Isaiah 43:21

Isaiah 43:21 declares God's profound purpose for His people: "This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise." This verse encapsulates the very essence of humanity's (and specifically Israel's) existence from God's perspective.

Context

This verse is situated within a powerful section of the book of Isaiah, specifically in chapter 43, where God is offering immense comfort and reassurance to the nation of Israel. At this point in prophecy, Israel faces the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile, a period of immense suffering and displacement due to their unfaithfulness. Despite their failures, God reaffirms His covenant relationship, reminding them of His unique power as their Creator and Redeemer. He promises to make a way where there seems to be none, even in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:19). In this context, verse 21 serves as a foundational statement of the ultimate reason for Israel's existence and God's continued faithfulness to them.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Purpose: The phrase "This people have I formed for myself" highlights God's deliberate and intentional act of creation. Israel was not an accident but a nation specifically designed and brought into being by God for His own divine purposes. This principle extends to all of humanity, as we are all God's handiwork (Psalm 100:3).
• God's Ownership: The phrase "for myself" emphasizes that God has a proprietary claim over His creation. They belong to Him, and their existence is intrinsically tied to His will and glory.
• The Ultimate Purpose of Existence: The core message is that God's people exist to "shew forth my praise." This is the ultimate reason for their being. It means to declare, demonstrate, and reflect God's character, His mighty acts, and His excellencies to the world. It is an active proclamation of His glory, aligning with Israel's calling to be God's witnesses.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "formed" is yatsar (יָצַר), which often refers to the work of a potter shaping clay (e.g., Jeremiah 18:6). This imagery conveys the idea of deliberate, skilled, and purposeful craftsmanship on God's part. He didn't just create; He intricately designed and fashioned His people. The phrase "shew forth" comes from the Hebrew sapar (סָפַר), meaning to recount, declare, or proclaim. It implies an active, vocal, and public expression of praise and testimony, not merely a quiet or internal appreciation.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 43:21 serves as a profound reminder of our identity and purpose in Christ:

• Understanding Our Purpose: We are not here by chance. God has formed us, redeemed us, and called us into relationship with Him for His own glory. Our lives have inherent value and a divine purpose.
• Living a Life of Praise: To "shew forth God's praise" means living in a way that reflects His character, His love, and His power. This involves our actions, our words, and our attitudes. It's a continuous testimony to His goodness.
• Being a Witness: Just as Israel was formed to declare God's praise, so too are New Testament believers called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness (1 Peter 2:9). This involves sharing the good news of the Gospel and living as a light in the world. Our lives are meant to be a living testament to God's transformative power.