Introduction
God shows his power over the nations by preserving his people.
Questions
1. What does the LORD say to Israel?
v 1 and 2 But now the LORD who created you, Jacob,
and he who formed you, Israel, says:
“Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name.
You are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,
and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burnt,
and flame will not scorch you.
2. How does God challenge all of the gathered nations?
v 9 and 10 Let all the nations be gathered together,
and let the peoples be assembled.
Who amongst them can declare this,
and show us former things?
Let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified,
or let them hear, and say, “That is true.”
“You are my witnesses,” says the LORD,
“With my servant whom I have chosen;
that you may know and believe me,
and understand that I am he.
Before me there was no God formed,
neither will there be after me.
3. What does God say is the result of Israel not calling on him?
v 22 to 24 Yet you have not called on me, Jacob;
but you have been weary of me, Israel.
You have not brought me any of your sheep for burnt offerings,
neither have you honoured me with your sacrifices.
I have not burdened you with offerings,
nor wearied you with frankincense.
You have bought me no sweet cane with money,
nor have you filled me with the fat of your sacrifices,
but you have burdened me with your sins.
You have wearied me with your iniquities.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 7 Having chosen Israel as his people, the LORD assures them that, although they may be scattered among other nations, he will bring them back
- v 8 to 13 The people of Israel are God’s witnesses. They demonstrate what God has done to preserve the nation in the past and will do in the future
- v 14 to 21 The LORD controls the nations and looks after his chosen people
- v 22 to 28 The LORD reprimands his people for ignoring him and his laws and pleads with them to change