Isaiah 43:3. For I am the Lord thy God— The Almighty by his prophet proceeds to assure his church of his particular affection towards her, by a remarkable proof of that affection; which is, that the evils and calamities threatening the destruction of the Jewish nation, had by his providence been averted from them, and turned upon the Egyptians, Ethiopians, and Sabeans. The prophet alludes to what is foretold in the 20th chapter. read more
2. rivers . . . not overflow thee—so in passing Jordan, though at its "overflow," when its "swellings" were especially dangerous (Joshua 3:15; Jeremiah 12:5). waters . . . fire—a proverbial phrase for the extremest perils (Jeremiah 12:5- :; also Psalms 138:7). Literally fulfilled at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21; Exodus 14:22), and in the case of the three youths cast into the fiery furnace for conscience' sake (Daniel 3:25; Daniel 3:27). read more
3. Egypt for thy ransom—Either Egypt or Israel must perish; God chose that Egypt, though so much more mighty, should be destroyed, in order that His people might be delivered; thus Egypt stood, instead of Israel, as a kind of "ransom." The Hebrew, kopher, means properly "that with which anything is overlaid," as the pitch with which the ark was overlaid; hence that which covers over sins, an atonement. Nebuchadnezzar had subdued Egypt, Ethiopia (Hebrew, Cush), and Saba (descended from Cush, ... read more
"Water" and "fire" are traditional symbols for testing that suggest totality when used together (cf. Psalms 32:6; Psalms 42:7; Psalms 66:12; James 1:2). God promised to protect His people from total destruction when they underwent their various trials. He had done this in the past, and He would do it in the future because He would be with His special people (cf. Daniel 3; Romans 8:31-39). read more
Three names heighten God’s unique relationship to Israel, and the Exodus and Sinai experiences had taught their meaning to the people. God would even sacrifice other nations to preserve Israel for Himself. Perhaps the Lord meant that He would give Persia rulership over Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba-as rewards for allowing the Israelites to return to their homeland. [Note: J. Martin, p. 1097.] I tend to favor this view. Another option is that He meant that He had given over Egypt and its southern... read more
The Mission of Israel1-21. The dispersed Israelites shall be ransomed and restored. They are witnesses before the world that Jehovah is the true God. A second and more wonderful exodus is in store for Israel. 22-28. This deliverance is not a return for service rendered to God, but a free gift.1. But now] In contrast to the wrath poured upon Israel (Isaiah 42:24-25) God will manifest His redeeming love. 3. Egypt, etc.] The meaning is that these nations shall take the place of Israel as vassals.... read more
(2) When thou passest through the waters . . .—The two contrasted forms of elemental perils are used, as elsewhere, proverbially for all forms of danger (Psalms 66:12). read more
(3) I gave Egypt for thy ransom . . .—Speaking after the manner of men, the prophet paints Jehovah as surrendering Egypt and other kingdoms to the arms of Cyrus, as if they were a price paid to him for liberating the Jews of Babylon. Ethiopia (Heb., Cûsh) may be taken of either the Asiatic or African people that bore that name—Seba as Meroe, between the Blue and White Nile, the modern Dâr Sennâr. Historically, the words find a fulfilment in the conquest of Egypt by Cambyses, who carried into... read more
CHAPTER XVONE GOD, ONE PEOPLEIsaiah 41:8-20; Isaiah 42:1-25; Isaiah 43:1-28WE have been listening to the proclamation of a monotheism so absolute, that, as we have seen, modern critical philosophy, in surveying the history of religion, can find for it no rival among the faiths of the world. God has been exalted before us, in character so perfect, in dominion so universal, that neither the conscience nor the imagination of man can add to the general scope of the vision. Jesus and His Cross shall... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Isaiah 43:2
Isaiah 43:2. When thou passest through the waters, &c.— The general sense of the promise in this verse is, that God will so support and protect his spiritual church in those adversities and calamities which seem to threaten its destruction, that it shall never be destroyed; and that true believers shall always be supported by the hand of the Almighty. The expression in this verse seems to allude to some preceding events in the Jewish history, and to have respect to some succeeding ones. See... read more