God Defends Israel Against the Nations and Idols
Isaiah 41:1-29
Isa.41.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- החרישו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- איים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולאמים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יחליפו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יגשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אז: ADV
- ידברו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- יחדו: ADV
- למשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נקרבה: VERB,niphal,cohort,1,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 49:1 (verbal): A nearly identical summons — 'Listen, O isles' / 'O islands' — calling distant peoples to hear the Lord; very close wording and motif within Isaiah.
- Isaiah 42:10 (thematic): Calls the coastlands/isles to sing and praise God; both verses summon distant lands/peoples to respond in worship or testimony to Yahweh.
- Isaiah 45:12 (thematic): Speaks of God as creator who fashioned the earth and its inhabitants ('I made the earth... my hands'), echoing Isa 41:1's language about those 'created' and 'formed by my hands'.
- Psalm 98:1-3 (thematic): Celebrates God's saving acts so that 'all the ends of the earth' and the 'isles' see and sing — parallels Isa 41:1's appeal to distant peoples/isles to acknowledge and proclaim God.
- Isaiah 60:9 (thematic): Envisions the isles/coastlands waiting for and bringing tribute to Zion; like Isa 41:1 it portrays distant maritime regions as recipients/respondents to God's revelation and action.
Alternative generated candidates
- Be silent before me, islands, and let the peoples renew their strength; let them come near—then let them speak together: let us draw near for judgment.
- Be silent before me, islands, and let the peoples renew their strength; let them draw near—then let them speak; let them come forward for judgment.
Isa.41.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ממזרח: PREP
- צדק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יקראהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+obj3ms
- לרגלו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- גוים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומלכים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ירד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- כעפר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חרבו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- כקש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נדף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- קשתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Psalm 72:10-11 (thematic): Both depict foreign kings bringing tribute and bowing before the rightful ruler—nations and monarchs submitting to one exalted leader.
- Psalm 18:42-43 (Heb. 18:43-44) (verbal): Uses the same battle-imagery of foes reduced to dust or driven away like chaff before the victor’s weapon, paralleling the 'dust' and 'chaff' similes in Isa 41:2.
- Isaiah 49:7 (allusion): Speaks of kings seeing, rising, and submitting to the Lord’s servant—a related motif of nations and rulers honoring God’s appointed agent.
- Isaiah 41:25 (structural): Internal parallel in the same chapter: God declares he has stirred up (raised) a warrior from a direction and set nations before him, repeating the motif of divine action raising a conqueror over nations.
Alternative generated candidates
- Who stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness? He gave nations before him and made kings bow; he made them like dust with his sword, like driven chaff with his bow.
- Who stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his goal? He gave nations before him and made kings bow down; he made them like dust with his sword, like driven stubble with his bow.
Isa.41.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ירדפם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יעבור: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברגליו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,suff,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:2 (structural): Immediate context: continues the picture of God raising a figure from the east who routs nations and tramples kings — same scene and vocabulary surrounding pursuit and domination.
- Isaiah 45:1 (allusion): God names and commissions Cyrus as an instrument from the east to subdue nations and advance God's purposes, echoing the motif of one raised from the east who overcomes rulers.
- Isaiah 44:28 (allusion): Another passage that identifies God’s sovereign act in raising Cyrus to accomplish geopolitical ends (release and rebuilding), linking the theme of God raising a foreign ruler to fulfill divine plans.
- Psalm 2:8–9 (verbal): Speaks of receiving the nations and breaking kings with a rod of iron — parallel royal/violence imagery (rule over nations, trampling/dashing rulers) found in Isaiah 41:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- He pursued them and passed on in safety; his path was without stumble—his feet did not falter.
- He pursued them and went on by a way of peace; his feet did not falter.
Isa.41.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- פעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ועשה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הדרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ראשון: ADJ,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- אחרנים: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 44:6 (verbal): Uses the same self-identifying formula—“I am the first and I am the last”—affirming God’s eternal priority and uniqueness.
- Isaiah 48:12 (verbal): Repeats the phrase “I am he; I am the first, I also am the last,” closely paralleling the language and claim of sovereign self-identification.
- Revelation 1:17–18 (allusion): The risen Christ echoes the titles and functions of the eternal Lord (fear not; I am the first and the last; I hold keys of death and Hades), linking Isaiah’s divine self-claim to Christ.
- Revelation 22:13 (allusion): Christ declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End,” echoing Isaiah’s language of divine primacy and eschatological authority.
