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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 43:8–13. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
God here challenges the worshippers of idols to produce such proofs of the divinity of their false gods as even this very instance (to go no further) of the redemption of the Jews out of Babylon furnished the people of Israel with, to prove that their God is the true and living God, and he only.
I.The patrons of idolatry are here called to appear, and say what they have to say in defence of their idols, Isa 43:8, Isa 43:9.
Their gods have eyes and see not, ears and hear not, and those that make them and trust in them are like unto them; so David had said (Psa 115:8), to which the prophet seems here to refer when he calls idolaters blind people that have eyes, and deaf people that have ears. They have the shape, capacities, and faculties, of men; but they are, in effect, destitute of reason and common sense, or they would never worship gods of their own making. "Let all the nations therefore be gathered together, let them help one another, and with a combined force plead the cause of their dunghill gods; and, if they have nothing to say in their own justification, let them hear what the God of Israel has to say for their conviction and confutation."
II.God's witnesses are subpoenaed, or summoned to appear, and give in evidence for him (Isa 43:10):
"You, O Israelites! all you that are called by my name, you are all my witnesses, and so is my servant whom I have chosen." It was Christ himself that was so described (Isa 42:1), My servant and my elect. Observe,
1.All the prophets that testified to Christ, and Christ himself, the great prophet, are here appealed to as God's witnesses.
(1.)God's people are witnesses for him, and can attest, upon their own knowledge and experience, concerning the power of his grace, the sweetness of his comforts, the tenderness of his providence, and the truth of his promise. They will be forward to witness for him that he is gracious and that no word of his has fallen to the ground.
(2.)His prophets are in a particular manner witnesses for him, with whom his secret is, and who know more of him than others do. But the Messiah especially is given to be a witness for him to the people; having lain in his bosom from eternity, he has declared him. Now,
2.Let us see what the point is which these witnesses are called to prove (Isa 43:12): You are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God. Note, Those who do themselves acknowledge that the Lord is God should be ready to testify what they know of him to others, that they also may be brought to the acknowledgement of it. I believed, therefore have I spoken. Particularly, "Since you cannot but know, and believe, and understand, you must be ready to bear record,
(1.)That I am he, the only true God, that I am a being self-existent and self-sufficient; I am he whom you are to fear, and worship, and trust in. Nay (Isa 43:13), before the day was (before the first day of time, before the creation of the light, and, consequently, from eternity) I am he." The idols were but of yesterday, new gods that came newly up (Deu 32:17); but the God of Israel was from everlasting.
(2.)That there was no God formed before me, nor shall be after me. The idols were gods formed (dii facti - made gods, or rather fictitii - fictitious); by nature they were no gods, Gal 4:8. But God has a being from eternity, yea, and a religion in this world before there were either idols or idolaters (truth is more ancient than error); and he will have a being to eternity, and will be worshipped and glorified when idols are famished and abolished and idolatry shall be no more. True religion will keep its ground, and survive all opposition and competition. Great is the truth, and will prevail.
(3.)That I, even I, am the Lord, the great Jehovah, who is, and was, and is to come; and besides me there is no Saviour, Isa 43:11. See what it is that the great God glories in, not so much that he is the only ruler as that he is the only Saviour; for he delights to do good: he is the Saviour of all men, Ti1 4:10.
3.Let us see what the proofs are which are produced for the confirmation of this point. It appears,
(1.)That the Lord is God, by two proofs:
[1.]He has an infinite and infallible knowledge, as is evident from the predictions of his word (Isa 43:12): "I have declared and I have shown that which has without fail come to pass; nay, I never declared nor showed any thing but it has been accomplished. I showed when there was no strange god among you, that is, when you pretended not to consult any oracles but mine, nor to have any prophets but mine." It is said, when they came out of Egypt, that the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
[2.]He has an infinite and irresistible power, as is evident from the performances of his providence. He pleads not only, I have shown, but, I have saved, not only foretold what none else could foresee, but done what none else could do; for (Isa 43:13), "None can deliver out of my hand those whom I will punish; not only no man can, but none of all the gods of the heathen can protect." It is therefore a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, because there is no getting out of them again. "I will work what I have designed, both in mercy and judgment, and who shall either oppose or retard it?"
