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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 45:20–25. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
What here is said is intended, as before,
I.For the conviction of idolators, to show them their folly in worshipping gods that cannot help them, and neglecting a God that can.
Let all that have escaped of the nations, not only the people of the Jews, but those of other nations that were by Cyrus released out of captivity in Babylon, let them come, and hear what is to be said against the worshipping of idols, that they may be cured of it as well as the Jews, that Babylon, which had of old been the womb of idolatry, might now become the grave of it. Let the refugees assemble themselves and come together; God has something to say to them for their own good, and it is this, that idolatry is a foolish sottish thing, upon two accounts: -
1.It is setting up a refuge of lies for themselves: They set up the wood of their graven image; for that is the substratum. Though they overlay it with gold, deck it with ornaments, and make a god of it, yet still it is but wood. They pray to a god that cannot save; for he cannot hear, he cannot help, he can do nothing. How do those disparage themselves who give honour to that as a god which cannot, as a god, give good to them! How do those deceive themselves who pray for relief to that which is in no capacity at all to relieve them! Certainly those have no knowledge, or are brutish in their knowledge, who take so much pains, and do so much penance, in seeking the favour of a god that has no power.
2.It is setting up a rival with God, the only living and true God (Isa 45:21): "Summon them all; tell them that the great cause shall again be tried, though once adjudged, between God and Baal. Bring them near, and let them take counsel together what to say in defence of themselves and their idols. It shall, as before, be put upon this issue: let them show when any of their gods did with any certainty foretel future events, as the God of Israel has done, and it shall be acknowledged that they have some colour for their pretensions. But None of them ever did; their prophets were lying prophets; but I the Lord have told it from that time, long before it came to pass; therefore you must own thee is no other God besides me." (1.) None besides is fit to rule. He is a just God, and rules in justice, and will execute justice for those that are oppressed. (2.) None besides is able to help. As he is a just God, so he is the Saviour, who can save without the assistance of any, but without whom none can save. Those therefore have no sense of truth and falsehood, good and evil, no, nor of their own interest, that set up any in competition with him.
II.For the comfort and encouragement of all God's faithful worshippers, whoever they are, Isa 45:22.
Those that worship idols pray to gods that cannot save; but the God of Israel says it to all the ends of the earth, to his people, though they are scattered into the utmost corners of the world and seem to be lost and forgotten in their dispersion, "Let them but look to me by faith and prayer, look above instruments and second causes, look off from all pretenders, and look up to me, and they shall be saved." It seems to refer further to the conversion of the Gentiles that live in the ends of the earth, the most distant nations, when the standard of the gospel is set up. To it shall the Gentiles seek. When Christ is lifted up from the earth, as the brazen serpent upon the pole, he shall draw the eyes of all men to him. They shall all be invited to look unto him, as the stung Israelites did to the brazen serpent; and so strong is the eye of faith that by divine grace it will reach the Saviour and fetch in salvation by him even from the ends of the earth; for he is God, and the is none else. Two things are here promised, for the abundant satisfaction of all that by faith look to the Saviour: -
1.That the glory of the God they serve shall be greatly advanced; and this will be good news to all the Lord's people, that, how much soever they and their names are depressed, God will be exalted, Isa 45:23. This is confirmed by an oath, that we might have strong consolation: I have sworn by myself (and God can swear by no greater, Heb 6:13); the word has gone out of my mouth, and shall neither be recalled nor return empty; it has gone forth in righteousness, for it is the most reasonable equitable thing in the world that he who made all should be Lord of all, that, since all beings are derived from him, they should all be devoted to him. He has said it, and it shall be made good, I will be exalted, Psa 46:10. He has assured us,
(1.)That he will be universally submitted to, that the kingdoms of the world shall become his kingdom. They shall do him homage - Unto me every knee shall bow; and they shall bind themselves by an oath of allegiance to him - Unto me every tongue shall swear. This is applied to the dominion of our Lord Jesus, Rom 14:10, Rom 14:11. We shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ and give account to him, for it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God; and it seems to be referred to, Psa 2:9, Psa 2:10. If the heart be brought into obedience to Christ, and made willing in the day of his power, the knee will bow to him in humble adorations and addresses, and in cheerful obedience to his commands, submission to his disposals, and compliance with his will in both; and the tongue will swear to him, will lay a bond upon the soul to engage it for ever to him; for he that bears an honest mind never startles at assurances.
