God's judgment would fall on Israel like flames due to her sins, and she would enter Babylonian captivity. But her Creator and Redeemer says, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you… You are mine." He promises to be with them and assures them that his judgment will not wipe them out. Instead, it will refine them through trials. For the Holy One of Israel, their Savior, loves his people chosen for his glory and praise, and, in the future, he will bring them back from captivity. This will bear witness to God and testify that he alone is the sovereign Lord, the only Savior who fulfills what he promised (8-13). Just as he delivered Israel by parting the Red Sea in Exodus, he would do a new thing to bring the exiles back out of Babylon. God punished his covenant people due to their corrupt worship and many offenses. Still, he will blot out their transgressions for his own sake and redeem them from their sins (25).

We belong to God, for he created us for his own glory, and he redeemed us by the blood of Jesus. We are beloved, precious, and honored in his sight. God disciplines his children to purify and restore them so that they may serve him in holiness and righteousness without fear.


Application: Lord, thank you for redeeming me by Jesus' blood and for being with me despite my sins. Purify me in your love so that I may live a life that pleases you and proclaims your praise to the world.
One Word: Redeemed by the blood of Jesus