(2.)That the gods of the heathen, who are rivals with him, are not only inferior to him, but no gods at all, which is proved (Isa 43:9) by a challenge: Who among them can declare this that I now declare? Who can foretel things to come? Nay, which of them can show us former things? Isa 41:22. They cannot so much as inspire an historian, much less a prophet. They are challenged to join issue upon this: Let them bring forth their witnesses, to prove their omniscience and omnipotence. And,
[1.]If they do prove them, they shall be justified, the idols in demanding homage and the idolaters in paying it.
[2.]If they do not prove them, let them say, It is truth; let them own the true God, and receive the truth concerning him, that he is God alone. The cause of God is not afraid to stand a fair trial; but it may reasonably be expected that those who cannot justify themselves in their irreligion should submit to the power of the truth and true religion.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
(Chapter 43, Verse 1 and following) And now, thus says the Lord, the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the water, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. From the moment you became honorable and glorious in my eyes: I loved you, and I will give men for you, and peoples for your soul. Do not fear, for I am with you: I will bring your descendants from the East, and gather you from the West. I will say to the North, give up: and to the South, do not withhold: bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth. And everyone who calls upon my name, I have created him for my glory, and I have formed him and made him. Bring out the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears. Let all the nations gather together, and let the peoples be assembled. Who among you will declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring their witnesses to justify them, and let them hear and say, 'It is true.' You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I am, I am the Lord, and there is no savior without me. I have declared and saved; I have made known, and there was no strange one among you. You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and I am God, and from the beginning I am myself, and there is no one who can rescue from my hand. I will work, and who can turn it aside? LXX; And now thus says the Lord who made you, Jacob, and formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine. If you pass through water, I am with you, and rivers will not cover you. And if you pass through fire, you will not be burned: the flame will not burn you: for I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have made your exchange for Egypt, and Ethiopia, and Seba for you. Since you have been honorable and glorified in my sight: and I have loved you, I will give men for you, and princes for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you: I will bring your offspring from the East, and gather you from the West. I will say to the north, give up; and to the south, do not withhold: bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears. All the nations gather together, and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and show us the former things? Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right, and let them hear and say, 'It is true.' Let them bring their witnesses, and let them be justified, and let them hear and speak the truth. Be my witnesses, and I am a witness, says the Lord God, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe and understand that I am: Before me there was no other God and after me there will be none. I am God, and there is no Savior besides me. I have declared and saved: I have rebuked and there was no stranger among you. You are my witnesses, and I am the Lord God from the beginning, and there is no one who can deliver from my hand. I will do it, and who will turn it away? The Hebrews interpret this as the second coming of the Savior, when after the fullness of the Gentiles, all of Israel will be saved. But we do not think that the promise will be fulfilled for them, as it has been said: Who is blind, but my children? And who are deaf, but those who rule over them? And the servants of God have become blind. And again: The people have been devastated and plundered, and similar things. Finally he brought upon him the outpouring of his furious indignation, and perhaps war, and consumed him all around, and did not recognize, and set him ablaze, and did not understand. Therefore, what we have said above, there are two Jacobs and two Israels, one carnal and the other spiritual, those who did not want to believe in the Savior and those who received the Son of God. This should also be understood now, that the chorus of the Apostles and the first Church of Christ, gathered from the Jewish people, may understand their Creator and Maker, who is both the creator of their soul and body. And let him not fear persecutors, because he has been redeemed by the blood of Christ, who has called him by his name, and let him specifically call his people because of their special relationship; but let him preach fearlessly, and let him not fear any dangers. And what he