- Isaiah 43:10–11 (thematic): Affirms God’s uniqueness and sole role as redeemer and savior—no other god before or after him—resonating with the exclusive, eternal self-identification in Isa 41:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- Who has wrought and done this, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I the LORD—first, and also with the last—I am he.
- Who has wrought and made this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—at the first and also with the last—I am he.
Isa.41.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ראו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- איים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וייראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- קצות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- יחרדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- קרבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויאתיון: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:9 (verbal): Uses the same language of being summoned/taken from the 'ends of the earth' (קצות/kצוות הארץ), a direct verbal echo about distant lands and God's action.
- Isaiah 41:11-12 (structural): Immediate chapter context: hostile nations and distant peoples are put to shame or struck with fear—continues the theme of islands/coasts and the ends of the earth reacting to Yahweh's intervention.
- Isaiah 52:10 (thematic): Both passages portray distant lands/the ends of the earth witnessing God's action; Isaiah 52:10 emphasizes all the ends of the earth seeing salvation, a parallel global response to divine revelation.
- Nahum 1:5-6 (thematic): Describes mountains, coasts and the whole earth trembling at the LORD's presence—similar imagery of widespread fear and cosmic reaction to God's activity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, the islands tremble; the ends of the earth quake; they draw near and come.
- Let the islands see and be afraid; let the ends of the earth tremble. They draw near and come.
Isa.41.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- יעזרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- ולאחיו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- חזק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (thematic): Affirms mutual assistance and encouragement—'two are better than one' and one helps/lifts the other—parallels the image of a man helping his neighbor and urging his brother to be strong.
- Galatians 6:2 (thematic): Calls believers to 'bear one another's burdens,' reflecting the ethical theme of mutual help and support implicit in Isaiah's depiction of people aiding and encouraging one another.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (allusion): Depicts idols as powerless objects made by hands and those who make/trust them becoming like them; parallels Isaiah's ironic picture of human agents helping and encouraging powerless things (and one another) rather than finding help in God.
- Jeremiah 10:14-15 (allusion): Describes craftsmen fashioning gods that are useless and must be carried/assisted by humans; echoes Isaiah's motif of human-to-human assistance in the context of impotent idols and misplaced reliance.
Alternative generated candidates
- A man helps his neighbor, and his brother says, "Be strong!"
- Each one will help his neighbor, and his brother will say, 'Be strong!'
Isa.41.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחזק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חרש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- צרף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחליק: VERB,pi'el,part,3,m,sg
- פטיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הולם: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- פעם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדבק: VERB,qal,inf
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויחזקהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,sg
- במסמרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ימוט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 44:12-13 (verbal): Describes the same artisan scene—carpenter/blacksmith shaping wood and metal with tools and praising his work; closely parallels language and imagery of craftsmen fashioning idols.
- Isaiah 40:19-20 (verbal): Speaks of a craftsman casting an idol and a goldsmith overlaying it with gold—parallel motif of human artisans making and fastening objects that cannot act on their own.
- Jeremiah 10:3-5 (verbal): Depicts idols as works of skilled hands and tools, emphasizing human manufacture and the futility of worshiping what craftsmen have made—similar critique of man‑made objects.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Contrasts impotent, man‑made idols (whose makers are themselves like them) with the living God; echoes the theme of idols being products of human workmanship.
- 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 (thematic): New Testament treatment that idols are 'nothing' and human constructs, contrasting the one true God with objects made by human hands—theological continuation of the prophetic critique.
Alternative generated candidates
- The smith gives strength to the one who smooths; the one who wields the hammer strengthens him who strikes the anvil; he says of the thing welded, "It is good," and fastens it with nails so it shall not be moved.
- The smith strengthens the one who smooths with the hammer, the one who strikes the anvil; he says of the solder, 'It is good.' He fastens it with nails so it will not be moved.
Isa.41.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בחרתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg,obj-2m
- זרע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהבי: NOUN,m,sg,poss-1s
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:9 (verbal): Immediate context: continues the address to Israel as God’s chosen servant, repeating the motifs of calling and selection (’you whom I took... and called’).
- Isaiah 45:4 (verbal): Very close verbal parallel: Israel/Jacob called God’s servant and chosen one—’for the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen’ echoes the servant/choice language of Isa 41:8.
- Isaiah 44:1–2 (thematic): Develops the same theme of God’s elect servant Israel—’now hear, O Jacob my servant... I have chosen you and not cast you off’—assures the chosen status and divine protection of Israel.
- Deuteronomy 7:6 (thematic): Pentateuchal precedent for Israel as God’s chosen people: ’For you are a people holy to the LORD... the LORD has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession,’ paralleling the theme of divine choice in Isa 41:8.
