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Isaiah 44:22
Verse
Context
Jerusalem to Be Restored
21Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are My servant, O Israel. I have made you, and you are My servant; O Israel, I will never forget you. 22I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. 23Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O depths of the earth. Break forth in song, O mountains, you forests and all your trees. For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and revealed His glory in Israel.
Sermons
C.H. Spurgeon
Mel Trotter
Walter Wilson
Ian G. North
Harry Ironside
Welcome Detweiler
Derek MeltonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins "I have made thy transgressions vanish away like a cloud, and thy sins like a vapor" - Longinus admired the sublimity of the sentiment, as well as the harmony of the numbers, in the following sentence of Demosthenes: Τουτο το ψηφισμα τον τοτε τῃ πολει τερισταντα κινδυνον παρελθειν εποιησεν ὡσπερ νεφος. "This decree made the danger then hanging over the city pass away like a cloud." Probably Isaiah alludes here to the smoke rising up from the sin-offering, dispersed speedily by the wind. and rendered invisible. He who offered his sacriflce aright was as sure that the sin for which he offered it was blotted out, as that the smoke of the sacrifice was dispersed by the wind, and was no longer discernible.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
blotted out--the debt of thy sin from the account-book in which it was entered (Exo 32:32-33; Rev 20:12). as a thick cloud--scattered away by the wind (Psa 103:12). as a cloud--a descending gradation. Not only the "thick cloud" of the heavier "transgressions," but the "cloud" ("vapor" [LOWTH], not so dense, but covering the sky as a mist) of the countless "sins." These latter, though not thought much of by man, need, as much as the former, to be cleared away by the Sun of righteousness; else they will be a mist separating us from heaven (Psa 19:12-13; Jo1 1:7-9). return . . . for--The antecedent redemption is the ground of, and motive to, repentance. We do not repent in order that He may redeem us, but because He hath redeemed us (Zac 12:10; Luk 24:47; Act 3:18-19). He who believes in his being forgiven cannot but love (Luk 7:43, Luk 7:47).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions, and as a cloud thy sins,.... Sins and transgressions are compared to clouds, for the number of them, they being many as the fleeting clouds of the air; and for the nature and quality of them: as clouds are vapours rising out of the earth and sea, so these arise out of the earthly and corrupt heart of man, which is as a troubled sea; and, like the clouds, they reach up to the heavens, and the cry of them calls aloud for vengeance from thence; they cause darkness, even all that darkness, both in unregeneracy, and after conversion; they intercept the light of God's countenance, and interpose between God and the souls of men, and cause him to hide his face from them; they come between them and the sun of righteousness, and cover him out of their sight; and by means of them the light and comfort of the Holy Spirit are withdrawn; and they hinder the free passage of prayer to God, at least as to the apprehension of God's people; see Isa 59:2, and they portend a storm, and threaten with a tempest of divine wrath and vengeance; but God graciously forgives them; which is meant by "blotting" them out. Clouds are blotted out either by the wind dissipating and scattering them; or by the sun breaking through them, conquering and dispersing them, which perhaps is alluded to here; and designs not the satisfaction of Christ for sin; by which he has finished and made an end of it; but rather God's act of pardon upon it, and the application of it to his people; or the discoveries of it by Christ himself, the sun of righteousness, arising upon them with healing in his wings, that is, with pardon to their souls; saying to them, thy sins, though many, are forgiven thee; and they are so blotted out and removed as to be seen no more, and as if they had never been, as a cloud is; not only no more seen by the avenging eye of divine justice, but so removed from them as not to be seen by them, as to have no more conscience of them, or feel the load and burden of them; and though other clouds or sins may arise, yet these also are blotted out in the same way, and shall never appear against the saints to their condemnation. And as, when clouds are blotted out, there is a clear sky, a serene heaven, the sun shines in its brightness, and everything is pleasant and delightful; so when sin is pardoned, or it appears to be so, then God is beheld as the God of all grace, as all grace and love; the sinner can go with a holy boldness to him, through the blood of Christ, as being pardoned, and has fellowship with him; the evidences of interest in Christ become clear, and the comforts of the Holy Ghost are enjoyed. And let it be observed, that as no man can reach the clouds, and