Savior and Deliverer

Isa 52:1 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Looking forward to the Millennium with Messiah Jesus as king of righteousness. Awake, awake: put on your strength which is by faith in Jesus Christ, he is our strength. Put on your beautiful garments; the righteousness of Christ Jesus. The LORD speaks lovingly "O Jerusalem, the holy city", It is holy because Jesus shall dwell there with his redeemed. Henceforth, from that time on, there shall be no judgment sent to you from unclean nations.

Isa 52:2 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.
Isa 52:3 For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.

Shake off the dust of those who treated you badly and who hated your God. Arise and sit with me, O Jerusalem: Your redeemer has come; so loose the slave bands from your neck , O captive daughter of Zion. You sold yourself to a false god who could not help you, you gave yourself to a nothing; now you shall be redeemed without money, by faith in the greatest price paid; the life blood of your Messiah.

Isa 52:4 For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.

Thus sayeth the LORD, you were captives in Egypt and more recently you were oppressed by the Assyrians. He sees and he delivered you. Sometimes we think God does not see or hear our prayers when they are not answered when we want them answered. He is LORD, we wait on him, for perhaps he is allowing this to shape us and to give us patience.

Rom 5:3 ... but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Rom 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Exercising love and the spiritual gifts are important for us to do, regardless of our situation.

Isa 52:5 Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.

The LORD asks questions of the oppressors of his people. Why were my people taken captive again? The rulers howl in loud boasting and they speak blasphemy to my name all the time. Loud boasting is not liked, whether from an enemy or from a child of God, boasting of self is not pleasing to God.

Isa 52:6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.

In the day of deliverance, you shall know that "I AM" is speaking; behold it is I.

Exo 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Isa 52:8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

The watchman and the prophets will lift up praises and singing when they shall see the Messiah return to Zion.

Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Isa 52:9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

Redemption shall come to Jerusalem when Jesus returns.

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Isa 52:10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

"The expression made bare his holy arm is a Hebrew idiom derived from rolling up long, loose sleeves before starting to work. Then the arm was bared - the symbol of any mighty undertaking or initiative." (Bultema)

Isa 52:11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

Depart, repeated twice, whenever something is repeated twice, we had better listen and do what the LORD says. Go, get out of this place of bondage, in Babylon or wherever you find you are in a place of bondage. I have often seen the LORD deliver people by his direction, using 1 Corinthians 10:13.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

When the LORD makes a way for you to escape bondage, go, depart, get going, for it is of the LORD. Do not let fear keep you from obeying the voice of the LORD. When you go, do not take the unclean things of bondage with you. Rachel took her father's little god statue and it caused a lot of trouble. We are to leave the unclean things behind. The best way to do this is to trust in Jesus Christ, he removes sin and he delivers your soul from all uncleanness. Give it all to him. Be clean that bear the vessels of the LORD. The vessels here, may have been the holy things taken from the temple, but for us it refers to our bodies, the vessels of the Holy Spirit. We are to keep them clean and holy unto the LORD.

2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Tim 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2 Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

1 Cor 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Isa 52:12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward.
Isa 52:13 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

Follow the leading of the Lord. Follow Jesus and follow the witness of the Holy Spirit. My servant messiah Jesus, will prosper and be highly exalted.

Mat 21:9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
The same people cried for his death.

John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
John 19:2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
John 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
John 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
John 19:6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
John 19:7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

Isa 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

As many were astonished or appalled at him, for he was despised and beaten to where he was not recognizable, beaten and disfigured more than any man. The Lord of Lords and the son of man was beaten to a bloody pulp.

Isa 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

He shall sprinkle many nations, his blood will cleanse those of faith from many nations. The witness of Jesus would go out to all nations and to their kings, who must make a decision concerning him.

Luke 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
Luke 21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

Paul spoke before King Agrippa

Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

Peter spoke to the Jews that crucified Jesus and 3000 were saved

Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Jesus is our savior and our deliverer. Hear the voice of God, receive Jesus and follow him.

Hearken Unto Me

Isa 51:1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.

Three times the LORD speaks to Zion to hearken onto him, shama; hear, listen and obey me, look unto the rock, or the heritage that you came from and now look at the hole of the pit that you have digged for yourself. This applies to us as a people as well.

Deu 8:17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
Deu 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Deu 8:19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.

Isa 51:2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

Look at how faithful Abraham and Sarah trusted in me and I blessed them and increased them. What God did for them, he will do for his covenant people of faith. Be not discouraged with your troubles, but look to God who shall bless you.

