Isaiah 41 | The Wolfe Notes

 Welcome, Family! We're spending 2024 with the prophet Isaiah. While we claim no expertise, we're excited to sit with you as we both learn at the feet of Jesus. Each month, we offer a calendar that outlines daily exercises (adapted from Jenn Wilkin's Women of the Word Bible study process) to progress through Isaiah. Download August's calendar to begin with us and witness what we uncovered in our weekly "Wolfe Note" postings.


A parent holds a baby's hand. Text overlay quotes Isaiah 41:13.

Contents:

  1. Different Versions Noting and clarifying differences between KJV & AMP.
  2. Annotation My thoughts, connections, clarifications, and questions.
  3. Research Was Cyrus really a man of God?
  4. Summary An approximately twenty word overview of the chapter.
  5. Memorize Why I chose to memorize Isaiah 41:13.
  6. Cross References Of Isaiah 41:13.
  7. Respond Based on reflections on God's character and my own.

Different Versions

I read Chapter 41 in the King James Version (KJV) and the American Standard Version (AMP). Both are word-for-word translations.

Major differences I noticed (*My thoughts alone are in italics and designated with an asterisk.):
  • Isaiah 41:2
    • Comparisons:
      • KJV: Who raised up the righteous (1) man from the east, (2) called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.
      • AMP: Who has roused up one (1) [Cyrus] from the east, (2) whom He calls in righteousness to His service and whom victory meets at every step? He [the Lord] subdues nations before him and makes him ruler over kings, He turns them to dust with the sword [of Cyrus], and to driven straw and chaff with his bow.
    • Discrepancies: 
      1. Do we know the man (KJV) is Cyrus (AMP)?
      2. KJV describes the man as righteous, whereas AMP describes the service as righteous. Furthermore, I interpret "called him to his foot" (KJV) as spurring him onto action, but "whom victory meets at every step" (AMP) feels confident instead of unknown. Did Cyrus know victory would meet him at every step when he responded in obedience to God?
    • Conclusions: 
      • Ellicott directs us to Isaiah 45:1 AMP: "Thus saith the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held...", which clearly shows Cyrus is the subject. 
        • *As God's anointed, it would reason that Cyrus is righteous.
      • Cambridge thoroughly agrees with AMP translation. That Cyrus is not meant as righteous, but the actions are. *Just as we in and of ourselves are not righteous, but God can do righteous works through us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 & Philippians 2:13. Cyrus walked with confidence knowing he was taking the right actions.
      • Benson and Henry mention that this verse can also be applied to: Abraham, which is also supported by Isaiah 41:5-6,
      • Barnes, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown and Poole additionally submit Jesus as an option here.
      • *By leaving the man unnamed, (KJV) the verse lends itself to multiple interpretations of the man meant, which is how we're encouraged to interpret the Bible: literally, spiritually, and personally in a then, prophetically, and ultimately sense. But naming the man, Cyrus, (AMP) discourages other possibilities.
  • Isaiah 41:6
    • Comparisons:
      • KJV: They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother (1 - omitted), Be of good courage.
      • AMP: They help every one his neighbor and say to his brother (1) [in his tiresome idol making], Be of good courage!
    • Discrepancies: Do we know it was idol-making (AMP) being addressed here?
    • Conclusions: 
      • Keil & Delitzsch and Barnes explain this verse as a reaction to the one risen up to come against Pagan nations. In response, they turn to idols that they believe they can trust. The rest of the chapter supports this.
      • *This is a common theme throughout Isaiah: men turning to gods or other men that will fail them. This particular verse, however, also serves well to strengthen the church as we are all called to be of good courage, but we count on God not idols. Joshua 1:9 & John 16:33.
  • Isaiah 41:27
    • Comparisons:
      • KJV: (1) The first shall say to Zion, Behold,(2 - omitted) behold them: and I will give (3 - omitted) to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.
      • AMP: (1) I [the Lord] first gave to Zion the announcement, Behold, (2) [the Jews will be restored to their own land, and the man Cyrus shall be raised up who will deliver them] behold them! And to Jerusalem I gave a herald (3) [Isaiah] bringing the good news.
    • Discrepancies: 
      1. The first (KJV) presents a title of God while the AMP replaces the title with directly referencing "I [the Lord]" and uses "first" to describe the order.
      2. Do we know the restoration of the Jews (AMP) is the announcement God gave?
      3. The one (KJV) that brings good tidings allows for more interpretations of the verse, whereas AMP specifically names Isaiah.
    • Conclusions: 
      • Ellicott and Cambridge note the difficulty in translation, favoring the AMP's rendition.
      • Gill adds that some Jewish writers apply the passage to the Messiah
      • *While the AMP adds cultural perspective, the KJV better aids us in connecting to the spiritual allusions.

