob, people of Israel, I will help you, declares the LORD, your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.” Yes, this is how the almighty God, as the Holy One of Israel, has compassion on His people!
They are powerless and utterly helpless, but God has compassion on them and gives them courage. He strikes down their enemies with a force that even pulverizes mountains (v.15). Thus, they will, freed from their enemies and returned to their land, express their joy and gladness in praise to God, the Holy One of Israel, to whom they owe everything.
How do we know that the LORD helps us?
Sing: Ps. 72:7