Isaiah 43

2. When thou passest through the waters, etc. “Water” and “fire” are emblems of troubles and dangers, amidst which Israel shall enjoy perfect security; whether in Babylon, or in the journey home, or after re-settlement in their own land.

3. I gave Egypt for thy ransom, etc. Or, as R.V., “I have given Egypt,” etc. The declaration probably refers to the coming subjugation of Egypt and the neighbouring kingdoms by the rising imperial power of Persia, the empire through which the people of God were to regain their liberty.

4 honourable. Rather, “honoured,” i.e., by My love to thee. The preferable arrangement of the sentence is as in R.V.: “Since thou hast been precious in My sight, and honourable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men for thee, and peoples for thy life.”

6. I will say to the north, etc. That is, I will gather My scattered people from all parts of the world.

7. For I have created him for My glory, etc. Rather, “Whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed and made”: see R.V.

10. And My Servant whom I have chosen. That is, “And [ye are also] My Servant,” etc.

12. I have declared, and have saved. Announced salvation and brought it.

14. For your sake I have sent to Babylon. Babylon, like Egypt (3, 16, 17), is to be devoted to destruction for Israel’s deliverance.

have brought down all their nobles. Rather, as R.V. (by a slightly altered reading), “will bring down all of them as fugitives.”

whose cry [is] in the ships. Or, “whose shout,” etc.; i.e., of exultation or pride. (R.V., “in the ships of their rejoicing.”)

16. Which maketh a way in the sea, etc. The method of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was a type and pledge of God’s future help.

22. But thou hast not called upon Me, etc. The humbler creation renders praise to God (v. 21), but Israel has failed to honour its Creator and Redeemer.

24 sweet cane. Sweet cane was an ingredient in the holy oil (Exod. xxx. 23), and was an article of commerce often brought from a distance (Jer. vi. 20).

26. Put Me in remembrance. Remind Me of My promises, that thou mayest gain thy cause.

27. Thy first father. Probably referring to Jacob, as distinguished from Adam, the father of the human race as a whole. For “teachers,” read “mediators” or, as R.V., “interpreters”; the term denoting all, as prophets and priests, who were the channels of communication between Jehovah and His people. The “princes of the Sanctuary” (28), or “holy princes” (R.V. marg.), are the spiritual heads of the people as distinguished from the temporal.