Annotation

Notes on my process. *Denotes my thoughts alone. ! Denotes a connection. Researched quick answers are in italics. *R Indicates a topic with more extensive notes under the research heading.
  1. God is Just and Supreme (v1-4)
    1. Let the people make their case so we can decide what is right.
      1. ? What islands are being referenced in Isaiah 41:1 KJV: "Keep silence before me, O islands;..." Isaiah's way to describe a land far off, unexplored regions of the Mediterranean. - Ellicott *Perhaps saying "to anyone, far and wide, who is willing.
      2. ? Who is the "us " that is judging? Is it a heavenly council?
    2. After all, I decide who rules and guide them safely.
      1. ? Was Cyrus righteous or called that because he does God's bidding?
      2. ! Romans 13:1 AMP: Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God's appointment.
    3. I have orchestrated all things from the beginning and will be at the end.
      1. ? Why is God "the first" but "with the last" in Isaiah 41:4. Isn't he both the first and the last, not just with the last as in Revelation 1:8 KJV: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
    4. When creation understands this, they fear and draw near to me.
      1. ? What did the isles see? God's supremacy?
      2. ? Where did the people of the isles go? Closer to each other? Or did they turn to God?
      3. ! Job 12:7-10 KJV: But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind."
  2. Humanity Turns to the Wrong Things (v6&7)
    1. Men turn to other men for courage.
      1. Isaiah 41:6 KJV: "...every one said to his brother, Be of good courage."
      2. ! Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV.
    2. They make idols they believe will not fail.
      1. Isaiah 41:7 AMP: "... and he fastens it with nails so that it cannot be moved."
        1. ! "And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place..." Isaiah 22:23 KJV (See cross references of this verse.)
        2. 🎵I shall not be, I shall not be moved / Just like a tree that's planted by the water / I shall not be moved🎶("I Shall Not Be Moved" - performed by Gatiher)
  3. But God's People are Different (v8-10)
    1. But you are mine.
      1. ? Is there a reason that Israel is the servant, Jacob is chosen, and Abraham is the friend in Isaiah 41:8?
      2. *We are the offspring of Abraham and so Friends to God! Galatians 3:29
    2. I called you to serve me. I chose you and will not abandon you.
    3. So do not fear. Do not be overwhelmed. I am with you. I will strengthen, help, and sustain you.
      1. ? Why is God's right hand righteous? Does it symbolize power, meaning I will uphold you with all my strength?
  4. Judgment will Come (v11-20)
    1. Your enemies will be properly chastened.
    2. You won't even be able to find them.
    3. I help you so do not fear.
      1. ? Why is Jacob a worm but it is men in Israel in Isaiah 41:14?
    4. I will equip you to move mountains.
      1. ! And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you. Matthew 17:20 KJV
    5. My breath will blow them away and your breath will rejoice in My name.
    6. For I keep you every moment.
      1. ! I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. Isaiah 27:3 KJV
    7. I water you.
      1. ? Is there significance to the type of trees here mentioned: cedar, shittah/acacia, myrtle, oil/olive, fir/cypress, pine/plane, box/pine. Isaiah 41:19
    8. Position you.
    9. So all may know what My hand has accomplished.
      1. !  For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? Isaiah 14:27 KJV
  5. So, Present Your Case (v21-23)
    1. Let's hear your best arguments.
      1. ? Who is being addressed? Those who oppose God?
    2. Show us what has happened and tell us what will happen.
    3. Show us you are gods. Do good or evil. Let us see it.
  6. But God Alone Knows All (v24-29)
    1. You have nothing, are nothing. Anyone who chooses you is misguided.
    2. One will come to show you that you are nothing.
      1. ? Is Cyrus really a man of God? *R
      2. ? Is this Cyrus, or Jesus?
    3. But no one will notice.
      1. ? No one hears? This truly is worse than the times of Noah! (See Matthew 24:37-39)
    4. I will proclaim it.
      1. ! The Alpha and Omega (See Revelation 1:8.)
      2. ! This also sounds like Jesus' arrival. No man proclaimed it, so God did: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
    5. For no man could. 
    6. For man is meaningless and yields only confusion.