(2.)That he will be universally sought unto, and application shall be made to him from all parts of the world: Unto him shall men of distant countries come, to implore his favour. Unto thee shall all flesh come with their request, Psa 65:2. And, when Christ was lifted up from the earth, he drew all men to him.
(3.)That it will be to no purpose to make opposition to him. All that are incensed against him, that rage at his bonds and cords - the nations that are angry because he has taken to himself his great power and has reigned, that have been incensed at the strictness of his laws, the success of his gospel, and the spiritual nature of his kingdom - they shall be ashamed; some shall be brought to a penitential shame for it, others to a remediless ruin. One way or other, sooner or later, all that are uneasy at Christ's government and victories will be made ashamed of their folly and obstinacy. Blessed be God for the assurance here given us that, whatever becomes of us and our interests, the Lord will reign for ever!
2.That the welfare of the souls they are concerned for shall be effectually secured: Surely shall one say, and another shall learn by his example to say the same, so that all the seed of Israel, according to the Spirit, shall say, and stand to it,
(1.)That God has a sufficiency for them and that in Christ there is enough to supply all their needs: In the Lord is all righteousness and strength (so the margin reads it); he is himself righteous and strong. He can do every thing, and yet will do nothing but what is unquestionably just and equitable. He has also wherewithal to supply the needs of those that seek to him and depend upon him, upon the equity of his providence and the treasures of his grace; nay, we may say, not only "He has it," but, "In him we have it," because he has said that he will be to us a God. In the Lord the captive Jews had righteousness (that is, grace both to sanctify their afflictions to them and to qualify them for deliverance) and strength for their support and escape. In the Lord Jesus we have righteousness to recommend us to the good-will of God towards us, and strength to begin and carry on the good work of God in us. He is the fountain of both, and on him we must depend for both, must go forth in his strength, and make mention of his righteousness, Psa 71:16.
(2.)That they shall have an abundant bliss and satisfaction in this.
[1.]The people of the Jews shall in the Lord be justified before men and openly glory in their God. The oppressors reproached them, loaded them with calumny, and boasted even of a right to oppress them, as abandoned by their God; but, when God shall work out their deliverance, that shall be their justification from these hard censures, and therefore they shall glory in it.
[2.]All true Christians, that depend upon Christ for strength and righteousness, in him shall be justified and shall glory in that. Observe, First, All believers are the seed of Israel, an upright praying seed. Secondly, The great privilege they enjoy by Jesus Christ is that in him, and for his sake, they are justified before God, Christ being made of God to them righteousness. All that are justified will own it is in Christ that they are justified, nor could they be justified by any other; and those who are justified shall be glorified. And therefore, Thirdly, The great duty believers owe to Christ is to glory in him, and to make their boast of him. Therefore he is made all in all to us, that whose glories may glory in the Lord; and let us comply with this intention.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 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.
Or as Symmachus puts it: “Run to me and be saved, all the extremities of the earth.” You see how he proclaims the catholic gospel to all the nations.