implies: he describes the attack and fury of persecutors as waters and rivers, and fire and flames, who envy the salvation of the Gentiles and do not want the gospel message to be preached. Although the Jews want the Egyptians to be understood as waters, the Babylonians as rivers, the Macedonians as fire, and the Romans as flames. Therefore, He commands them not to fear, because the Lord their God, the Savior, and the holy one of Israel will be with them, who made them known in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Syene, and even to the ends of the earth to proclaim. Regarding Syene, the remaining interpreters have placed it in Saba (), where the queen of the South came to hear the wisdom of Solomon (III Kings 10). Therefore, the chorus of the Apostles became honorable in the sight of God, and beloved by Him; and they are the salvation of all people and nations who are called to the Gospel through them, and they will be considered for the salvation of their souls. And he joins and says: Do not be afraid, I am with you, who speak to you in the Gospel: Behold, I am with you all days even to the consummation of the world (Matt. 28:20). For I will bring your sons from the East and from the West, who will rest in the bosom of Abraham, and from all parts of the world the people of my sons and daughters will be gathered, who will either invoke my name or be called by my name, so that they may be called Christians to the glory of their creator. And what follows: Educate the blind people, who have eyes; the deaf, who have ears; many people think that it is said about the Gentile people, who began to hear and see through the teaching of the Apostles. But we should also understand this about the dispersed Israel, who was called by the Apostles and believed first; to whom Paul also speaks: It was necessary for the word of God to be preached to you first (Acts 13:46). And the Lord Himself in the Gospel: Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:6). Finally, it follows: all the nations are gathered together, and the tribes are assembled, that is, with the people who believed from the Jews, so that there may be a dual calling, of circumcision and of uncircumcision. But what is said, 'Bring forth, O Lord, the word is spoken to the Son.' Or, according to the Septuagint, the Father speaks to the Son, that He may bring forth His blind and deaf people, and join them to the nations, and make many leaders of the Church from them. And the prophet marvels that no one among the nations could have known these things in advance, nor could they have known the plans of God; but only His people who have received the Law and had prophets: For God is known in Judea, His name is great in Israel (Ps. LXX, 1). Whether he himself is the witness of his own words, both the doer and the boy and servant whom he has chosen. There is no doubt that it signifies Christ, to whom he also says above: It is great for you to be called my servant. And all these things will happen, so that the truth may be preached to the world, and they may know, and believe, and understand, whose minds were previously brutish and insensible, that besides one God, there is no other God, neither before nor after. For the creator of times never has a beginning, since time itself sometimes exists. And how did He speak: I am a witness, says the Lord God; and the boy whom I have chosen, saying this very thing to the Lord in the Gospel: The testimony of two men is true. I am the one who testifies about myself, and the one who sent me is the Father (John 8:17-18). Thus, we must understand the divinity of Him, that there is no God except Himself who speaks, and His chosen boy. Besides God the Father, there is no other God: because Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1), who speaks in the Gospel: I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me (John 14:11). For just as the one Lord Christ does not take away from the Father so that he may not be Lord, so the one God the Father does not take away from the Son so that he may not be God: who in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God: this was in the beginning with God (John 1:1-2). And what follows: And there is no Savior without me, shows that the Son saves all things in the Father. Concerning whom the same prophet testifies: And the Lord will send them a Savior, who will make them safe (Isaiah 9). For indeed, God is wise and strong, and His wisdom and virtue cannot exist without Him. So when I foretell these things from the beginning, there will be no one who rejects my will: indeed, what I have done, they could make void. These things are indeed said to Jacob and Israel, but they refer to the apostolic choir and all who want to believe in Christ and be saved from the Jewish people.
“I will act, and who will hinder it?” For I have accomplished the calling of the nations, he says, that is, I have saved those who were led astray. And who can alter this, or who could change things so that they did not happen? The Savior himself assures us that no one can snatch those who are being saved from the hand of God. “For my sheep hear my voice, and I know them; and they follow me, and I give them eternal life.”
