Outline of the book (BKC)
I. The Retribution of God (chaps. 1–39)
II. The Restoration by God (chaps. 40–66)
A. Deliverance of God’s People (chaps. 40–48)
1. The majesty of God (chap. 40)
(BKC) In these chapters (40-48) the prophet reminded the people of their coming deliverance because of the Lord’s greatness and their unique relationship with Him. He is majestic (chap. 40), and He protects Israel and not the world’s pagan nations (chap. 41). Though Israel had been unworthy (chap. 42) the Lord had promised to regather her (43:1–44:5). Because He, the only God (44:6–45:25), was superior to Babylon He would make Babylon fall (chaps. 46–47). Therefore Isaiah exhorted the Israelites to live righteously and to flee away from Babylon (chap. 48). Judah’s people are viewed as being in Babylon (43:14; 47:1; 48:20) and Jerusalem in ruins (44:26).
1. Context:
Words of comfort: Deliverance is coming (40:1–11)...Additional words of comfort: God is majestic (40:12–26)
(NET) The implied answer to the rhetorical questions of v. 12 is “no one but the Lord. The Lord, and no other, created the world. Like a merchant weighing out silver or commodities on a scale, the Lord established the various components of the physical universe in precise proportions...The implied answer to the rhetorical questions in vv. 13–14 is, “No one.” In contrast to Marduk, the creator-god of Mesopotamian myths who receives help from the god of wisdom, the Lord neither needs nor receives any such advice or help.
2. Repeated meaning:
comprehends (BDAG-mete, measure out) the mind, v.12, 13
gives him instruction as his counselor, receive directions, teaches him the correct way to do things, imparts knowledge, instructs him in skillful design
God does not need someone else to teach him knowledge, instruction, how to do things, or anything to do with His skill in creating this world (v.12)
Implication: if this world is created solely by God He is the sole Creator and Owner of this world. No one else can share His authority and sovereignty over us.
(EBC) We must remember that the Jews in Babylon were to be in the midst of an impressive polytheism. Soon the prophet will commence his attack on idolatry (v.18). Whybray’s thesis is that this attack is already introduced here; for—unlike Marduk, the supreme Babylonian deity—the Lord, in his creative work (v.14), takes no advice from other gods, because there are none.
Implication: Trust Him and care by Him will be the safest thing and the best thing of the world.
Reflection: Am I being influence by the culture around me in my concept of God (e.g. like Jews living in Babylon and were impressed with polytheism and made them question if God was given wisdom during the creation)? What have impressed me and influence me? Independency of human beings (from other people), democracy, or humanity? Do I read these concept into Scriptures and create a concept of God foreign to Scriptures?
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