(Vers. 18 seqq.) Because this is what the Lord says, the one who created the heavens, the one who formed the earth and made it, the one who established it; he did not create it in vain, but formed it to be inhabited. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I did not speak in secret, in a dark place on the earth. I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, 'Seek me in vain.' I am the Lord, speaking truth, declaring what is right. Gather together and come, draw near, you who have been saved from the nations. They have no knowledge, those who carry about their wooden idols and pray to a god who cannot save. Announce, and come, and counsel together: Who has declared this from the beginning, and from then on predicted it? Is it not I, the Lord? There is no other God besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.' Therefore, in the Lord, it is said: My justice and power belong to me; they will come to him, and all who oppose him will be put to shame. In the Lord, all the descendants of Israel will be justified and praised. LXX: Thus says the Lord who made the heavens: this is the God who revealed the earth and made it, he prepared it: he did not make it empty, but formed it to be inhabited. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, nor in a dark place on the earth. I have not spoken in secret, in a place of a land of darkness: I have not said to the seed of Jacob: Seek me in vain. I am the Lord that speak justice, that declare right things. Assemble yourselves, and come, and draw near together, ye that are saved of the Gentiles: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven work, and pray to a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and come, and consult together: who hath declared this from the beginning, who hath foretold this from that time? Have not I the Lord, and there is no God else besides me? A just God and a saviour, there is none besides me. Turn to me and you will be saved from the ends of the earth. I am God, and there is no other. By myself I swear: righteousness will go out of my mouth, my words will not be turned away, for every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will swear and confess to God, saying: Righteousness and glory will come to him, and all who separate themselves from the Lord will be put to shame. Every descendant of Israel will be justified and glorified in God. He calls Egypt, and Ethiopia, and the Sabaeans with their exalted men, through whom the salvation of all barbarian nations and the conversion of the whole world to God is shown, God shows His justice; so that the Lord is not only of the Jews, but also of the Gentiles. For He is the maker of heaven and earth equally the God of all, and He created the earth for no other reason than that it should be the habitation of mankind who would worship and understand their Creator, and despise all idols. For on Mount Sinai, from its lofty summit, he spoke these words to the listening people: You shall have no other gods before me, nor shall you make for yourself an idol (Exod. XX, 3, 4). But it is better to believe this saying about the preaching of the Gospel: For Moses spoke to the people in the hidden solitude alone. But the sound of the Apostles went forth into the whole world, and their words reached to the ends of the earth (Psal. XVIII). I did not say, he said, that I am seeking the seed of Jacob in vain. For I have promised them the kingdom of heaven, and I spoke first to them: I have come only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matth. XXV, 24). And for this reason I spoke of justice and proclaimed what is right, or the truth, so that, with the images of the Law and the ceremonies set aside, they would follow the truth of the Gospel. But because they did not want to believe and judged themselves unworthy of salvation, therefore I say to the Gentiles: Gather from all over the world; and come and join me, all of you who have been saved from the Gentiles. By which he shows that not all nations will believe immediately, but gradually and in part. Finally, he rebukes those who remained in their former error, saying: They did not know those who lift up the wood of their carved image, and they pray to a God who does not save. And the meaning is: They did not understand my words, burdened by the weight of their idols, and hoping in them, in which there is no salvation. Therefore, the Apostles are commanded to proclaim the truth opportune and importune (2 Timothy 4), and to devise a plan for the salvation of the nations. But, that is, in order that many might be saved, God spoke from the beginning that they should be gathered and come from the nations, and the mouths of all the prophets proclaimed those who spoke the word of the Lord, except for whom there is no other. For the Son is not without Him, but in Him is God. And elegantly He joins together: God is just, not of one nation alone, but of the whole world, to whom He speaks: Turn to me and you shall be saved, all the ends of the earth; this having been fulfilled which the Father promised to the Son: Ask of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as your possession (Psalm 2:8). And He swore by Himself, since His word and judgment are unchangeable, that the declaration which He uttered once concerning the salvation of the nations might not in any way be voided, but that His promise might be fulfilled by His work, saying above: Turn to Me, and you will be saved, all the ends of the earth. He also swore by the Apostle (Heb. 6) that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong consolation; and He also swore that every knee should bow to Him, heavenly, earthly, and infernal, and every tongue should swear by Him among mortal men (Phil. 2). In which it is clearly stated that the Christian people are signified. It is the custom of the Church to bow the knee to Christ: which the Jews, demonstrating the pride of their minds, absolutely do not do. But also every tongue of all barbarian nations, not in synagogues but in the Churches of Christ, confesses God. Moreover, every tongue confessing Christ will speak in the Lord, and will say: 'Mine are righteousness and mine is dominion, not the people of the Jews.' To him all nations will come, and those who previously resisted his Gospel will be put to shame; and all the descendants of Israel will be justified and praised, whose preaching and most fruitful sowing has brought abundant fruit throughout the whole world. Whether according to the Seventy or in every language, swearing and confessing God, it will be said that the righteousness and glory of the whole world come to him, and the Jews who separate themselves from him will be confounded. But those who are descended from the children of Israel and have sprung from the seed of the Apostles, and have believed in Christ, may they have eternal righteousness and glory.