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Summary
Isaiah 43:13 stands as a monumental declaration of God's eternal nature, absolute sovereignty, and unchallengeable will. It asserts that Yahweh existed before the dawn of time, possesses ultimate power from which no one can snatch away, and executes His divine purposes without any possibility of hindrance. This verse serves as a profound source of comfort and assurance for His people, reminding them that their Creator and Redeemer is utterly supreme and faithful to accomplish all He purposes.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 43 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section of Isaiah's prophecy primarily addressing the future restoration of Israel from Babylonian exile. The preceding verses (Isaiah 43:1-12) establish God's unique identity as the only Creator, Redeemer, and Holy One of Israel. He calls Israel His witnesses, reminding them of His past acts of deliverance (e.g., the Exodus) and promising future salvation and return from captivity. Verse 13 serves as a foundational theological statement that undergirds all these promises, emphasizing the absolute power and unchanging nature of the God who makes them. It reinforces that the God who promises is fully capable of fulfilling His word, despite Israel's current plight or the perceived power of their oppressors.
Historical & Cultural Context
The primary historical backdrop for Isaiah 43 is the impending or ongoing Babylonian Exile (586-539 BC). The people of Judah were in a state of despair, questioning God's presence, power, and faithfulness amidst their suffering and displacement. They were surrounded by powerful pagan empires and their gods, which often seemed more potent than Yahweh. In this context, Isaiah's message directly confronts the polytheism and idolatry of the ancient Near East. The declaration of God's unrivaled power and eternal existence in Isaiah 43:13 would have been a radical counter-cultural assertion, challenging the notion that any other deity or human empire could stand against the will of Israel's God. It offered a profound theological anchor in a time of immense national and spiritual crisis.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and biblical theology. It underscores God's Eternal Nature, asserting His existence prior to all creation and His timeless being, which is crucial for understanding His immutability and reliability. It highlights His Absolute Sovereignty and Omnipotence, declaring that nothing can thwart His plans or snatch anything from His grasp, reinforcing the security of His covenant people. Furthermore, it speaks to God's Unchallengeable Will and Efficacy, emphasizing that when He purposes to act ("I will work"), no one can "let" (hinder) Him. This theme of God's irresistible will is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming that His counsel stands and He performs all His pleasure, as seen in Psalm 33:11 and Daniel 4:35.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word, H3117, refers to a period of time, whether literal (sunrise to sunset) or figurative (a defined space of time). In the phrase "before the day was," it transcends a mere temporal reference, signifying that God existed prior to the very concept or beginning of time itself, emphasizing His eternal and pre-existent nature. He is not bound by the created order of time, but is its originator.
This verb, H5337, means "to snatch away," "to rescue," "to preserve," or "to rid." When God declares "none that can deliver out of my hand," it conveys His absolute and unassailable control. It means no power, human or spiritual, can forcibly remove what is in His possession or thwart His protective grip. His hold is ultimate and irreversible.
The word H7725, primarily meaning "to turn back," "to return," or "to reverse," is translated as "let" in the KJV in the sense of "to hinder" or "to prevent." In the rhetorical question "who shall let it?", it profoundly asserts that no entity, no force, no opposition can cause God's work to turn back, be reversed, or be prevented from coming to fruition. His actions are final and irresistible.
Verse Breakdown
"Yea, before the day [was] I [am] he"
This clause declares God's eternal pre-existence and self-sufficiency. He is not a created being, nor is He subject to the constraints of time. The phrase "I am he" is a profound echo of the divine name Yahweh, "I AM THAT I AM" (Exodus 3:14), asserting His unique, unchanging, and exclusive deity. He is the one who simply is, eternally, the source and sustainer of all existence.
"and [there is] none that can deliver out of my hand"
This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and unchallengeable power. His "hand" (H3027, yâd') symbolizes His power, authority, and control. This declaration assures that whatever God holds, protects, or purposes, no one can forcibly remove, rescue from, or thwart. It speaks to both His protective care over His people and His irresistible might over His enemies, signifying an ultimate and irreversible grip.
"I will work, and who shall let it?"
