Isaiah 44:2

KJV

Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, [which] will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} that made {H6213} thee, and formed {H3335} thee from the womb {H990}, which will help {H5826} thee; Fear {H3372} not, O Jacob {H3290}, my servant {H5650}; and thou, Jesurun {H3484}, whom I have chosen {H977}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus says ADONAI, who made you, formed you in the womb, and will help you: Don't be afraid, Ya'akov my servant, Yeshurun, whom I have chosen.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word of the LORD, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: “Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, who will help thee: Fear not, O Jacob my servant; and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 44:2 offers a profound declaration of divine comfort and identity, establishing the LORD's intimate relationship with Israel. It emphasizes God's foundational role as their Creator, who meticulously formed them from the womb, and pledges His unwavering help. The verse then tenderly calls Israel by their covenant name, Jacob, identifying them as His servant, and affectionately refers to them as Jesurun, highlighting their chosen status and ideal character. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign care and enduring faithfulness amidst their fears and uncertainties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 44:2 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section primarily addressed to Israel during or in anticipation of their Babylonian exile. This segment of Isaiah consistently contrasts the omnipotence and faithfulness of the one true God with the impotence and futility of idols. Chapter 44 specifically continues the theme of God's unique sovereignty as Creator and Redeemer, reiterated from [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God's Redemption of Jacob") and [Isaiah 43:15](/isaiah/43-15 "Isaiah 43:15 - The LORD, Your Holy One, the Creator of Israel"). The preceding verses in chapter 44 (e.g., [Isaiah 44:1](/isaiah/44-1 "Isaiah 44:1 - Hear, O Jacob My Servant")) reiterate God's address to Jacob, His servant, and promise blessing and outpouring of His Spirit. This verse, therefore, serves as a foundational declaration of God's intimate knowledge and commitment to His people, setting the stage for further promises of restoration and a stark challenge to idolatry that follows in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for these prophecies is the impending or ongoing Babylonian captivity, a period of immense national distress, displacement, and spiritual crisis for Israel. Stripped of their land, temple, and political autonomy, the people were vulnerable to despair and the temptation to adopt the gods of their captors. Idolatry was a pervasive cultural practice in the ancient Near East, and the prophet Isaiah frequently condemns it, contrasting the lifelessness of carved images with the living, active God of Israel. In this context, God's self-revelation as the one who "made thee, and formed thee from the womb" directly challenges the notion that any other deity could claim such intimate creative power or offer genuine help. The names "Jacob" and "Jesurun" evoke Israel's covenant history and God's enduring relationship with them, reminding them of their unique identity and purpose despite their current circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Isaiah. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Creation** are paramount, emphasizing God's absolute control and personal involvement in Israel's very existence, as seen in phrases like "made thee, and formed thee from the womb." Secondly, **Covenant Faithfulness and Help** are central, with God pledging His unwavering assistance ("will help thee") to His chosen people, a promise echoed throughout the book, such as in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You"). Thirdly, **Identity and Chosenness** are underscored by the use of "Jacob, my servant" and "Jesurun, whom I have chosen," affirming Israel's unique status and purpose in God's redemptive plan, reminiscent of God's choosing of Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram"). Finally, the command "Fear not" highlights the theme of **Divine Comfort and Assurance**, directly addressing the anxieties of a people facing exile and uncertainty, a recurring motif that permeates the "Book of Comfort" (e.g., [Isaiah 40:1](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1 - Comfort, Comfort My People")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." Derived from the root "to be," it signifies God as the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging one. Its use here reinforces the absolute authority and faithfulness of the God who speaks, emphasizing that the promises and declarations are from the one true, living God, distinct from any created idols.
* **formed (Hebrew, _yâtsar'_):** This verb means "to mould into a form," especially like a potter shaping clay. It implies intentionality, skill, and intimate involvement in the creative process. When applied to God forming Israel "from the womb," it highlights God's personal, deliberate, and intricate design in bringing the nation into existence, much like a craftsman meticulously shapes his work. It speaks to a deep, personal knowledge and care from the very beginning.
* **Fear not (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This is a primitive root meaning "to fear," but also "to revere" or "to be afraid." In the imperative "Fear not," it functions as a divine command and a profound reassurance. It directly addresses the natural human tendency towards anxiety and despair in difficult circumstances, urging trust in God's power and presence rather than succumbing to dread. It implies that the reasons for fear are nullified by the character and actions of the speaker, the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and the foundational relationship between God and Israel. The LORD, the self-existent and covenant-keeping God, is presented as the ultimate Creator. The parallel verbs "made" and "formed" emphasize God's deliberate and intimate involvement in Israel's very existence, likening their formation to that of a child in the womb. This highlights God's personal knowledge, care, and sovereignty over their origin.
* **"[which] will help thee;":** This is a direct promise of divine assistance. Despite Israel's present or future distress, God pledges His active and unfailing support. This promise is rooted in His character as their Creator and Sustainer, assuring them that He is not a distant deity but an ever-present helper.
* **"Fear not, O Jacob, my servant;":** This is a direct, comforting command. The imperative "Fear not" addresses Israel's anxieties, urging them to trust in God's power rather than succumb to despair. Addressing them as "Jacob" invokes their patriarchal lineage and covenant identity, while "my servant" signifies their unique role and purpose in God's plan, underscoring their special relationship with Him.
* **"and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.":** This final clause provides further affirmation of Israel's cherished status. "Jesurun" is a poetic, affectionate name for Israel, often implying "upright" or "righteous," serving as a reminder of their ideal character and high calling. The declaration "whom I have chosen" explicitly states God's sovereign election of Israel, reinforcing their identity as a specially selected people for His divine purposes, not based on their merit but on His gracious will.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 44:2 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of comfort and assurance. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, particularly synonymous parallelism, seen in "made thee, and formed thee from the womb," where two phrases express similar ideas to intensify the concept of God's intimate creation. The use of "Jacob, my servant" alongside "Jesurun, whom I have chosen" also demonstrates parallelism, reinforcing Israel's identity and special relationship with God through different but complementary titles. The command "Fear not" is a powerful rhetorical device that directly addresses the audience's emotional state, providing immediate comfort and reassurance. The term "Jesurun" itself is a form of **Epithet** or **Appellation**, a poetic and affectionate name for Israel that carries connotations of uprightness, serving as a tender reminder of their ideal character and God's enduring love for them. Finally, the imagery of being "formed... from the womb" uses **Metaphor** to convey the deep, personal, and foundational nature of God's creative work in bringing Israel into existence, akin to a mother's intimate formation of her child.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 44:2 is rich with theological significance, underscoring God's character as the sovereign Creator, faithful Helper, and loving Chooser. It establishes that Israel's identity is not self-derived but divinely ordained, rooted in God's intimate act of creation and sustained by His unwavering providence. This foundational truth provides the basis for the command "Fear not," as a people truly formed and perpetually helped by the Almighty have no ultimate cause for dread. The affectionate naming of "Jacob" and "Jesurun" highlights the covenantal intimacy and unique chosenness of Israel, emphasizing that their relationship with God is personal, purposeful, and enduring, despite their failings or circumstances. This passage thus serves as a powerful reminder of God's steadfast love and commitment to His people, inviting them to find their security and hope in Him alone.