- Galatians 3:7 (thematic): New Testament theological parallel: being ’children of Abraham’ (offspring of Abraham) as a marker of belonging to God’s people—echoes Isa 41:8’s reference to Israel as the seed/offspring of Abraham.
Alternative generated candidates
- But you, Israel—my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, offspring of Abraham my friend.
- But you, Israel—my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, offspring of Abraham my friend—
Isa.41.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אשר: PRON,rel
- החזקתיך: VERB,hiph,perf,1,c,sg
- מקצות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ומאציליה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- קראתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- בחרתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- מאסתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:8 (structural): Immediate context: directly names Israel as 'my servant' and 'whom I have chosen,' framing 41:9 as part of the same address to the chosen servant.
- Isaiah 42:1 (verbal): Servant-song language: 'Behold my servant... I have chosen him' echoes 41:9's vocab of 'servant' and 'chosen' and presents the servant's mission.
- Isaiah 43:1 (thematic): God's summons and assurance—'I have called you by name... you are mine' parallels the themes of calling, appointment, and belonging in 41:9.
- Isaiah 44:1 (verbal): Directly repeats the formula 'Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen,' reinforcing the identification of Israel as God's chosen servant found in 41:9.
- Deuteronomy 7:6-8 (thematic): Early covenantal language of Israel as God's chosen/treasured people echoes 41:9's theme of divine election and God’s sovereign choosing of his servant.
Alternative generated candidates
- I took you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest parts, saying to you, "You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you."
- whom I took from the ends of the earth and called from its farthest parts, and said to you, 'You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not cast you off.'
Isa.41.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תירא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- תשתע: VERB,qal,imprf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- אמצתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- עזרתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- תמכתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- בימין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדקי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
Parallels
- Deut.31.6 (verbal): Shares the exhortation 'do not be afraid/do not be discouraged' and the assurance of God's presence and faithfulness ('He will not fail you or forsake you'), echoing Isa 41:10's 'do not fear ... I am with you.'
- Deut.31.8 (thematic): Emphasizes the LORD going before his people and not leaving or forsaking them—a closely related theme of divine presence and support found in Isa 41:10's promises to strengthen, help, and uphold.
- Josh.1.9 (verbal): Repeats the injunction 'Be strong and courageous' and the assurance 'for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go,' directly paralleling Isaiah's 'do not fear ... I am with you.'
- Heb.13.5-6 (quotation): New Testament citation of the OT promise 'I will never leave you nor forsake you,' reflecting the same pastoral assurance of God's abiding presence and support as in Isa 41:10.
- Matt.28.20 (verbal): Jesus' promise 'I am with you always, to the end of the age' echoes Isaiah's central affirmation 'I am with you,' extending the theme of divine accompaniment into the NT context.
Alternative generated candidates
- Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isa.41.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הן: PART
- יבשו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- ויכלמו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הנחרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כאין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאבדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ריבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Isa.41.12 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same oracle: repeats and develops the promise that those who contend with Israel will be as nothing and cannot be found — close verbal and structural overlap.
- Ps.2:1-4 (thematic): Nations and rulers plot against God's anointed and are met with divine derision and defeat ("He who sits in the heavens laughs"), echoing the theme of enemies being confounded.
- Ps.37:12-13 (thematic): The wicked plot against the righteous, but the LORD frustrates them and they are cut off/ashamed — similar promise that adversaries will be brought to nothing.
- Exod.14:25 (thematic): Egypt's pursuing host is discomfited and destroyed at the Red Sea; a historical precedent for God confounding and causing the enemies of his people to perish.
- Zeph.3:15 (structural): God declares that he has removed judgment and cast out the enemy from Israel, assuring the people they need not fear — parallels Isaiah's assurance that adversaries will be ashamed and vanish.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, all who rage against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing and perish—those who contend with you.
- Behold, those who rage against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you shall be as nothing and shall perish.
Isa.41.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תבקשם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- תמצאם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מצתך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כאין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכאפס: CONJ
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מלחמתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:11 (structural): Immediate context: promises that those who rise up against Israel will be ashamed and confounded, continuing the theme that Israel's adversaries will vanish and be rendered ineffective.
- Isaiah 40:17 (verbal): Similar wording about nations and peoples being 'as nothing' before Yahweh—both verses use the image of enemies or nations being reduced to nothing in the divine perspective.
- Exodus 14:28 (thematic): Narrative example of God destroying Israel's foes so that 'not one of them remained,' paralleling Isaiah's theme that opposing men will be sought for and not found.
