Isaiah 48

48:1-22 The Lord here calls on Israel to forsake her historic rebelliousness and listen to what he says. The Hebrew word translated listening is often synonymous with obeying or acting upon what is heard.48:1-11 This prophecy is a disputation, a speech in which the prophet argues a set of points against his audience.48:1-2 Israel was religious but not truly committed to the Lord.48:1 Jacob . . . Judah: Although Isaiah’s normal focus was on Judah, here he addressed all the tribes of Israel.

48:3 The Lord had forewarned Israel of what was going to happen in the Exile.

48:6-7 Even though Israel had repeatedly failed to believe God’s past predictions, here he revealed new things that were not yet heard. Specifically, God revealed that Babylon would fall and Israel would be restored.

48:10 The Exile was a furnace of suffering (cp. Deut 4:20) through which God refined Israel.

48:11 I will not let my reputation be tarnished: Israel’s exile raised questions among the nations about the Lord’s character and reputation. The nations would not have perceived that Israel’s wicked character led to the Exile. Instead they would have viewed it as a failure of Israel’s God to protect his people and their land (see 36:19-20; 37:12; Ezek 36:19-26).

48:12-22 This final trial speech reviews the arguments of chs 40–48 and announces the final conclusion.

48:14 chosen Cyrus (literally him) as his ally: See 44:28; 45:1-2.

48:15 I will send him and will help him succeed: Cyrus would humiliate Babylon and liberate Israel (45:1-4).

48:16 I have told you plainly: God’s promises are clear, though not always specific as to manner and time. • now the Sovereign Lord and his Spirit have sent me with this message: The identity of the one who is sent is unclear. Isaiah might be referring to himself as a Spirit-inspired prophet who spoke the very words of God to Israel. The connection with the Spirit suggests that it refers to the promised servant, the Messiah. • The presence of the Spirit assures the servant’s success.

48:18 Peace and righteousness will be established when the Kingdom of God comes in its fullness (see 66:12). • like a gentle river . . . like waves: An abundance of comforting peace and overflowing resources of righteousness (cp. Amos 5:24) could have been Israel’s if its people had only listened to God.

48:19 Your descendants . . . like the sands: This would fulfill God’s covenant to Abraham (Gen 22:17); by contrast, the Israelites were nearly wiped out in the Exile (see Isa 44:26).

48:20 Leave Babylon: See also 52:11-12; 55:12.

48:21 not thirsty . . . rock . . . water gushed: These reminders of God’s provision in the Exodus provide a fitting summary of what he would do to rescue Israel from captivity in Babylon (see Num 20:11).

48:22 This refrain, no peace for the wicked (also 57:21), continues the sharp divide between the godly and the wicked (see 66:24). Peace speaks of God’s kingdom, from which the wicked are excluded.