This final clause underscores the efficacy and certainty of God's divine will and actions. When God determines to "work" (H6466, pâʻal', to do or make systematically), His purpose will be accomplished without fail. The rhetorical question "who shall let it?" (H7725, shûwb', to hinder or turn back) implies that no power in the universe can successfully impede, reverse, or prevent the unfolding of His divine plan. His actions are final, effective, and irresistible.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 43:13 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question ("who shall let it?"), which is not meant to elicit an answer but to emphasize the absolute impossibility of any power hindering God's work. This device underscores God's omnipotence and the futility of opposition. The verse also features Divine Assertion or Monologue, where God Himself speaks directly, lending immense authority and weight to the declaration. The phrase "before the day was I am he" uses Hyperbole to convey God's eternal nature, stretching beyond human comprehension of time. Furthermore, the concept of God's "hand" functions as a Metonymy or Synecdoche, where a part (hand) stands for the whole (God's power, authority, and protective care).
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 43:13 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the attributes of God. It unequivocally declares His eternality, omnipotence, and absolute sovereignty, asserting that His plans and purposes are immutable and irresistible. This truth provides immense comfort and security for believers, knowing that the God who has made promises is fully capable of bringing them to pass. His unchallengeable will means that His redemptive plan for humanity, His covenant faithfulness to His people, and His ultimate victory over evil are guaranteed. This verse grounds our faith in a God who is not limited by time, circumstances, or opposition, but who actively works out His perfect will in history.
Reflection and Application
In a world often marked by chaos, uncertainty, and feelings of powerlessness, Isaiah 43:13 offers a profound anchor for the soul. This verse calls us to shift our gaze from the limitations of human strength or the daunting nature of our circumstances to the unlimited power and unhindered will of God. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in His sovereignty, knowing that when He declares "I will work," His purposes will undoubtedly come to pass, regardless of any opposition. This truth should inspire not only comfort but also courage, empowering us to live fearlessly and faithfully, confident that our lives, our salvation, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom are held securely in His unshakeable hand. It challenges us to surrender our own attempts to control or "let" (hinder) God's work in our lives and in the world, embracing His perfect plan.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "before the day was I am he" mean?
This profound statement signifies God's eternal pre-existence and self-sufficiency. It means that God existed before the creation of time itself, before any "day" or temporal measurement came into being. The phrase "I am he" is a direct echo of God's self-revelation to Moses as "I AM THAT I AM" in Exodus 3:14, asserting His unique, unchanging, and exclusive deity. He is the uncreated Creator, the timeless One who simply is.
What does "who shall let it?" imply in this verse?
The word "let" in the King James Version here means "to hinder," "to prevent," or "to impede." Therefore, "who shall let it?" is a rhetorical question. It implies that there is absolutely no one, no power, no force, human or spiritual, that can successfully stop, reverse, or thwart God's sovereign will or His divine work. It is a powerful declaration of God's absolute omnipotence and the certainty that His plans and purposes will always come to fruition without fail.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 43:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most vivid expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The declaration "before the day was I am he" resonates deeply with Jesus' own claims of pre-existence and eternal deity, particularly His profound "I AM" statements in the Gospel of John, such as "Before Abraham was, I am" or "I am the resurrection and the life". He is the eternal Word who was with God and was God from the beginning (John 1:1). The assurance that "none that can deliver out of my hand" is powerfully echoed in Jesus' promise of eternal security for His sheep: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:27-28). Furthermore, the declaration "I will work, and who shall let it?" finds its supreme demonstration in Christ's redemptive work. God's ultimate "work" was the salvation of humanity through the cross and resurrection of Jesus. No power of sin, death, or the grave could "let" (hinder) this divine plan. Jesus' victory over death and His ascension to the right hand of God confirm that God's sovereign will, once set in motion, is utterly irresistible and eternally accomplished (Colossians 2:15). In Christ, we see the eternal, omnipotent God perfectly executing His unchallengeable will for our salvation and His glory.