* [Psalm 139:13](/psalm/139-13 "Psalm 139:13 - God's Intimate Creation in the Womb")
* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I Formed You in the Womb I Knew You")
* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - You Are a Holy People to the LORD Your God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 44:2 resonates deeply with believers today, offering profound insights into our own identity and security in God. Just as God meticulously "formed" Israel "from the womb," so too does He intimately know and purpose each one of us. Our existence is not accidental but divinely willed, providing a profound sense of worth, belonging, and purpose. In a world fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, the divine command "Fear not" is a timeless anchor. When we grasp that the sovereign Creator of the universe, who formed us and promises to "help" us, is intimately involved in our lives, fear loses its power. This verse calls us to trust in God's active presence and provision, knowing that His help is unfailing. Furthermore, while "Jacob" and "Jesurun" specifically refer to Israel, the New Testament extends the concept of being "chosen" to all believers in Christ, reminding us that we are God's beloved, chosen people, called to live uprightly and serve His purposes. This truth empowers us to live with courage, confidence, and a deep sense of divine affirmation, resting in the knowledge that our identity and security are found in our Creator, Helper, and Chooser.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as your personal "former from the womb" impact your sense of identity and self-worth?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to hear God's "Fear not" today, and how can you actively trust in His promised help?**
* **What does it mean for you to be "chosen" by God, and how should this truth shape your daily living and service?**