- Psalm 37:10 (thematic): Promises that the wicked will soon be no more and their place will be sought in vain—echoes Isaiah's assurance that adversaries will disappear and be as nothing.
Alternative generated candidates
- You will seek them and not find them; those who strive with you will be as nothing, as a nonentity—the men who do battle will vanish.
- You will seek them and not find them; those who wage war against you shall be as nothing, and the men of conflict shall be a mere nullity.
Isa.41.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- מחזיק: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- ימינך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- האמר: PTCP,qal,ptcp,ms,sg,def
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תירא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- עזרתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg+2,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:10 (verbal): Close verbal and thematic parallel—both verses command 'Fear not' and assure God's presence and help ('I am with you' / 'I will help you').
- Isaiah 42:6 (verbal): Uses the image of God taking/holding the servant's hand ('I will hold your hand' or 'I will take hold of your hand'), echoing the hand-holding in Isa. 41:13.
- Psalm 73:23-24 (verbal): Psalmist speaks of God's sustaining grip—'you are with me... in your hand you hold me'—a similar motif of God holding the right hand and providing guidance/comfort.
- Joshua 1:5 (thematic): Promise of God's continual presence ('I will not leave you or forsake you'), thematically paralleling Isa. 41:13's assurance that God holds the believer and will help them.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand and say to you, "Do not fear; I will help you."
- For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; I say to you, 'Do not fear—I will help you.'
Isa.41.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תיראי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- תולעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מתי: ADV,int
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- עזרתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וגאלך: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,?,sg
- קדוש: ADJ,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:10 (structural): Same context of divine consolation — 'Do not fear' and God's promise of help and support to Israel (I am with you; I will uphold you).
- Isaiah 43:1 (thematic): Parallel language of reassurance and redemption — 'Fear not, I have redeemed you; I have called you by name,' affirming God's personal rescue of Israel as in 41:14.
- Psalm 22:6 (verbal): Uses the same 'worm' imagery (Hebrew tolaʻath) to express humiliation and lowliness; 41:14 addresses Jacob as a 'worm' yet promises divine help.
- Isaiah 49:14-16 (thematic): Responds to Israel's despair with God's compassionate pledge not to forget or forsake them, echoing 41:14's promise of aid and redemption for the afflicted nation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you, says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
- Do not fear, O worm Jacob, O men of Israel; I will help you, says the LORD, and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
Isa.41.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הנה: PART
- שמתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- למורג: PREP
- חרוץ: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- חדש: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פיפיות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- תדוש: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- הרים: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ותדק: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- וגבעות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כמץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תשים: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 42:15 (thematic): Same prophetic motif of God (or his instrument) laying mountains low—‘I will lay waste mountains and hills’ echoes the image of threshing and reducing high places to nothing.
- Micah 4:13 (verbal): Uses explicit threshing imagery for victory—‘Arise and thresh... I will make your horn iron... you shall beat in pieces many peoples’ parallels the ‘threshing sledge’ metaphor and the idea of crushing enemies.
- Habakkuk 3:6 (thematic): Divine upheaval of the natural order—‘the ancient mountains crumbled, the everlasting hills bowed’ parallels the picture of mountains being broken down like chaff.
- Psalm 18:7-16 (thematic): Poetic description of God’s intervention causing earthquakes and mountains to tremble and break—resonates with Isaiah’s imagery of mountains being threshed and reduced by divine action.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, I make you a new, sharp threshing sledge, with teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and make the hills like chaff.
- Behold, I make you a new threshing sledge, with sharp teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and make the hills like chaff.
Isa.41.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תזרם: VERB,qal,imperf,3,f,sg
- ורוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תשאם: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg+3,m,pl
- וסערה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תפיץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תגיל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- בקדוש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תתהלל: VERB,hitpael,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 68:1-2 (verbal): Call for God to arise so that his enemies are scattered and flee—language of scattering and flight closely parallels Isaiah 41:16.
- Deuteronomy 28:7 (thematic): Promise that enemies who rise against Israel will be defeated and ‘flee’—similar theme of pursuit and rout of foes.
- Psalm 18:13-16 (thematic): God’s coming in storm-like, violent imagery (wind, earthquake, lightning) to overthrow enemies, echoing the whirlwind/dispersion motif.
- Nahum 1:3-6 (verbal): Yahweh pictured using whirlwind, storm, and mighty power to punish and disperse nations—parallels the tempestuous imagery and divine deliverance in Isa 41:16.