Isa 51:3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

Deu 30:8 And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.
Deu 30:9 And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers:

Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Isa 51:4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
Isa 51:5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
Isa 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

Hearken unto me, my nation, a law shall proceed from me: receive your messiah, for Jesus is the only way to the Father. Love one another, so fulfilling the laws.

Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Rom 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

All who trust in Jesus shall be saved as one holy people.

Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:The heavens shall vanish, but the righteous shall live forever.

The heavens shall vanish away like smoke

2 Pet 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2 Pet 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,2 Pet 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2 Pet 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Isa 51:7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

Fulfill your calling and be not afraid

Jer 1:7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Jer 1:8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

I personally do not like the Internet chats with all the unbelievers trying to prove by logic or debate that Jesus is not Lord. We warn them, we speak the way of salvation with gentleness; but we are not afraid but of their silver tongues and lips of poison. They oppose themselves. Speak the truth and before darkness fills you, remove yourself from them and dust off your feet.

Mat 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Isa 51:8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

All flesh shall perish. Man made religion cannot save anyone. We must come to the truth of God. Only in Christ Jesus are we declared righteous and are worthy to be with God.

Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Isa 51:9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?

It is the people of God who need to wake up, not God. God never sleeps. Trust you people, the God of your fathers, He who they trusted in. He has delivered them and cut free Rahab the harlot who trusted in him. Rahab here, probably means pride, for the word Rahab means pride. It was not pride that delivered Rahab, but humble trust in the God of Israel.

Psa 89:10 Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.

Rehab was broken, we all need to be broken, putting off pride and self before we come to God.

Pride is what the devil had before the LORD cast him out of heaven. He has wounded the dragon, satan. Jesus gave him a wound on his head, removing his dominion over the people of God.

Isa 51:10 Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?
Isa 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

You are our God, the one true God, by whose power the Jews crossed the Red sea on dry land. As in old times, my Redeemer lives to deliver those who trust in him. Deliverance from Egypt, from Babylon, from the nations unto the promised land where they shall meet their Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Lift up holy hands, sing a new song of deliverance and glorify your LORD. Ye of Zion, put away darkness from you, rejoice for your Redeemer never sleeps, he lives forever with those who he has called out of darkness into his light.

Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Isa 51:12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
Isa 51:13 And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?

Believe in the LORD who comforts you and has sent you the comforter to be with you.

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Why are you afraid of a man who shall die, it is the ungodly who should be afraid of their end. Do not forget your God who has all power, who made the heavens and the earth; why put your fear on those who oppress you and are no more? The LORD is our everlasting inheritance. We do trust him in his decisions for our life, for ultimately we shall leave these bodies and be with him.

Isa 51:14 The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

When we are held captive, our immediate thoughts when free are of safety, food and shelter, for we would rather die than be held captive and tormented. We can trust in the LORD to make us truly free.

Isa 51:15 But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.
Isa 51:16 And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.

God almighty had proven his might and care for Zion, over and over again, God keeps his people in the shadow of his hand. He is with his people who call upon him.

Psa 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Isa 51:17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.

Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, your punishment is over. Trust in the LORD who you forsook, stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross, is our call today. Our trust in money and idols of lust and pleasure, have failed. Come back to the LORD. Why did you turn aside unto lesser things?

Isa 51:18 There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.

There is no leadership; who can we trust of men? It is being said that in our time that their are no leaders that we can trust. I man's ideas apart from the LORD are not going to work. All good things come from above.

James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Isa 51:19 These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?

Two sets of things came upon you in your rebellion: desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword. These were God's judgment on you. Do not look for comfort among men, who will you trust to save you? Jesus had to drink of the cup of God's wrath upon sin. Nonetheless, he was obedient and innocent.

Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

We should not lose faith if things do not go as we believe they should. Let the LORD be LORD for he knows best.

Isa 51:20 Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the LORD, the rebuke of thy God.

The young have lots of energy, but not much godly wisdom. They are stuck as a wild bull in a net, helpless and often bull headed. They cannot escape the oppressor because they have little knowledge or trust in the LORD. It should be the older wiser people of God who lead them to faith in God. Many have seen the miracles of God, and know how to face affliction and troubles with faith in the LORD.

Isa 51:21 Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:
Isa 51:22 Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

Listen, you who are afflicted because of my judgment upon you, I will remove the cup of affliction from you.

Isa 51:23 But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.