blot any of them out; so none can forgive sins but God, this is his sole prerogative, Isa 43:25. Here is mention made of a cloud, and a thick cloud; no clouds are so thick but God can blot them out, and these are no sins so great but he can forgive them; clouds, and thick clouds, are blotted out, lesser and greater sins are forgiven by him. Some read the words thus, "I have blotted out", wiped or washed away, "as with a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and as with a cloud thy sins" (n); and give the sense thus, as clouds pouring down with rain wash the streets from the filth of them, so the Lord, as with a deluge of pardoning grace and mercy, washes away the sins of his people; grace superabounds abounding sin, and carries it all before it, and removes it clear away; now this blessing of grace is mentioned, to attach the people of God to his service, as it follows: return unto me, for I have redeemed thee; this supposes them to have backslidden from the Lord in heart or in practice, in life and conversation, or in both, and yet the Lord had forgiven them; and which was a reason why they should return to him by repentance; as nothing is a greater motive to it, or more strongly influences it, than a discovery of pardoning grace; and then the people of God do return to God as their Father, who graciously receives them, and to Christ as their husband, to whom they are married, though backslidden, and to their duty to both. So the Targum, "return to my worship or service;'' the reason or argument enforcing it is very strong, "for I have redeemed thee"; from sin, and all its sad effects; from the law, and the curses of it; and from death and hell, and wrath to come; and therefore need not fear any of these things, or fear coming to the Lord on account of them. Such, who are redeemed, need not doubt but they shall be kindly received, though they have backslidden, and that no good thing will be withheld from them; for if God has given his Son to redeem them, he will give all things freely with him; besides, being redeemed, they are the Lord's, and therefore ought to return to him, and glorify him with their bodies and spirits, which are his; and as they are redeemed from our vain conversation, they should return from it, and not indulge one, or otherwise the end of redemption is not answered: and this being joined with the forgiveness of sin in the preceding clause, shows that that proceeds upon the foot of redemption, or upon the foot of satisfaction made by Christ; and both furnish out arguments engaging to the service of God. (n) So some in Gataker.
Isaiah 44:22
Jerusalem to Be Restored
21Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are My servant, O Israel. I have made you, and you are My servant; O Israel, I will never forget you. 22I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. 23Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O depths of the earth. Break forth in song, O mountains, you forests and all your trees. For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and revealed His glory in Israel.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice
By C.H. Spurgeon2.1K51:35GEN 6:17GEN 19:24ISA 44:22NAM 1:3MAT 24:37In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of recognizing the reality of death and the need for salvation through Christ. He highlights the role of Satan as a destructive force and warns of the consequences of procrastination in seeking God. The preacher calls for repentance and emphasizes that God's power and mercy are the reasons for his patience in judgment. The sermon ends with a prayer for sinners to come to Christ and find salvation.
Blotted Out
By Mel Trotter1.8K04:05LEV 26:31PSA 103:12PSA 139:2ECC 12:14ISA 43:25ISA 44:22MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a boy in Chicago who confessed to killing his parents. The boy's confession was recorded on a dictaphone, and when played back, it convicted him. The preacher then draws a parallel between this recording technology and God's ability to remember every word and action. He emphasizes that just as Edison's invention can capture and playback words, God keeps record of our sins. However, the preacher also highlights the hope found in the Bible, where God promises to blot out our sins and not remember them.
Gleanings From John
By Walter Wilson1.1K37:33Gospel Of JohnISA 44:22MAT 6:33JHN 8:32JHN 14:1JHN 14:16JHN 14:27In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal anecdote about sitting behind a singer and being told to be quiet. He then transitions to discussing the Gospel of John and how it contains many beautiful teachings. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and Jesus, which brings peace to the heart. He also mentions the Holy Spirit and encourages the audience to acknowledge and pray to Him. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the joy and fellowship that comes from serving the Lord and a call to action for the audience to share the gospel and focus on their spiritual work rather than dwelling on troubles.