- Isaiah 59:19 (allusion): When the enemy comes like a flood the LORD will oppose them; imagery of God driving back foes with wind/force resonates with Isa 41:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- You shall fan them, and the wind will carry them away; the whirlwind will scatter them—yet you shall rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel.
- You shall winnow them, and the wind will carry them away; a tempest will scatter them. But you shall rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel.
Isa.41.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- העניים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והאביונים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- מבקשים: VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,pl
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- לשונם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- בצמא: PREP+ADJ,m,sg
- נשתה: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אענם: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg+PRON,3,m,pl
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- אעזבם: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 72:12-13 (thematic): Speaks of God delivering the needy and showing pity on the poor—parallel theme of God answering and not forsaking the afflicted.
- Isaiah 49:10 (verbal): Promises that they ‘shall not hunger or thirst’ and that God will have pity and guide them—close verbal and thematic echo of supplying water and not abandoning the needy.
- Psalm 146:7-9 (thematic): Attributes to God the care of the oppressed and provision for the hungry and needy, corresponding to Isaiah’s depiction of God responding to those who seek water.
- Isaiah 41:10 (structural): Neighboring promise within the same chapter—God’s assurance ‘I will help you’ and ‘do not fear’ parallels the declaration ‘I, the LORD, will answer… I will not forsake them.’
Alternative generated candidates
- The poor and the needy seek water, and their tongue is parched; I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
- The poor and the needy seek water and there is none; their tongue faints for thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
Isa.41.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אפתח: VERB,qal,imf,1,sg
- על: PREP
- שפיים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נהרות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובתוך: PREP
- בקעות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מעינות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשים: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- מדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- לאגם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ציה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למוצאי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,constr
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 43:19 (verbal): God declares, 'I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert,' a closely parallel promise of creating rivers/streams in dry places.
- Isaiah 35:6-7 (verbal): Speaks of waters breaking forth in the desert and the parched land becoming pools and springs—very similar imagery and language to Isa 41:18.
- Isaiah 44:3 (thematic): God promises to 'pour water on the thirsty land' and to pour out his Spirit—uses life-giving water as a metaphor for divine blessing and restoration.
- Psalm 107:35-36 (thematic): Describes God turning a wilderness into pools of water and a parched land into springs—an OT thanksgiving reflection of the same restorative motif.
- Ezekiel 47:1-12 (structural): Vision of a life-giving river flowing from the temple that transforms the land, produces fish, and causes trees to grow—a wider visionary parallel of transforming arid regions by divine waters.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will open rivers on the bare heights and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water.
- I will open rivers on bare heights and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water.
Isa.41.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אתן: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שטה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והדס: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשים: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- בערבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ברוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תדהר: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ותאשור: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- יחדו: ADV
Parallels
- Isaiah 35:1-2 (thematic): Both speak of the wilderness rejoicing and becoming fruitful — the dry land blossoming and vegetation appearing as a sign of restoration.
- Ezekiel 17:22-24 (thematic): Uses the image of God taking a tender twig and planting it as a cedar on Israel’s heights — a parallel motif of divine planting as restoration and exaltation.
- Psalm 104:16 (verbal): Speaks of the cedars of Lebanon which the Lord planted, echoing the language of God’s planting trees (cedar) as an act of divine agency.
- Ezekiel 47:12 (thematic): Describes trees planted along the life-giving river that bear fruit and leaves for healing — similar imagery of trees bringing life and renewal in a formerly barren place.
- Psalm 1:3 (thematic): Portrays the righteous as a tree planted by streams of water that yields fruit — related imagery of planted trees as stability, fruitfulness, and blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will put the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive in the desert; I will place the cypress, the plane tree and the juniper together in the wasteland.
- I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle and the olive; in the desert I will set the cypress, the plane and the juniper together.
Isa.41.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למען: PREP
- יראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וידעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- וישימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וישכילו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,pl
- יחדו: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עשתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- וקדוש: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בראה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 19:1 (thematic): Both present creation as a witness to God's glory and handiwork—creation 'declares' or makes God's power known so people may perceive Him.
- Romans 1:20 (allusion): Paul's argument that God's invisible attributes are clearly perceived in what has been made echoes Isaiah's claim that people may 'see and know' God's hand in creation.
- Isaiah 45:12 (verbal): Uses similar language of God's hands effecting creation ('I made the earth... my hands have stretched out the heavens'), paralleling 'the hand of the LORD has done this.'
- Isaiah 44:24 (verbal): A neighboring prophetic assertion of YHWH as sole Creator ('I am the LORD, who makes all things'), which complements the claim that the Holy One of Israel created what people should recognize.