I will afflict those who afflicted you, who walked all over you. They were not merciful so I will judge them now. Your conquerors shall be conquered and you shall return to Jerusalem. Trust the LORD your God and he will keep you. It is the LORD who protects you, who gives you work to do and who puts his spirit in your hearts, through Christ Jesus.

Messiah's Example

Isa 50:1 Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

The LORD answers the tribe of Judah, who questions his love and care for them. You think I have left you? Show me the divorce papers? I have not left you; you have left me and gone into sin. You sold yourself to your evil desires and for your transgressions you were separated from me. Your predicament was of your own doing.

We hear today people accusing God of not caring that babies are starving or that people are raped and hurt. This is not the LORD'S doing, it is the result of sin. If the LORD were a loving God, he would not allow these things? Stop blaming God for evil, he may correct and judge, but always in righteousness. The world is evil. People are evil to other people and selfish . If the people of the world were all seeking God and following him, these needs that they blame God for, would be taken care of by their love, one to another.

Isa 50:2 Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.
Isa 50:3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.

When I made myself available to you, no one was calling to me, no one was interceding. You were all involved in sin and idolatry. I could have delivered you, for I have all power. I could speak and dry up the sea, or the rivers. I cloth the heavens with darkness; with storm clouds, perhaps as when the Lord was crucified.

Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

Isa 50:4 The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

We give out the word, but we also must receive from the LORD.

2 Th 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Jesus knew what to say to the weary.

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Isa 50:5 The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

Jesus now speaks through Isaiah; The LORD God has given me the tongue of the learned, wisdom from above, to speak a word in season to the weary. Jesus each morning prayed to the Father and received new wisdom from him. He had ears to hear, and the LORD told him much, for he was not rebellious or a backslider like so many are. He was faithful, even to the cross.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Isa 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

To those who say that Jesus had no beard, this is proof that he did. They plucked the hair from his cheeks and spit on him. This not only was painful, but spitting is a deep insult. He was whipped to bleed for our sins, and hung on a cruel cross.

1 Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Mat 27:30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
Mat 27:31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

Isa 50:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

He ignored the terrible treatment and set his face like a flint, to fulfill his work. "I know that I shall not be ashamed."

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

People blame God for all the sin and suffering, but God himself suffered and was terribly abused by sinners. He did this to overcome sin and the devil. Instead of people complaining that God has not done enough, they should look at the cross, where the sinless son of God obeyed his father, even to death, to save us from our sins. Evil will be in this world, the question is, what have you done about it. Are your sins forgiven in Christ Jesus? Have you suffered even to shedding of your blood for sins? We have no right to complain to God if we do nothing about our own sins. Jesus is the only way to be forgiven by God.

Isa 50:8 He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.
Isa 50:9 Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.

Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1 Pet 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
1 Pet 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Humans are mortal beings. Sin is in the world and we can do something about our own sin; come to Jesus. This body will go back to dust, but the soul continues; in everlasting torment, if the sins remain, or in eternal peace with Jesus, who forgives our sin.

Isa 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

You say you trust the Lord and believe in him, but you walk in darkness. Trust in Jesus and stay true to God. The world is in gross darkness, but we do not have to be like them.

2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Isa 50:11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Job 5:7 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
Job 5:8 I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:

Lighting your own fires and your own schemes is meant here; perhaps dancing to another god. Making your own way and being your own god. Those stirring up trouble or strife starting fires with their tongues. God will not bless this.

James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
James 3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

We need to watch what we say. We are not to blame God for the evil in the world. Sin brought the evil. The devil using the sinful will of people who will not obey God. Jesus came, the son of God, to overcome sin on the cross. Have we done as much? Come to Jesus, then follow him being his light. Each one can reach one and the world will be a better place. Amen

The Messiah

Isa 49:1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

These are prophetic words from the Word of God, the Messiah Jesus. He is calling the nations of the ocean coastlines, to hear him. The LORD, father God, has called me from the womb; from within my mother has he mentioned my name; Jesus, born in the flesh, of a virgin. Micah spoke of the place of his coming:

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Isaiah had proclaimed earlier, that a virgin shall conceive:

Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Immanuel: God with us. The Son of God will take on the shape of a man.

The angel Gabriel gave a name to Immanuel, before he was born:

Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Isa 49:2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

The living word of God he spoke, was as a sharp sword. He spoke the truth and those of truth hear him and obey him.

Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

The sword of truth divides those who want truth from those who want to live in the darkness of sins. All the world will be judged by his word.

Rev 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

A polished shaft, like an arrow prepared to deliver a bulls eye; the exact will of the father. In the quiver for thirty years until the legal age under the law to be a priest.