How Are the Mighty Fallen
By Ian G. North75847:41Falling AwayPSA 119:11ISA 43:25ISA 44:22LUK 21:34LUK 21:361PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between the prophet Nathan and King David. Nathan confronts David about his sin, using a story about a rich man who steals a poor man's beloved lamb. David reacts with anger and declares that the man should die, not realizing that he is condemning himself. The preacher emphasizes the importance of staying humble and watchful, as David's downfall began with him relaxing and then being tempted by what he saw. The sermon also references the book of James, highlighting the role of our own evil desires in leading us into temptation.
Studies in Isaiah - Part 9
By Harry Ironside57546:08ExpositoryISA 40:1ISA 40:31ISA 42:1ISA 43:10ISA 44:6ISA 44:22ISA 48:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses a passage from the book of Isaiah where a man goes into the forest and fashions a figure out of a tree. The preacher uses this story to illustrate the power and creativity of God. He then moves on to discuss the message of comfort that God gives to his people, emphasizing that all flesh is like grass and the glory of man is temporary. The preacher encourages his listeners to recognize their own sinfulness and to find comfort in the enduring word of God.
Sunday Night Meditations 52 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler40830:57ISA 44:22JHN 1:141CO 6:191TH 4:16HEB 1:12PE 3:3REV 22:17The video is a sermon that emphasizes the preciousness of God's children and the importance of trusting in Jesus Christ. It highlights how God has spoken to humanity throughout history, using various means such as angels and dreams. However, in these last days, God has spoken most distinctly through His Son, Jesus Christ. The sermon also emphasizes the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, as He came to take away our sins and provide the cleansing needed for salvation.
Do Not Be Content With the Ordinary
By Derek Melton02CH 7:14NEH 9:2ISA 44:22EPH 5:27JAS 4:8Derek Melton preaches about the urgent need for the Church to separate itself from worldly influences and confess its sins before God, following the example of the Israelites in Nehemiah 9:2. He emphasizes the upcoming restoration and revival of the Church, calling for a return to holiness, righteousness, and repentance, and a rejection of the carnal prosperity doctrine that has infiltrated modern Christianity. The sermon warns against adopting secular practices and urges believers to seek God's presence and glory through confession, repentance, and a renewed dedication to holy living.
The Entire Pardon and Justification of the Believing Sinner
By Octavius Winslow0AtonementJustificationPSA 103:12ISA 44:22ISA 53:5JER 33:8ZEC 13:1ROM 5:62CO 5:21EPH 1:7HEB 9:141JN 4:10Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound nature of Christ's Atonement, asserting that true understanding of this doctrine requires a spiritually renewed mind. He explains that the Atonement is not merely a theoretical concept but a heartfelt truth that reveals the depth of human sin and the necessity of Christ's sacrifice for complete justification. Winslow argues that the Atonement offers an entire pardon for all sins, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's own sinfulness to fully appreciate the grace of God. He encourages believers to embrace the fullness of their justification in Christ, which leads to peace, sanctification, and a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, he calls for a humble and honest confession of sin, assuring that God's readiness to forgive is rooted in His infinite love and grace.
Desires for Pardoning and Sanctifying Grace
By Thomas Reade0PSA 25:11PSA 51:10PRO 3:5ISA 44:22MAT 14:30LUK 18:13ROM 3:222CO 12:9EPH 6:16PHP 4:13Thomas Reade preaches on the earnest desires for pardoning and sanctifying grace, emphasizing the need for sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. He reflects on the prayers of David, the publican, and Peter, acknowledging his own sinfulness and pleading for God's mercy and renewal of heart. Reade urges the congregation to seek salvation through Jesus Christ, to be diligent in their faith, and to rely on God's wisdom, strength, and righteousness to overcome internal conflicts and grow in holiness.