There is among them no true knowledge of the things to come, but rather they prophesy falsely, and with clownish talk and deception and trickery and nothing else. The God of the universe responds: If they prophesy rightly, they will come close and will know at the same time. For if they are able to prophesy rightly, then they will all be brought together as one. For their oracles came from many places. But some worked others into a frenzy and honored the unclean demons who were speaking falsehood. If they had been able to prophesy rightly, they would all be aware of what is to come and who from the very start made these things to be heard.
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Summary
Isaiah 45:22 delivers a profound and universal invitation from the sovereign God of Israel, calling all humanity to turn to Him for salvation. This verse stands as an unshakeable declaration of God's exclusive deity, asserting that He alone is the true and living God, distinct from all idols and false deities, and therefore the singular source of deliverance, hope, and eternal life for "all the ends of the earth." It encapsulates a foundational theological truth: ultimate salvation is found not in human endeavor, religious ritual, or idolatrous worship, but in a simple, intentional, and trusting reorientation of one's entire being towards the one true Lord.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 45:22 is strategically placed within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a prophetic section primarily aimed at the Jewish exiles in Babylon. This verse serves as a climactic, universal appeal, immediately following God's powerful self-attestations of His absolute sovereignty and unique ability to orchestrate history, even raising up a pagan king like Cyrus to fulfill His divine purposes, as detailed in Isaiah 45:1-7. It builds upon earlier forceful arguments against the utter impotence of idols and the inherent folly of idolatry (e.g., Isaiah 44:9-20) and God's grand declarations as the sole Creator and Sustainer of all things (Isaiah 45:12-13). Thus, the imperative "Look unto me, and be ye saved" emerges from an unassailable theological foundation of God's unmatched power, singular identity, and comprehensive authority over all creation and history.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical backdrop for this prophecy is the Babylonian Exile (586-539 BC), a period of profound national trauma, spiritual questioning, and cultural assimilation pressure for the Israelites. Immersed in the polytheistic and idolatrous culture of Babylon, with its vast pantheon of gods and elaborate worship rituals, the exiles faced immense temptation to despair or adopt the surrounding pagan practices. Isaiah's message, delivered through the prophet, directly confronts this pervasive cultural milieu. The emphatic declaration "I am God, and there is none else" serves as a direct, confrontational challenge to the Babylonian pantheon and all forms of idolatry, asserting the unique reality, power, and salvific capability of Yahweh, the God of Israel, as the only true deity capable of delivering His people and, indeed, the entire world. This message was vital for strengthening the beleaguered faith of the exiled community and preparing them for their eventual return to their homeland.
Key Themes
This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores God's Universal Sovereignty and Redemptive Purpose, extending His saving invitation beyond the covenant nation of Israel to encompass "all the ends of the earth," thereby foreshadowing a global scope for His salvation plan (e.g., Isaiah 49:6). Secondly, it emphatically asserts God's Exclusive Deity and Uniqueness, a recurring and central motif throughout Isaiah that directly counters polytheism and idolatry, establishing Yahweh as the only true God who actively intervenes in history and possesses the sole power to save (e.g., Isaiah 43:10-11). Thirdly, it highlights Salvation by Divine Initiative and Simple Faith, portraying salvation not as a complex ritual, a reward for human merit, or an arduous journey, but as a direct, accessible act of turning to God in trust, emphasizing His grace and the profound simplicity of the required human response.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. appear, look, etc." In this imperative, "look" signifies far more than a casual glance; it implies an intentional turning of one's entire being, attention, and focus towards God. It suggests a deliberate reorientation of one's life, a conscious act of seeking, acknowledging, and submitting to God's presence and authority. This "turning" is foundational to the biblical concepts of repentance and faith, demanding a redirection from self or idols to the divine.