I had a vision once, several times, of a bow being drawn, I was an arrow, waiting to be used for God's purpose. I believe each of us are as an arrow, to be used by God, sent to the target of his choice, the purpose he has planned for us.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Jesus was sent to obey the will of the father; to show us God as a person in a human body and to be the way to God, through faith in his shed blood to remove our sins.

Isa 49:3 And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
Isa 49:4 Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.

Israel was to be the proclaimer of the word of God, they were to be his servants; but when Jesus came few received him; as a man he may have thought that his labor was in vain; yet he did the righteous truth of God. We sometimes think our labor is for no good result, but we do what God has required of us; his will be done.

John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

He was Jesus, savior, God with us.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Isa 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

The LORD has not forgotten Israel, though they rejected him, he will bring salvation to them. The LORD also had a greater purpose in his coming. He also would bring salvation to the Gentiles, for his message will go out to all nations. The church age is now, the gathering of the Gentiles, and then Israel shall be saved.

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Luke 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Luke 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Luke 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luke 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

The Messiah is rejected by Israel

Isa 49:7 Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful , and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

It cannot be clearer, God is speaking, the LORD God, Father of the Messiah, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One: Messiah Jesus, the Son of God who would be despised by Israel, a servant of rulers, a man of meek humility, brought before the attention of kings, worshipped by princes, because of the LORD that is faithful who has chosen you, and to the Holy One of Israel the messiah who chooses you who trust in him.

Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isa 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Isa 49:8 Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

When it was time for Jesus to go on the cross to make the way for our salvation, God the father heard him and helped him. When he died, he saw no corruption, his life was preserved and he was resurrected from the dead. His blood was shed for a new covenant of salvation by grace, through faith. Those without hope were given everlasting hope.

Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Isa 49:9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
Isa 49:10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Jesus, the deliverer and shepherd of his sheep.

Isa 61:1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.He guides us by the living waters of his Holy Spirit.

Isa 49:11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.
Isa 49:12 Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.

No matter where you are or what mountains you face, the way to the Lord is made strait for you. Just receive by faith and be delivered and set free. They will come from far away; north, west and the far east: Sinim, referring to China.

Isa 49:13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

All who seek him in truth will be found. Sing and rejoice in heaven and in earth, for the Lord has comforted his people; Jew and Gentile and will have mercy on his afflicted. The LORD knows and cares. The redeemed are spiritual Zion, but what about the flesh people of Zion, the Jews?

Isa 49:14 But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.
Isa 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
Isa 49:16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

God has not forgotten his covenant people, the Jews. Truth is, that they would foresake their Messiah. The LORD assures them that they are not forgotten as a nation. Behold the palms of my hands, this could be the hands deeply scarred be the nails upon the cross of Calvary. He died to bring them to salvation, by faith in his finished work. Thy walls are continually before me. Walls speak of protection, he will be their protection and provider if they will trust in him.

Some hide behind inner walls, because of past hurts. This is a heart condition. Jesus came to gently remove those walls, and to put up new walls surrounding your soul, of his salvation and grace,

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

Isa 49:17 Thy children shall make haste; thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee.

Make haste and return from captivity in Babylon. The LORD shall bring you back to the promise land, and in the future you will return and your destroyers shall be separated from you.

Isa 49:18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.

The Holy people of God come to Jerusalem, and are as ornaments upon the brides dress. Who is the bride? New Jerusalem is adorned as a bride for the Messiah and the body of believers are the bride of Christ.

Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
Rev 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Isa 49:19 For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.

Speaking to the returning Jews. Jerusalem that was once destroyed and wasted , the land of your destruction, where you were taken away. This land will be too narrow for the abundance of your people and the enemy will be far away.

Isa 49:20 The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place is too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell.
Isa 49:21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?

Although the Jews were few, the converts to Christ Jesus will be many, as new children of the Lord. Where do they come from? They come from the saved Gentiles of the nations.

Isa 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

Gentiles will come to Spiritual Zion, bringing the exiled sons and daughters of the Jews. This is repeated in Isaiah 60.

Isa 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Isa 60:4 Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.
Isa 60:5 Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

The abundance of seed promised to Abraham, shall come from all nations who trust in the light and truth of Messiah Jesus.

Isa 49:23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

I think of the grateful woman of the street who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

All are equal at the feet of Jesus. James spoke of giving no favor to wealth or position in the church.

James 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
James 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
Mary, the birth mother of Jesus spoke prophetically:

Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

Isa 49:24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?
Isa 49:25 But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

The Lord is able to deliver the oppressed from the strong enemy.

