God calls the nations to his courtroom and asks, "Who will summon Cyrus of Persia (2; 44:28) onto the stage of history, who will then defeat Babylon and let God's people return from exile?" Is it not God? The nations may boast of their power, but it doesn't last. God alone controls the destinies of nations and calls them to carry out his righteous purpose in history. Godless nations depend on idols, but their idols are less than nothing; their images are but wind and confusion (29). Those who depend on idols are guilty (24). Only God alone can see the future and make it known through his prophets.

Israel in exile fears God has abandoned her. But God reminds her that she is God's chosen servant; he neither forgot his promise to Abraham nor rejected her. Though he punished her due to her sins, God promises to be personally with her, strengthen her, help her, and uphold her so that she may not be afraid. God also assures he will protect her (11-12) and perform unheard of deeds (17-20). Then the world will see and know that the Holy One of Israel is her Redeemer. He brings his covenant people back to him and accomplishes his redemptive purpose for the world through them.


Application: Lord, you are my Redeemer who is with me and strengthens me in spite of my sins. Help me to trust you and put my hope in you who controls history and holds my future.
One Word: One word: Our God, my Redeemer, reigns