Translation: ESV
Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment.
All nations must stand before God, the Lord of history.
▸God summons the nations to a courtroom.
God summons the nations to a courtroom. 'Be silent before me, O coastlands'—all nations must be silent before God. This is a cosmic trial to determine who governs history.
Who stirred up one from the east whom victory meets at every step? He gives up nations before him, so that he tramples kings underfoot; he makes them like dust with his sword, like driven stubble with his bow.
God uses even a foreign king to accomplish his plan of salvation.
▸'The one stirred up from the east' refers to Cyrus the Great.
Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
The eternal God governs the first and the last of history.
▸God's self-declaration: 'I, the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend.
God's chosen people are called as servants of service.
▸'My servant Israel'—from chapter 41 Israel begins to be called 'the servant of the LORD.
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
God's presence and power overcome all fear.
▸This is one of the most comforting verses in the entire Bible.
For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'
God himself holds our hand.
▸'I hold your right hand'—just as a father holds the hand of a young child, God holds the hand of Israel.
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
God answers the prayer of the weakest and will not forsake them.
▸The poorest and weakest are the special objects of God's care.
Set forth your case, says the LORD; bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob.
The fulfillment of prophecy is the evidence of the true God.
▸God challenges the idols: 'Bring your evidence.
But when I look, there is no one; among these there is no counselor who, when I ask, gives an answer.
Idols know nothing, say nothing, and can do nothing.
▸The idols give no answer.