Mat 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Mat 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Isaiah continues with the description of the Messiah's work

Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Isa 61:4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
Isa 61:5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
Isa 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

Isa 49:26 And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

The Lord protects his people and their enemies shall consume themselves.

Prov 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

The blessings and curses of the Abrahamic Covenant

Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.The wicked destroy themselves. What they did to captured Judah will be multiplied back to them, without the provisions of the LORD.

In Messiah Jesus, shall all who trust in you, be blessed. Is the LORD God calling you? If so, respond to Jesus and fulfill your calling from God.

The LORD Corrects His People

Isa 48:1 Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.

Hear this house of Jacob, conniver and fraud, which are called by the name Israel; "God prevails", a name after God, but a hard hearted people. Come forth from Judah, who sold his brother Joseph into slavery. Interesting to me that from these two; Jacob and Judah, by the will of God came the nation Israel and the redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, the people of Israel and often those who go by the name of Christian, are so in name only, but not in character. God desires a people of truth and righteousness. This means we must submit our will to that of God.

Isa 48:2 For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.

They claim to be of God, but they are not really seeking or following him.

Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Isa 48:3 I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.
Isa 48:4 Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;
Isa 48:5 I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I showed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.

The LORD God of Israel speaks things through his prophets, before they happen; in this way he proves that he is God. Even though he knew that they would resist his words, it is written and it comes to pass. God is faithful to his word while those he calls his people are often stubborn and stiff necked, perhaps like a stubborn mule, not willing to turn into God's way, but self willed, seeking the things of the world. When we refuse to repent of known sins, we are as this. When we make up our own belief system and seek to follow the commandments of men, we are as this. Because the LORD spoke what would happen, when the thing that was spoken comes to pass, you cannot take credit or say your idol did this. When things go well do we thank him, or do we say it is luck? When things go wrong are we complaining and full of pity? Where is God in our life? He should be foremost.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning
.
1 Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
1 Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1 Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
1 Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1 Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Isa 48:6 Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have showed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.
Isa 48:7 They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.

The LORD continues to speak to the nation of Judah, captives in Babylon. You have seen my miracles and glory; my secret things and yet you will not declare it. On a personal level, do our words glorify God and speak of his great works? Or are we negative and depressed and pessimistic. God wants us to trust him and to speak of his good works. What is God doing in your life. Is he showing you secret things? Is he giving you answers to your problems? All too often God is ignored as if he had no influence on the things that happen. We are to praise to him in our everyday lives and in our testimonies and witnessing.

Psa 22:22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Psa 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

Isa 48:8 Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

The LORD sees evil hearts in his people. You were born a sinner and a transgressor from the womb. We are inheritors of the sin nature of Adam and Eve. Jesus, the second Adam, brought us out of the curse of sin into righteousness.

Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Isa 48:9 For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.

Israel is given mercy through God's covenant and the coming redeemer. Moses led them out of bondage and Christ Jesus freed their souls from sin.

Exo 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Isa 48:10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Isa 48:11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.

He refined them by putting them through fiery trials of captivity in Babylon. They were seeking worldly gods and worldly things, so the LORD had a worldly nation to take them captive. Refining of Silver, is the refining in Christ, whereby he sees his image, the image of the Father in the pure silver as we become as he is. Their refining was one of affliction, to burn away stubborn rebellion and sin. They were carnal, in Christ we are made spiritual creations. Israel was being Chastened, corrected by Father God. Afflictions prepare us to become worthy to meet our LORD.

Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

1 Pet 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Isa 48:12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Isa 48:13 Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.

Hearken unto me, your God, I AM, I AM HE; the alpha and omega.

Exo 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
He created all that there is. Any other explanation is atheism, including evolution.

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

It is estimated that there are as many stars as there are grains of sand, are we able to be as this great creator? Do not be like the lost with their head in the sand saying, there is no God, there is no evidence.

Psa 14:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Psa 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.Psa 14:3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Is it any wonder that judgment is coming to our nation as well?

Isa 48:14 All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; which among them hath declared these things? The LORD hath loved him: he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans.
Isa 48:15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.

Speaking of Cyrus who was to conquer the Chaldeans and free the Jews.

Isa 48:16 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.

Who is speaking now, who has revealed the truth from the beginning? I believe it is the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit hath sent me. Notice the spelling of "Lord", referring to the Lord Jesus. LORD, refers to the Father.

Isa 48:17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
Isa 48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

I AM the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, come to lead you. If only you had of hearkened to my commandments and remembered my word, then you would have peace like a river. I like that, the river flows and usually is quiet; it is peaceful to see, like the living waters of God's spirit.

