Introduction
God has the unique ability to predict the future.
Questions
1. What does the LORD, the King of Israel, say about himself and what he has done?
v 6 to 8 This is what the LORD, the King of Israel,
and his Redeemer, the LORD of Armies, says:
“I am the first, and I am the last;
and besides me there is no God.
Who is like me?
Who will call,
and will declare it,
and set it in order for me,
since I established the ancient people?
Let them declare the things that are coming,
and that will happen.
Don’t fear,
neither be afraid.
Haven’t I declared it to you long ago,
and shown it?
You are my witnesses.
Is there a God besides me?
Indeed, there is not.
I don’t know any other Rock.”
2. What does the LORD say no-one thinks about when they have made an idol?
v 19 No one thinks,
neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say,
“I have burnt part of it in the fire.
Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals.
I have roasted meat and eaten it.
Shall I make the rest of it into an abomination?
Shall I bow down to a tree trunk?”
3. What does the LORD tell Jacob and Israel to remember?
v 21 Remember these things, Jacob and Israel;
for you are my servant.
I have formed you.
You are my servant.
Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 5 the LORD will bless hIs people Israel
- v 6 to 8 The God of Israel says he is the only God
- v 9 to 20 The LORD points out the folly of making idols and then worshipping them, trusting in human ideas
- v 21 to 28 The LORD is always willing to forgive his people and appeals to them to return to him. The LORD predicts that Cyrus [the Persian] will enable Jerusalem to be built. and the temple foundation to be laid