Assurance Forever
By Harry Ironside0Righteousness of GodAssurance of SalvationISA 1:5ISA 32:17ISA 43:25ISA 44:22ISA 46:13ISA 53:5ISA 61:10LUK 19:101CO 1:302CO 5:21Harry Ironside emphasizes the profound assurance and peace that comes from understanding God's righteousness and the work of Christ on the cross. He explains that true assurance is not temporary but eternal, available to all who seek God sincerely, yet many remain unsettled due to a lack of understanding of salvation. Ironside illustrates this through the story of a dying lawyer who, despite his upright life, struggled with the reality of his sins until he grasped the righteousness of God. He highlights that through Christ's sacrifice, God can justly forgive sinners, offering them peace and assurance forever. Ultimately, Ironside calls believers to rest in the finished work of Christ, which secures their eternal assurance.
I Have Blotted Out, as a Thick Cloud, Thy Transgressions
By C.H. Spurgeon0Divine MercyForgivenessPSA 103:12ISA 44:22MIC 7:19ROM 8:12CO 5:17EPH 1:7COL 2:14HEB 4:16JAS 4:81JN 1:9C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the nature of sin as a cloud that obscures the light of God's presence, illustrating how our transgressions can darken our lives and threaten us with destruction. He highlights the divine mercy of God in 'blotting out' our sins, which removes them entirely through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, ensuring that no sin remains for the justified. Spurgeon encourages believers to return to God, reminding them that they should not live distanced from Him after receiving forgiveness, but rather strive for a closer communion with the Lord.
The Case of the Japanese Barber
By Walter Wilson0ISA 44:22ACT 10:43ROM 5:6COL 2:141JN 1:7Walter Wilson shares a powerful testimony of divine intervention leading him to a Japanese barber in need of the Gospel. Through a series of delays and circumstances, the barber's heart is opened to receive the message of salvation, finding peace and joy in accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior. The encounter highlights the importance of sharing the love and forgiveness of Christ with others, especially those who may have never heard the true message of salvation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins "I have made thy transgressions vanish away like a cloud, and thy sins like a vapor" - Longinus admired the sublimity of the sentiment, as well as the harmony of the numbers, in the following sentence of Demosthenes: Τουτο το ψηφισμα τον τοτε τῃ πολει τερισταντα κινδυνον παρελθειν εποιησεν ὡσπερ νεφος. "This decree made the danger then hanging over the city pass away like a cloud." Probably Isaiah alludes here to the smoke rising up from the sin-offering, dispersed speedily by the wind. and rendered invisible. He who offered his sacriflce aright was as sure that the sin for which he offered it was blotted out, as that the smoke of the sacrifice was dispersed by the wind, and was no longer discernible.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
blotted out--the debt of thy sin from the account-book in which it was entered (Exo 32:32-33; Rev 20:12). as a thick cloud--scattered away by the wind (Psa 103:12). as a cloud--a descending gradation. Not only the "thick cloud" of the heavier "transgressions," but the "cloud" ("vapor" [LOWTH], not so dense, but covering the sky as a mist) of the countless "sins." These latter, though not thought much of by man, need, as much as the former, to be cleared away by the Sun of righteousness; else they will be a mist separating us from heaven (Psa 19:12-13; Jo1 1:7-9). return . . . for--The antecedent redemption is the ground of, and motive to, repentance. We do not repent in order that He may redeem us, but because He hath redeemed us (Zac 12:10; Luk 24:47; Act 3:18-19). He who believes in his being forgiven cannot but love (Luk 7:43, Luk 7:47).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions, and as a cloud thy sins,.... Sins and transgressions are compared to clouds, for the number of them, they being many as the fleeting clouds of the air; and for the nature and quality of them: as clouds are vapours rising out of the earth and sea, so these arise out of the earthly and corrupt heart of man, which is as a troubled sea; and, like the clouds, they reach up to the heavens, and the cry of them calls aloud for vengeance from thence; they cause darkness, even all that darkness, both in unregeneracy, and after conversion; they intercept the light of God's countenance, and interpose between God and the souls of men, and cause him to hide