Alternative generated candidates
- So that they may see and know, consider and understand together, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.
- So that they may see and know, take counsel and understand together, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Isa.41.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- קרבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ריבכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2mp
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הגישו: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,pl
- עצמותיכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+2mp
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 1:18 (verbal): Uses the same summons formula ('Come now, let us reason together' / 'bring your case')—God invites a courtroom-style debate over sin and reconciliation.
- Isaiah 45:21 (verbal): Closely parallels the legal challenge language ('Declare and present your case; bring forth your proofs'), confronting idols and asserting Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty.
- Isaiah 43:26 (thematic): Echoes the motif of disputation ('Put me in remembrance; let us plead together'), continuing the theme of God as plaintiff and judge in a divine courtroom.
- Isaiah 41:23 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same passage—presses the challengers to produce future signs and evidence, reinforcing the legal/argumentative structure of the chapter.
Alternative generated candidates
- Present your case, says the LORD; bring forward your proofs, says the King of Jacob.
- Present your case, says the LORD; bring forward your proofs, says the King of Jacob.
Isa.41.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יגישו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויגידו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תקרינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- הראשנות: ADJ,f,pl,def
- מה: PRON,int
- הנה: PART
- הגידו: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,pl
- ונשימה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,pl
- לבנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונדעה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,pl
- אחריתן: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- או: CONJ
- הבאות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- השמיענו: VERB,hif,impv,2,m,pl+PRON,1,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:21 (verbal): Immediate preceding verse launching the same challenge to idols—calls for presenting a case and giving testimony; shares key imperative language and courtroom motif.
- Isaiah 41:23 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the demand: to announce future events and demonstrate knowledge of 'the coming things'; closely parallels the request in v.22 for prophetic revelation.
- Isaiah 44:7 (thematic): Repeats the rhetorical challenge motif—who foretold and declared from ancient times?—emphasizing that idols cannot predict or reveal the future as the true God does.
- Isaiah 45:21 (thematic): Another variant of the challenge to produce proof: calls for evidence and mediation regarding what has been declared, underscoring God's unique role as revealer of future events.
- Deuteronomy 18:21-22 (thematic): Provides a criterion for testing prophetic claims—if a predicted thing does not come to pass, the prophet's word is false—relates to Isaiah's demand that so‑called seers demonstrate their predictive power.
Alternative generated candidates
- Bring them forward and tell us what will happen—declare the former things, what they are—so we may consider and know the latter end; or show us what is to come.
- Let them bring them and tell us what will come to pass. Declare the former things—what they are—so we may consider them and know the latter end; or tell us the things to come.
Isa.41.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הגידו: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,pl
- האתיות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- לאחור: PREP
- ונדעה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- אף: ADV
- תיטיבו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ותרעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ונשתעה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,pl
- ונראה: VERB,qal,cohort,1,m,pl
- יחדו: ADV
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:22 (structural): Immediate context: a direct challenge to idols to present signs and prove they are gods (continuation of the same taunt).
- Isaiah 46:9-10 (verbal): God’s claim to ‘declare the end from the beginning’ contrasts with the impotency of idols asked to predict the future in Isa 41:23.
- Isaiah 44:7 (allusion): A similar rhetorical question—who foretold former things?—used to expose idols’ inability to reveal or predict events.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Denounces idols as mute and powerless, thematically opposing the demand in Isa 41:23 that idols show signs to prove divinity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Declare the things that are to come afterward, that we may know you are gods; do good, or do harm—let us be terrified and see together.
- Declare the things that are to come after, that we may know that you are gods—do good or do evil, that we may be dismayed and behold together.
Isa.41.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הן: PART
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- מאין: ADV,interrog
- ופעלכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,pr:2,m,pl,pref:ו
- מאפע: ADV
- תועבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יבחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בכם: PREP,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 44:9-20 (verbal): Extended polemic against idols and their makers — declares idols and those who make or trust them to be nothing/worthless, using language and argumentation very close to Isa 41:24.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Denounces idols as powerless products of human hands and highlights the futility of trusting them, echoing Isaiah’s claim that the idols (and their makers/choosers) are worthless.
- Jeremiah 10:3-5 (thematic): Describes craftsmen carving and decorating idols from trees and portrays the practice as folly — parallels Isaiah’s denunciation of human-made gods and their uselessness.
- Habakkuk 2:18 (verbal): Asks what profit there is in a graven image and criticizes the maker’s misplaced trust — closely aligned in wording and theme with the charge that idols and those who choose them are detestable/worthless.