Research

*Thoughts that are mine alone are marked with an asterisk and italicized.
Was Cyrus really a man of God? Isaiah 41:25
  • 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 AMP: ...the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus...so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom. Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord, the God of heaven, has given me, and He has charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up [to Jerusalem]. (See also Ezra 1:2-4.)
  • Cyrus was perhaps an eyncretist, or was willing to accept the chief god of any nation as identical to his own, Ormuzd (Learn more at Study Light). The Zoroastrian religion that Cyrus practiced (Learn more at History.com), was the closest of all heathenistic religions to Jewish. - Pulpit
    *Conclusions: Without question, God used Cyrus for His purposes. Seemingly, Cyrus knew God was using him, even if he didn't truly believe in the One True God. Questioningly, I still wonder if this references Jesus because only Jesus would truly believe in God from the beginning and is clearly proclaimed by God at His birth when no man would.

    Summary

    Prove yourself. Show your power. But, you will realize I am God. I protect my people; so do not fear.

    Memorize

    I chose to memorize Isaiah 41:13.
    For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

    In trials in tribulations, in peace and joy, I need this verse. I am not alone: the God of the Universe is my strength, my help.


    Cross References

    *Thoughts that are mine alone are marked with an asterisk and italicized.

    Of Isaiah 41:13

    For I the Lord thy God...
    • Genesis 2:7 KJV: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. 
    • 2 Chronicles 19:7 AMP: So now let the reverence and fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking of bribes.
    • Numbers 23:19 KJV: God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he sad, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

    ...will hold...

    • Isaiah 42:6 KJV: I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.
    • Isaiah 43:6 AMP: I will say to the north, Give up! and to the south, Keep not back. Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth - 
    • Isaiah 51:18 AMP: There is none to guide [Jerusalem] among all the sons she has borne; neither is there anyone to take her by the hand among all the sons whom she has brought up. 
    ...thy right hand,...
    • Romans 8:34 KJV: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
    • Psalm 16:8 AMP: I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
    • Exodus 15:6 AMP: Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.
    ...saying unto thee,...
    • John 14:26 AMP: But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.
    • 2 Timothy 3:16-7 KJV: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
    • Romans 12:6-8 KJV: Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 
    ...Fear not;...

    • Exodus 14:13 AMP: Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again.
    • Exodus 20:20 AMP: And Moses said to the people: Fear not; for God has come to prove you, so that the [reverential] fear of Him may be before you, that you may not sin.
    • Isaiah 41:10 KJV: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
    ...I will help thee.

    • Exodus 14:14 KJV: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
    • Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
    • John 14:14 AMP: [Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am].

    *Conclusion: God who is Supreme, Just, and Faithful, powerfully cares for you. He intimately and clearly reminds you to fear only Him because He alone works for your ultimate  good.

    Respond

    1. God is supreme. I forget this and allow unwanted and unexpected events to send me in a spiral. I must not fear. What God wants to happen, will happen. Nothing is a surprise to Him.
    2. God is actively with me in every moment. It's easy to believe this in a theoretical way, but I rarely act on this truth in a concrete way. I need to learn to live life acknowledging His presence in every moment, to feel my hand being held by His, to live boldly knowing His strength supports me, and to turn to Him for help every time I waver. 
    3. God allows us to challenge Him and listens fairly. How often I withhold conversation with Him because I think it is too insignificant or contrary. I need to be more like Hezekiah (See notes on Isaiah 37:14-20.) and lay every detail of the problem I face on the table before Him, whether it is ideas that I grapple with or situations that seem unfair. Then, I leave them with God knowing His decision on the matter is fair, wise, and His to make.

    Father God, I severely underestimate just how much You want to help me. You long for me to lean on You for everything and in every moment. You don't want me to decide what you should or should not handle. You want me to spend every moment with You: trusting You, finding strength in You, seeking Your help. Teach me to move aside my pride and surrender every fight to You. 

    Learning with You,

    Are you ready for Isaiah 42?

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