The faithfulness of God (1–8). Once again, God reminds His people that He formed them, chose them, and would help them. There is no need to be afraid, for God meets every need (vv. 2–5) and keeps every promise (vv. 6–8). He knows what lies ahead and helps you prepare yourself to meet it.
The folly of idolatry (9–20). Israel learned in Babylon the futility and folly of idolatry. How easy it is to trust something other than the Lord, including the things we manufacture. Those who trust false gods will be afraid (v. 11) and become like the gods they worship (v. 18; Ps. 115:1–8). Their bodies may feast on excellent food (v. 19), but their souls feed on ashes (v. 20). They live on substitutes.
The future of Israel (21–28). Just like the exodus from Egypt (Exod. 14–15), the nation’s exodus from Babylon would be a time of redemption and rejoicing, and God would confirm His Word to His people. Jerusalem would be restored and the temple rebuilt, and God would even use a pagan ruler to accomplish His purposes! He is the God of the impossible, so do what He commands.
Even a Pagan Ruler
The gods of the nations could not predict the future, but the Lord told Isaiah what would happen. A ruler named Cyrus would conquer Babylon and allow the Jews to return to their land (44:28; 45:1). Cyrus founded the Persian Empire, which defeated Babylon in 539 b.c. (Dan. 5:30). The next year, he issued the famous decree that permitted the Jews to go back to their land and rebuild their temple (Ezra 1:1–6). If God can use a pagan ruler to serve His people and fulfill His Word, you have no reason to be afraid of what people may say or do. The predictions of astrologers and other “prophets” are ashes. God’s Word is the true light in the darkness (2 Pet. 1:19–21).