"and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:" The sea is generally symbolic of the restless nations, striving without peace. The antichrist will come from the sea.

Rev 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Here, the Lord focuses on the waves, as his righteousness. Waves are awesome and beautiful and the roar is as the voice of God. At times I stand by the waves and shout to them what is on my heart, or just to praise our LORD. Surfers seek the perfect wave to ride upon with there surf boards. Can we ride high above the turbulent sea, gliding upon his waves of righteousness? Or will we take our eyes off of him and be crushed by the wave and go under? We must be led by the LORD. He must be our constant companion and guide.

Isa 48:19 Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.

The promise of Abraham of offspring as numerous as the sands of the sea, were to those of faith in the messiah. The name of Israel should not have been cut off or destroyed before me. The northern kingdom of Israel was lost, dispersed among the nations, but the LORD knows who they are. The nation of Judah would be dispersed after the death of Jesus, the temple pulled down and no longer a nation until 1948. They are few in number, but the people of faith are without number.

Isa 48:20 Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

Go ye forth, you are set free from Babylon, flee the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing. In your songs declare of your salvation and your redeemer, to the ends of the earth. Our hymns should be hymns of praise and gospel truth. I think many new songs are self centered instead of God centered. I will sing of my redeemer, the Christ who set me free. Our hymns should tell the story of God's amazing grace.

Isa 48:21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

Miracles followed the people of Judah as they returned to Jerusalem. The LORD provided for those of Judah who were returning home; waters sprung forth from the desert as they did when Moses led the people out of Egypt. The same LORD cares for his people, then and now. How awesome is the LORD, we can depend on him. He cleft the rock, a type of Christ. Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee. He was wounded for me, that my sins would be forgiven so that I may be with those who glorify him at his throne, for by him I am known.

Isa 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

No peace for the wicked Chaldeans left behind being conquered by King Cyrus and no peace for the wicked Jew or Gentiles, without faith in the Messiah.

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Afflictions will come to all people, so come to God through Jesus now and be forgiven, the time is short, you need God's help in this time of trouble and the everlasting peace of a child of God.

Babylon Judged

Isa 47:1 Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

A picture of fallen Babylon. I suppose the U.S. is a type of Babylon, once rich, arrogant, self indulgent and spoiled by her abundance. This is how Babylon was, when they took Israel into captivity. The LORD used them for this purpose. They were not so kind to the Jews in general, so now they were themselves under the judgment of God. The virgin daughter, once like a princess, sits on the ground for there is no longer a throne for her. You no longer will be called tender and delicate, you are removed from your place of honor.

I think we sometimes are like this description, sitting and having a pity party because we lost our dream. Well, get up, for God has more for you to do. In Christ we remain on the throne with him. If he is our Lord, we are kings and queens under Christ Jesus.

Isa 47:2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

Grind meal as a slave. I think of Samson. once the pride of Israel, blinded and grinding meal because he lusted after a woman of the world and ignored his calling from God.

Judg 16:21 But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.

The Babylonian virgin was made common and forced to march through rivers as a slave to another people. To be a slave of wicked men is a pity, but to be a slave as Christ commanded, to serve others; it is a blessing.

Isa 47:3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.

The LORD is taking vengeance on a proud and wicked people. Nakedness and shame shall be seen, It is the LORD'S doing. What the world does in secret and the secret sins of their heart, are plainly visable to our God.

Eph 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Eph 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

The unsaved with their sins are made manifest by the law of God.

Psa 44:20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;
Psa 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

What of the church? Jesus described the end time church as naked and miserable.

Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Who is our God? Isaiah tells us.

Isa 47:4 As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.
Isa 47:5 Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms.
Isa 47:6 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst show them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

The LORD was angry with Babylon, who he called to take his people, his inheritance captive; the saints of God, the bride of Christ, because they showed them no mercy. The very old of the Hebrews were given a very heavy yoke. The LORD looks on the elderly with love and he expects us to honor them. Jesus taught that they should be taken care of, even before gifts to God.

Mat 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
Mat 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
Mat 15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Isa 47:7 And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

How like a person caught in a sin, to appeal to their personal honor, when found guilty. We know our righteousness is not the righteousness of God.

Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Isa 64:7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

Isa 47:8 Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:
Isa 47:9 But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

Reaping what is sown. Careless living and pride shall reap a difficult harvest. The things that they trusted in, were an abomination to the LORD, these shall be cut down with your pride.