This primitive root means "to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor." This word encompasses a broad and comprehensive range of meanings including deliverance, rescue, preservation, and spiritual salvation from sin and its eternal consequences. When God declares "be ye saved," He is offering a holistic and comprehensive liberation from all that enslaves, oppresses, and destroys, both physically and spiritually, leading to a state of safety and freedom.
This word is shortened from a root meaning "strength" (אַיִל). It refers to the Almighty, emphasizing His inherent power, supreme might, and absolute authority. In this context, it asserts Yahweh's unique status as the one true, omnipotent, and sovereign deity, standing in stark contrast to the impotent, man-made idols worshipped by other nations. His identity as "ʼêl" is the very bedrock upon which His exclusive claim to be the sole source of salvation rests.
Verse Breakdown
"Look unto me"
This is a direct, urgent, and authoritative imperative command from God. The act of "looking" (from pânâh') demands an active turning of one's gaze, attention, and trust away from all competing sources of hope, false gods, or self-reliance, and directing it singularly and exclusively towards Yahweh. It is an invitation to acknowledge His existence, His supreme power, and His exclusive claim to deity as the only one worthy of such focused attention and trust.
"and be ye saved"
This clause presents the glorious and comprehensive outcome promised to those who heed the divine command to "look." The verb "saved" (from yâshaʻ') denotes profound deliverance, rescue, and comprehensive salvation. This encompasses not only spiritual redemption from the guilt and power of sin and its eternal consequences but also liberation from the futility and despair of idolatry, the emptiness of a life lived apart from God, and the ultimate threat of judgment. This salvation is not earned by human merit but is freely offered as a divine gift upon the act of looking in faith.
"all the ends of the earth"
This expansive phrase dramatically broadens the scope of God's invitation beyond the covenant nation of Israel to encompass all humanity, every nation, every people group, and every geographical boundary. It powerfully underscores the universal nature of God's redemptive plan and His boundless desire for all people to come to Him. This demonstrates that His sovereignty and saving purpose extend over the entire globe, anticipating the global reach of the gospel.
"for I am God"
This clause provides the foundational reason, ultimate authority, and absolute justification for the preceding invitation and promise. God's declaration of His own divine identity ("I am God," ʼêl') is an unassailable assertion of His absolute uniqueness, omnipotence, and self-sufficiency. He is not merely one god among many, nor a regional deity, but the singular, supreme, and ultimate being, the source of all existence and power.
"and there is none else"
This emphatic and exclusive statement powerfully reinforces God's singular deity. It directly refutes polytheism, syncretism, and all forms of idolatry, unequivocally declaring that no other being, entity, or created thing possesses the attributes, power, authority, or moral perfection necessary to offer true salvation, ultimate hope, or genuine deliverance. This truth is the unshakeable bedrock upon which the entire invitation rests; only the one true God, who is without peer or rival, can genuinely save.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 45:22 is rich in literary artistry, beginning with a powerful Declarative Statement that asserts God's absolute identity and unparalleled power: "I am God, and there is none else." This foundational truth is immediately followed by a direct, urgent Imperative command: "Look unto me," creating a compelling call to action that is firmly grounded in divine authority. The phrase "all the ends of the earth" employs both Hyperbole and Merism to vividly emphasize the universal and comprehensive scope of God's invitation, encompassing every conceivable corner and people group of the world. The verse also utilizes profound Contrast, implicitly setting God's singular, omnipotent power and exclusive saving ability against the utter impotence and futility of the idols and false gods prevalent in the surrounding pagan cultures. Furthermore, the striking simplicity of the command "Look" juxtaposed with the profound, comprehensive promise of "be ye saved" creates a powerful Juxtaposition, highlighting the accessibility of salvation through an act of simple faith in the all-sufficient, unique God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 45:22 stands as a pivotal Old Testament declaration, laying crucial groundwork for the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. It reveals a God whose saving intent is not confined to one nation but expansively extends to all humanity, based entirely on His unique identity as the sole true deity. This verse powerfully anticipates the New Testament's revelation of a global gospel, where salvation is offered freely and equally to all who turn to Christ, who is the very embodiment and ultimate expression of God's saving power and presence. It profoundly underscores that true deliverance from the bondage of sin, the despair of futility, and the consequences of eternal separation can only come from the One who is truly God, challenging all forms of human self-reliance, trust in created things, or allegiance to false deities.