his face from them; they come between them and the sun of righteousness, and cover him out of their sight; and by means of them the light and comfort of the Holy Spirit are withdrawn; and they hinder the free passage of prayer to God, at least as to the apprehension of God's people; see Isa 59:2, and they portend a storm, and threaten with a tempest of divine wrath and vengeance; but God graciously forgives them; which is meant by "blotting" them out. Clouds are blotted out either by the wind dissipating and scattering them; or by the sun breaking through them, conquering and dispersing them, which perhaps is alluded to here; and designs not the satisfaction of Christ for sin; by which he has finished and made an end of it; but rather God's act of pardon upon it, and the application of it to his people; or the discoveries of it by Christ himself, the sun of righteousness, arising upon them with healing in his wings, that is, with pardon to their souls; saying to them, thy sins, though many, are forgiven thee; and they are so blotted out and removed as to be seen no more, and as if they had never been, as a cloud is; not only no more seen by the avenging eye of divine justice, but so removed from them as not to be seen by them, as to have no more conscience of them, or feel the load and burden of them; and though other clouds or sins may arise, yet these also are blotted out in the same way, and shall never appear against the saints to their condemnation. And as, when clouds are blotted out, there is a clear sky, a serene heaven, the sun shines in its brightness, and everything is pleasant and delightful; so when sin is pardoned, or it appears to be so, then God is beheld as the God of all grace, as all grace and love; the sinner can go with a holy boldness to him, through the blood of Christ, as being pardoned, and has fellowship with him; the evidences of interest in Christ become clear, and the comforts of the Holy Ghost are enjoyed. And let it be observed, that as no man can reach the clouds, and blot any of them out; so none can forgive sins but God, this is his sole prerogative, Isa 43:25. Here is mention made of a cloud, and a thick cloud; no clouds are so thick but God can blot them out, and these are no sins so great but he can forgive them; clouds, and thick clouds, are blotted out, lesser and greater sins are forgiven by him. Some read the words thus, "I have blotted out", wiped or washed away, "as with a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and as with a cloud thy sins" (n); and give the sense thus, as clouds pouring down with rain wash the streets from the filth of them, so the Lord, as with a deluge of pardoning grace and mercy, washes away the sins of his people; grace superabounds abounding sin, and carries it all before it, and removes it clear away; now this blessing of grace is mentioned, to attach the people of God to his service, as it follows: return unto me, for I have redeemed thee; this supposes them to have backslidden from the Lord in heart or in practice, in life and conversation, or in both, and yet the Lord had forgiven them; and which was a reason why they should return to him by repentance; as nothing is a greater motive to it, or more strongly influences it, than a discovery of pardoning grace; and then the people of God do return to God as their Father, who graciously receives them, and to Christ as their husband, to whom they are married, though backslidden, and to their duty to both. So the Targum, "return to my worship or service;'' the reason or argument enforcing it is very strong, "for I have redeemed thee"; from sin, and all its sad effects; from the law, and the curses of it; and from death and hell, and wrath to come; and therefore need not fear any of these things, or fear coming to the Lord on account of them. Such, who are redeemed, need not doubt but they shall be kindly received, though they have backslidden, and that no good thing will be withheld from them; for if God has given his Son to redeem them, he will give all things freely with him; besides, being redeemed, they are the Lord's, and therefore ought to return to him, and glorify him with their bodies and spirits, which are his; and as they are redeemed from our vain conversation, they should return from it, and not indulge one, or otherwise the end of redemption is not answered: and this being joined with the forgiveness of sin in the preceding clause, shows that that proceeds upon the foot of redemption, or upon the foot of satisfaction made by Christ; and both furnish out arguments engaging to the service of God. (n) So some in Gataker.