Gal 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Gal 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

The cause of the judgment of God

Isa 47:10 For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me.

Success by any means, just so long as you get what you want. There is a saying: do not hit a man when he is down, for he may get up. God knows what we are doing and the reasons why. They were full of pride and without mercy towards the Hebrew slaves. Now they face the vengence of God.

Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.

Even now the wisdom of the world is not truth. God's wisdom is the truth. To accept man's thoughts above the word of God, is to live a perverted life, a life of lust and craving for wealth and power. You have become God of your life. The world sets humanistic standards. " To be a self actualized person". " I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul ". What does God command? We are to love God with all our heart and to obey him. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Who is your master? Self or the LORD? We are given a will to choose and when God convicts us, we should obey him and follow him.

The judgment of God

Isa 47:11 Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know.

This is so true. A life lived apart from God opens the door to satanic destruction. Even when you get all there is to get of your desires, you will have no peace. Who will you call to when mischief shall fall on you? Mischief: the Hebrew word, hovah, meaning ruin, disaster. Look around the world now. People have lost their money, their jobs, their life is in ruin, without the LORD. As with Babylon, there seems to be no solution. Sudden desolation from a conquering nation, leaving you a slave and a stranger, just as were the Hebrews that you treated badly. Who will you cry out to for help, your lucky charms?

Isa 47:12 Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.
Isa 47:13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.

They cannot save anyone.

Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Isa 8:19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Isa 47:14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.
Isa 47:15 Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.

Rev 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
Rev 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

Israel My Glory

Isa 46:1 Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.

The images of the gods were being carried captive. They stooped and bowed down, for the LORD is greater than idols of men. Bel, was a chief Babylonian deity. Belshazzar, meant Bel protect the king.

Jer 51:44 And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall.

Nebo, prophet; a Babylonian deity who presided over learning and letters; corresponds to Greek Hermes, Latin Mercury, and Egyptian Thoth

Nebuchadnezzar; may Nebo protect the throne.

Isa 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

They were so heavy that the animals pulling the carriages also stooped under the burden of their weight, but the idols could not even deliver those who trusted in them, let alone themselves.

Heavy burdens

Mat 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:Mat 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Mat 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Isa 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

1 Pet 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1 Pet 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

There is no God greater than the God of Israel. When the ark of the covenant, which contained his presence, was taken captive and placed before the statue of dagon, the god of Ashdod, it fell on it's face.

1 Sam 5:3 And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.
1 Sam 5:4 And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.

At the presence of the LORD, even idols must bow.

Isa 46:3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:Isa 46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Those of the house of Jacob, from birth into old age, I am your God. I will carry you and I will deliver you. This reminds me of the popular poem " Footprints in the sand" by Mary Stevenson.

Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me? The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you."

Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Isa 46:5 To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?

Only Jesus showed us the image of God, in a human.

John 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works'

Solomon glorified the LORD

1 Ki 8:22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
1 Ki 8:23 And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:

Silly Idols of gold and silver cannot help you

Isa 46:6 They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.
Isa 46:7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.

It is only an idol, with no power to help anyone. Do you carry your god? Or does God carry you?

Isa 46:8 Remember this, and show yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.
Isa 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

Remember Israel your God; remember America your God. Return to the old ways of worshipping and honoring him. Make him the King of your nation, In God We Trust. Make it so again, and turn from your idolatry of images and of men with false promises and evil hearts. The LORD, I AM, there is none like him.

Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Isa 46:11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

THE LORD tells the beginning and the end. He speaks prophecy and it comes to past. His word shall stand, for it is truth. He sends the nations to take you captive to chastise you, his rebellious people and he sends deliverance. Whatsoever he purposes shall come to pass.

Isa 46:12 Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:
Isa 46:13 I bring near my righteousness: it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Listen, you stubborn and rebellious people. I am righteous and will bring my good purpose to you, for salvation is coming soon. I will bring salvation to Israel my glory. If God sees Israel as his glory, the nation that is to show his glory, then we should show respect to Israel. The LORD is in control, we should remember this and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Cyrus - Isaiah 45

Isa 45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
Isa 45:2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

The LORD will give his anointing to a pagan king; Cyrus. He used Nebuchadnezzar to take Israel captive and he would use this king to subdue all the nations and to allow Israel to return to their land and rebuild. We look at this as history, for all this happened. We must realize that this is prophecy; God speaking what will come about. The man Cyrus was known before his birth, some 125-200 years in the future. This gives credibility to God also knowing us by name, before we were born.