Reflection and Application
In a world perpetually saturated with competing sources of hope, security, and identity—whether through the pursuit of material wealth, the accumulation of political power, the depths of intellectual achievement, or the various paths of self-actualization—Isaiah 45:22 cuts through the overwhelming noise with a clear, timeless, and profoundly simple call. It serves as an enduring reminder that our deepest human needs for meaning, forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life can only be truly and fully met by turning our gaze and our hearts towards the one true God. This act of "looking" is not a passive or fleeting glance, but an active, decisive reorientation of our entire being—our minds, our affections, and our wills—away from all that distracts, deceives, or falsely promises, and singularly towards the Lord. It calls us to abandon all forms of self-reliance, humanistic pride, or trust in created things, and instead to place our complete dependence and unwavering trust in His sovereign power, His unfailing love, and His perfect wisdom, knowing with absolute certainty that He alone possesses the authority and the ability to genuinely save. For believers, this verse serves as an incredibly powerful reminder of the exclusivity and accessibility of God's salvation, fueling our passion and compelling us to share this universal invitation with "all the ends of the earth," confident that the same God who called ancient Israel still graciously calls all humanity today.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "Look unto me, and be ye saved" truly mean in a practical sense?
In a practical sense, "Look unto me, and be ye saved" means to intentionally and decisively turn your focus, trust, and allegiance to God as the sole and sufficient source of salvation and hope. It implies a conscious decision to abandon self-reliance, false gods, worldly philosophies, or any other human-made solutions, and instead place your complete dependence and faith on the Lord. This "looking" is an active posture of faith, acknowledging God's unique identity as the only one who can truly deliver you from the power and penalty of sin, from despair, and from eternal separation from Him. It is an invitation to enter into a transformative relationship where God is acknowledged as supreme, all-sufficient, and the ultimate provider of spiritual transformation and eternal life. This call finds its ultimate echo in the New Testament's invitation to believe in Jesus Christ for salvation (e.g., John 3:16).
Why does God emphasize "I am God, and there is none else"?
God emphasizes "I am God, and there is none else" to assert His absolute uniqueness, exclusive deity, and unparalleled sovereignty. This profound declaration directly challenges the polytheistic and idolatrous cultures prevalent in the ancient world (and, indeed, the myriad forms of idolatry in modern society) where people worshipped multiple gods or created idols. By unequivocally stating "none else," God establishes Himself as the singular, supreme, and all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who operates without rival or peer. This truth is utterly foundational because only the one true God possesses the inherent authority, infinite power, perfect wisdom, and moral purity necessary to offer genuine salvation, to fulfill His divine promises, and to bring about ultimate justice. It underscores that true and lasting salvation cannot come from human effort, from other deities, or from any created thing, but solely and exclusively from Him (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:5).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 45:22 finds its ultimate, glorious, and comprehensive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The universal call to "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth" points directly to the global and inclusive scope of the gospel message, which is centered entirely on Christ. Just as God the Father declared Himself to be the exclusive source of salvation in the Old Testament, the New Testament unequivocally reveals that "there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" than the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). Jesus Himself is the visible, incarnate manifestation of the "God" to whom all must look; He is "Immanuel," "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), and the very "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The act of "looking unto" God in Isaiah is transformed and perfectly realized in the New Covenant through "looking unto Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), through whom the Father extends His boundless saving grace to all who believe, thereby fulfilling the ancient prophecy that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God" (Luke 3:6).