Isa 42:9, 44:7-8, 45:21, 46:10 | JFB | e4.org | 9. former things —Former predictions of God, which were now fulfilled, are here adduced as proof that they ought to trust in Him alone as God; namely, the predictions as to Israel's restoration from Babylon. new —namely, predictions as to Messiah, who is to bring all nations to the worship of Jehovah ( ). spring forth —The same image from plants just beginning to germinate occurs in . Before there is the slightest indication to enable a sagacious observer to infer the coming event, God foretells it.

‏ Isaiah 42:9

9. former things—Former predictions of God, which were now fulfilled, are here adduced as proof that they ought to trust in Him alone as God; namely, the predictions as to Israel's restoration from Babylon.

new—namely, predictions as to Messiah, who is to bring all nations to the worship of Jehovah (Isa 42:1, 4, 6).

spring forth—The same image from plants just beginning to germinate occurs in Isa 43:19; 58:8. Before there is the slightest indication to enable a sagacious observer to infer the coming event, God foretells it.

‏ Isaiah 44:7-8

7. Who but God can predict future events and declare also the order and time of each (see on Isa 41:22, 23; Isa 45:21)?

call—"openly proclaim" (Isa 40:6) things to come [MAURER]. Or, "call forth" the event; command that it happen (Isa 46:11; 48:15), [BARNES].

set . . . in order—There is no chance or confusion; all events occur in the order best fitted to subserve God's plans.

for me—It is FOR GOD that all things exist and take place (Re 4:11). But MAURER translates, "Let him set it forth (Job 37:19) to me."

since . . . ancient people—I have given the Jews predictions of the future ever since I appointed them as My people in ancient times; therefore they were qualified to be His witnesses (Isa 44:8). As to their being God's "ancient (everlasting) people," see De 32:7-9; Jer 31:3; the type of the redeemed Church (Eph 1:4).

8. be afraid—literally, "be astounded," or "distracted with fear."

from that time—namely, from the time that "I appointed the ancient people" (Isa 44:7). From the time of Abraham's call, his family were the depositories of the predictions of the Redeemer, whereas the promise of Cyrus was not heard of till Isaiah's time; therefore, the event to the prediction and accomplishment of which God appeals in proof of His sole Godhead, is the redemption of man by a descendant of Abraham, in whose person "the ancient people" was first formally "appointed." The deliverance of the Jews, by Cyrus, is mentioned afterwards only as an earnest of that greater mercy [HORSLEY].

no God—Hebrew, tsur, "rock" (De 32:4); that is, a stronghold to take refuge in, and a solid foundation to build on.

‏ Isaiah 45:21

21. Challenge the worshippers of idols (Isa 41:1).

take counsel together—as to the best arguments wherewith to defend the cause of idolatry.

who . . . from that time— (Isa 41:22, 23; see on Isa 44:8). Which of the idols has done what God hath, namely, foretold, primarily as to Cyrus; ultimately as to the final restoration of Israel hereafter? The idolatry of Israel before Cyrus' time will have its counterpart in the Antichrist and the apostasy, which shall precede Christ's manifestation.

just . . . and . . . Saviour—righteous in keeping His promises, and therefore a Saviour to His people. Not only is it not inconsistent with, but it is the result of, His righteousness, or justice, that He should save His redeemed (Isa 42:6, 21; Ps 85:10, 11; Ro 3:26).

‏ Isaiah 46:10

10. (Isa 45:21; 41:22, 23; 44:26).

yet—not in the Hebrew. Translate, "What had not been done" [HORSLEY].

do all my pleasure— (Isa 53:10; Ro 9:19).