- Isaiah 46:5 (structural): Rhetorical taunt contrasting the living God with impotent idols (‘to whom will you liken me…?’), structurally parallel to Isaiah’s denunciatory challenge to idols and their adherents in 41:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, you are nothing, and your work is vain; an abomination is he who chooses you.
- Behold, you are nothing, and your work is nothing; abomination is he who chooses you.
Isa.41.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- העירותי: VERB,hiph,perf,1,c,sg
- מצפון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאת: CONJ
- ממזרח: PREP
- שמש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יקרא: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- בשמי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss1s
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- סגנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כמו: PREP
- חמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכמו: CONJ+PREP
- יוצר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירמס: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- טיט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:2 (verbal): Immediate context—same scene of God 'stirring up' a foreign mover from the north/east; closely parallels wording and theme of a divinely raised agent.
- Isaiah 45:1 (thematic): God names and commissions a foreign ruler (Cyrus) to accomplish his purposes—same idea of God summoning a non‑Israelite to act for divine ends.
- Isaiah 44:28 (thematic): Another oracle identifying Cyrus as God's chosen instrument who will carry out the Lord's will—links to the motif of God raising and directing a conqueror.
- Jeremiah 18:1-6 (allusion): Potter/ clay imagery: God as potter shaping and trampling clay; echoes the image of rulers being handled like clay under a potter's feet.
- Isaiah 10:5-7 (thematic): God uses a foreign power (Assyria) as an instrument of judgment—parallel theology of God raising and directing imperial agents against nations.
Alternative generated candidates
- I stirred up one from the north, and he came; from the rising of the sun he called my name. He shall make rulers like clay and trample princes like the mire of the streets.
- I roused up one from the north, and he came from the rising of the sun to call my name; he trampled on rulers as mortar, and as the potter treads the clay.
Isa.41.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- הגיד: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg
- מראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונדעה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,pl
- ומלפנים: PREP
- ונאמר: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אף: ADV
- אין: PART,neg
- מגיד: VERB,hiph,ptc,ms
- אף: ADV
- אין: PART,neg
- משמיע: VERB,hiph,ptc,act,NA,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- אין: PART,neg
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אמריכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2mp
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:21-24 (structural): Immediate context — the challenge to idols to present a prediction or defense; echoes the claim that no one can declare or vindicate themselves.
- Isaiah 46:9-10 (verbal): God contrasts himself with idols by asserting that he declares the end from the beginning, underscoring divine foreknowledge that idols lack.
- Isaiah 48:3-5 (allusion): Speaks of the LORD declaring former things and fulfilling them — similar language about prior declaration and divine revelation absent in idols.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Denounces idols as mute, deaf, and powerless; parallels Isaiah's accusation that no one declares, shows, or hears on behalf of the idols.
- Deuteronomy 18:21-22 (thematic): Provides a criterion for authentic prophecy (a true prophet's predictions come to pass); thematically related to Isaiah's challenge about who has foretold from the beginning.
Alternative generated candidates
- Who has declared this from the beginning, that we might know? Who has told it beforehand, that we might say, "He is right"? There was no one who declared it, no one who proclaimed it, no one who heard your words.
- Who announced this from the beginning, that we might know? Who told it long ago? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no god besides me—a righteous God and Savior; there is none besides me.
Isa.41.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ראשון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לציון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- הנם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולירושלם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
- מבשר: PREP
- אתן: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 52:7 (verbal): Both verses speak of a messenger who brings good tidings to Zion/Jerusalem; Isaiah 52:7 famously celebrates "the messenger that publishest peace," echoing the proclamation motif and terminology (bring good tidings).
- Isaiah 40:9 (thematic): Isaiah 40:9 addresses Zion with the call to bring good tidings and lift up a voice—sharing the theme of announcing God's act to Zion/Jerusalem found in 41:27.
- Romans 10:15 (quotation): Paul directly quotes Isaiah’s proclamation language (cf. Isaiah 52:7) about the "beautiful feet" of those who bring good news—an explicit New Testament citation of the prophetic messenger motif reflected in 41:27.
- Isaiah 44:28 (allusion): Isaiah names Cyrus as one who will say to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be built,’ which echoes the idea of God giving a messenger/word to Jerusalem to accomplish restoration—a related instance of divine sending to Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- I announced it first to Zion; behold, I will send a herald to Jerusalem.
- Behold—first to Zion; to Jerusalem I will give a messenger who brings good tidings.