### FAQ
**Who is Jesurun, and why is this name used for Israel?**

Answer: Jesurun (Hebrew: _Yᵉshurûwn_) is a poetic and affectionate name for Israel, appearing only a few times in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 32:15, 33:5, 33:26, and here in [Isaiah 44:2](/isaiah/44-2 "Isaiah 44:2 - God's Comfort to Jacob and Jesurun")). It is derived from a root meaning "upright" or "righteous." By calling Israel "Jesurun," God tenderly reminds them of the ideal character He desires for them – a people who are righteous and upright in His eyes – despite their frequent failings. It serves as a reminder of their high calling and God's enduring love for them as His chosen people, emphasizing their potential and His vision for them, even when they fall short.

**Why does God emphasize that He "formed thee from the womb"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights God's intimate, personal, and sovereign involvement in the very origin and existence of Israel as a nation. It emphasizes that Israel's identity and destiny are not accidental or self-made, but are the result of God's deliberate and meticulous creative act. Just as a child is intimately formed in the womb, so too was Israel brought into being by God's intentional design and care. This serves to underscore God's authority, His deep knowledge of His people, and His foundational claim over them, providing a powerful contrast to the lifeless idols that could neither create nor sustain. It is a declaration of divine ownership and a basis for His ongoing commitment to help them, as seen in [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalm/139-13-16 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge and Formation").

**How can I apply the command "Fear not" to my own life today?**

Answer: The command "Fear not" is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, especially in times of distress, and it is profoundly applicable today. To apply it, first, recognize the source of your fears—whether it's uncertainty about the future, personal inadequacy, or external threats. Second, remember the character of the one who gives the command: the LORD, the self-existent, all-powerful Creator who "made thee, and formed thee from the womb" and "will help thee." This verse reminds us that our security is not in our circumstances or abilities but in God's sovereign care and unwavering presence. To "fear not" means to actively trust in God's promises, to lean on His strength, and to remember His faithfulness in the past. It's an invitation to surrender anxieties to Him, knowing that He is actively working on your behalf, as promised in [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious About Anything").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 44:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The declaration that the LORD "made thee, and formed thee from the womb" points to the divine architect of all creation, and in the New Testament, we understand that "all things were created through Him and for Him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Him")). Jesus, as the eternal Son, is the active agent of creation, intimately involved in the formation of every individual. The promise that God "will help thee" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is our ultimate Helper and Advocate. He is Emmanuel, "God with us," who entered into our human condition to provide salvation and ongoing sustenance, offering grace and mercy to "help in time of need" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace for Help")). The command "Fear not" is a central theme in Jesus's ministry, as He repeatedly calmed the fears of His disciples and assured them of God's providential care, even over sparrows ([Matthew 10:31](/matthew/10-31 "Matthew 10:31 - You Are of More Value Than Many Sparrows")). Furthermore, while "Jacob" and "Jesurun" refer to physical Israel, Christ is the true "Israel" (the "upright one") and the "servant" of the Lord, through whom God's purposes are perfectly fulfilled. In Him, all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are spiritually adopted into God's family, becoming His "chosen" people ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")). Thus, this verse beautifully foreshadows the comprehensive work of Christ as our Creator, Helper, and the one through whom we are truly known, chosen, and freed from fear.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Isaiah 43:1

¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

Isaiah 46:3

Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne [by me] from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

Isaiah 46:4

And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoar hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Isaiah 43:7

[Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Isaiah 49:1

¶ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.