1 Pet 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

We are the elect of God, according to the foreknowledge of God. He knew us before we came to him.

I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Cyrus and his army diverted the Euphrates river that surrounded the walls of Babylon and the inner gate was left unlocked. They marched in through the water canal inside the walls while King Belshazzar of Babylon was having a drunken party.


Isa 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

He will "make the crooked places straight" for Cyrus, his anointed. This is what was said of the ministry of John the Baptist who came before Jesus.

Mark 1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Mark 1:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Will he not make our way straight to fulfill the calling he has on our life? We are the anointed of the LORD, will we refuse to walk in the way he has prepared for us? If God is in it, it will come to pass. Our work is to get in the way he has prepared for us.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Isa 45:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

He would be made rich with the things that were stolen from the nations and hidden in secret places. This too was of the LORD, to prove that the LORD alone is God, who knows the future.

Isa 45:4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

The LORD gives to us His new name and a holy calling.

Isa 62:2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
Isa 62:3 Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.

Isa 45:5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
Isa 45:6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.

These prophesies were to prove to Israel, and to all the nations from east to west, that their gods were nothing and that the God of Israel is the one true God. The prophesies were unique, because they came to pass, word for word. He is the LORD of creation.

Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

He formed the light...

Gen 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Gen 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

He makes peace and he brings evil or calamity upon the idol worshippers. I prefer the peace of God.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

If trouble comes to us from God, it is to correct or to chasten us. Trouble also comes to God's enemies, for they reap what they sow. God is perfect and just. Those who speak evil of God, have evil hearts of unbelief. The Lord is long suffering, but their is a limit to his suffering.

He is not the author of evil; evil is never "original," but always a perversion of an existing good. Yet God is the allower of evil, and He uses it to accomplish His eternal purpose of bringing together all things in Jesus (Ephesians 3:8-11 and 1:9-10). If God could further His eternal purpose by allowing His Son to die a wicked, unjust death on a cross, then He knows how to use what He allows for His eternal purpose. (Guzik)

Isa 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

There shall be showers of blessings. The LORD is good and gives good to His people and good to his enemies as well.

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Rom 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Salvation is in Jesus. We receive his righteousness by faith. This is the goodness and grace of God.

Isa 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

A potsherd, is an earthen vessel.

Job 2:8 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

We are earthen vessels that need to cleanse ourselves for the Master's use.

2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Tim 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2 Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Woe and very foolish are those who strive with their maker, the LORD GOD. Evolution taught as the way of all things, is striving with the maker. Substituting man for God, making man's thoughts above that of the Holy Bible; this is striving with your maker. We are clay in his hands, shall we tell him how things will be and were made?

Isa 45:10 Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?

We mock the creator and our parents with foolish statements, such as; I wish I had never been born. You were born, so you better find your purpose. I suppose suicide is the ultimate selfish act. Do not listen to the voices of a devil. Hear and obey the LORD.

Isa 45:11 Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
Isa 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

Listen to the LORD, the Holy one of Israel when He speaks. I am maker of Israel, ask me of things to come. I Am he that has made all that there is and I am a revealer of secret things.

Isa 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

He will direct the ways of the announced deliverer; Cyrus and cause him to rebuild Jerusalem and release the people of God captive to a forced relocation. And Cyrus will do it not for price or reward, but out of a conviction from God that he must do it! (Ezra 1:1-3) (Guzik)

Isa 45:14 Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.

All the captive nations will see that Israel has the God who is the creator; the Almighty God. Those who are in bondage will see the spirit of God in us too.

Isa 45:15 Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.

God was hidden from them until now. They needed a preacher or a prophet to declare him.

Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Or the unknown God, as Paul revealed him in Athens.

Acts 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Isa 45:16 They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.
Isa 45:17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

THE LORD is salvation to Israel and to those who trust in Jesus. Put away your dumb idols and come to the true God. All who trust in the LORD shall be saved.

Isa 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.
Isa 45:19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

He is not hidden and in darkness to His people. He openly declares His will to all who will hear. Some cannot or will not hear. They prefer to trust in things of darkness that appear to be a new way. They follow a false truth, an idol sometimes of their making, that they give their attention to.

Isa 45:20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
Isa 45:21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
Isa 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Put aside your dumb idols and come to me, the LORD. There is none else.

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jesus spoke to Thomas, His disciple:

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Isa 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

There is none greater to swear by; His word is truth and righteousness.

Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Phil 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Isa 45:24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
Isa 45:25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Glorify the LORD all creation! The LORD God of Israel is the true God.