Isa.41.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וארא: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומאלה: ADV
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- יועץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואשאלם: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- וישיבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:21-23 (structural): Immediate context: God challenges idols to present a case or predict the future—same prophetic motif of asking and receiving no true answer from false gods.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (verbal): Speaks of idols that 'have mouths but speak not' and 'eyes but see not,' paralleling the theme that idols cannot answer or advise.
- Psalm 135:15-18 (thematic): Declares that idols are made by human hands, have mouths but cannot speak, and those who make them become like them—echoing the impotence of false gods who give no counsel.
- Jeremiah 10:3-5 (allusion): Contrasts the living God with the nations' idols that cannot speak or walk; the passage ridicules reliance on such mute objects, similar to Isaiah’s charge that no one answers.
- Isaiah 44:9-20 (thematic): A satirical critique of idol-makers and idols—describing how craftsmen and their products are unable to counsel or help, reinforcing Isaiah’s denunciation of worthless, silent gods.
Alternative generated candidates
- I looked, but there was no one; among them there was no counselor. I asked, but they gave no answer.
- I looked, and there was no one; among them there was no counselor. I called, but they answered not.
Isa.41.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הן: PART
- כלם: PRON,3,m,pl
- און: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעשיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,pl
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נסכיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 44:9-20 (verbal): Extended denunciation of idols as vain/empty works; language and imagery (the futility of carved images and their makers) closely echo Isaiah 41:29's judgement that idols are nothing and 'wind/vanity.'
- Isaiah 46:6-7 (thematic): Images that are carried and borne are powerless to help or speak—reinforces Isaiah's theme that idols are impotent and ultimately futile.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Contrasts living God with mute, powerless idols (made of silver/gold); emphasizes the uselessness of idols and the foolishness of trusting them, paralleling Isa. 41:29's verdict.
- Jeremiah 10:14-15 (verbal): Speaks of craftsmen and idols as worthless/vanity and describes the futility and shame of idols and their makers—language and judgment resonate with Isaiah 41:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, all of them are worthless—their works are nothing; their molten images are wind and emptiness.
- Behold, all of them are worthless—their works are nothing; their molten images are wind and emptiness.
Be silent before me, you coastlands, and let the peoples gather strength; let them draw near—then let them speak together; let them come forward for judgment.
Who has roused up one from the east and called him in righteousness to his feet? He gives nations before him and makes kings bow; he makes them like dust with his sword, like chaff driven by his bow.
He will pursue them and pass on in peace; along the way his feet shall not stumble.
Who has wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—first—and also with the last—I am he.
The coastlands saw and were afraid; the ends of the earth trembled; they drew near and came.
Each one helps his neighbor, and to his brother he says, “Be strong!”
The smith supports the smelter, the one who smooths with the file strengthens him; the one who strikes with the hammer says of the work, “It is good,” and fastens it with nails so it will not be moved. But you—Israel—my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, offspring of Abraham my friend.
I took you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest parts; I said to you, “You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not cast you off.”
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Behold, all who were enraged at you shall be put to shame and disgraced; those who contend with you shall be as nothing and perish.
You shall seek them and not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing and as nothingness; those who contend with you shall be accounted no more.
For I—the LORD your God—hold your right hand and say to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.”
Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you, says the LORD, your Redeemer— the Holy One of Israel.
Behold, I make you into a new, sharp threshing implement with teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and make the hills like chaff.
You shall winnow them and the wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you shall rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel.
The poor and needy search for water and have none; their tongue is parched. I, the LORD, will answer them; the God of Israel will not forsake them.
I will open rivers on the bare heights and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the wasteland the cypress, the plane tree, and the juniper together. So that they may see and know, consider and understand together, that the hand of the LORD has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Present your case, says the LORD; bring forward your proofs, says the King of Jacob.
Let them bring them and declare to us what is to happen; tell the former things—what are they? Tell us the things that are to come, that we may set our hearts and know their outcome, or announce to us the things yet to come.
Declare the signs of old, that we may know you are gods; do good or do evil—let us be terrified and behold together.
Behold, you are nothing; your work is worthless—an abomination is he who chooses you.
I stirred up one from the north, and he came— from the rising of the sun he called on my name; he came upon rulers like a potter, and like one who treads clay he will crush them.
Who announced this from the beginning, that we might know? Who foretold it long ago, that we might say, “He is right”? No one proclaimed it, no one declared it; no one heard your words.
At first I said to Zion, “Behold, behold them”; and to Jerusalem I gave a herald.
I looked, and there was no one; among them there was no counselor. I asked, and they gave no answer.
Behold, all of them are worthless, their works are nothing; their molten images are wind and emptiness.