Isaiah 41:8-10

God Will Strengthen You

Isaiah 41:8-10 New King James Version

8 “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend. 9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: 10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

This section consists of a series of messages designed to comfort and encourage Israel. The literary form in which it is cast is known as the oracle of salvation (cf. 43:1–7; 44:1–5; 54:4–10). These oracles were probably given in response to a lament, such as that expressed in 40:27.

The Lord addresses Israel directly in vv. 8–16. He speaks first to reassure her that her election still stands (vv. 8–10). This word needed to be spoken, for many of the Israelites supposed that the Exile signified the end of God’s covenant with them.

One of the titles by which the Lord addresses his people is my servant (vv. 8–9). This is the first time in the book of Isaiah that the title is applied to Israel (cf. 42:1, 19; 43:10; 44:1, 2, 21, 26; 45:4; 48:20; 49:3, 5, 6; 50:10; 52:13; 53:11). Israel’s servanthood means not only that she belongs to Yahweh and owes him her allegiance, but also that she is his trusted friend and enjoys the security of his care and protection. She has nothing to fear, therefore, for God is with her and victory is assured (v. 10).

Page H. Kelley, “Isaiah,” in Proverbs–Isaiah, ed. Clifton J. Allen, Broadman Bible Commentary (Broadman Press, 1971), 303–304.