Isaiah 43

Isaiah 43:1

But now] though a great part of my people continue still thus obstinate and impenitent, yet I will have care of my chosen ones among them, whom I will protect in all dangers, and in due time restore.

Isaiah 43:3

I gave Egypt for thy ransom] Exod. XIV. 20,—38. and XV. 9, 10.

Ethiopia, and Seba for thee] 2 Chron. XIV. 9,—15.

Isaiah 43:5

bring thy seed] by Cyrus temporaly, by Christ spiritualy.

Isaiah 43:8

Bring forth the blinde people,] challenging the Gentiles, who were blinde and deaf, as their idols to see if they can yet produce ought in defence of their idols, ver. 9.

Isaiah 43:9

who among them] which of their idols could foretel those, or the like things?

It is truth] that the Lord alone is the true God, and they all but base idols.

Isaiah 43:10

ye are my witnesses] ye my people; speaking thus to them, that had plentiful and pregnant proofs of his divine power and providence.

and my servant] the Messias: and in some degree, Cyrus.

That I am he] the onely true God, ver. 12.

Isaiah 43:14

whose cry is in the ships.] They wanting water, by Cyrus his draynings, to carry them in their flight away: Or, they cry, to the ships, to the ships, for safety; as chap XXII. 5. to the hils, to the hils. Yet some translate thus, the Chaldeans, together with their choise ships which they vaunt of.

Isaiah 43:16

Which maketh a way in the sea] Red-Sea; and Jordan.

Isaiah 43:17

Chariot] Pharaoh and his armie.

they shall lie together] In the bottome of the Sea, Exod. XV. 10.

Isaiah 43:18

Remember ye not the fermer things] in comparison of the New; the deliverance by Cyrus; but principaly and spiritualy by Christ.

Isaiah 43:19

I will even make a way] I will fit, and furnish them in the way as they shall returne from Babylon.

Isaiah 43:21

they shall shew forth my praise] Or at least should; It was their duty.

Isaiah 43:22

But thou] Hast not beene so careful to worship me: But hast been weary of me, and my service.

Isaiah 43:23

me] But Idols, and strange gods.

I have not caused thee] Not I, but thine Idols have made thee at so much cost with them, tyring thee out, as a slave to them, with such services.

Isaiah 43:24

But thou hast] Hitherto of their Failings; now of their Faults. And all this, to shew, that the deliverance of them from their thraldome, was of his own free favour and mercie, not for any merit of desert of theirs, as in the two next verses.

Isaiah 43:27

Thy first father] Or forefathers, and not you alone, have sinned. And therefore no cause in your selves, or them, why I should do you so great a favour, as this is.