Jeremiah 14

Jeremiah 14:1

The Idols Mocked

The whole message of the previous section is: ‘Trust Me, the Rock, and not the idols.’ Again and again the people tend to trust the idols of the nations. In this light one of the most striking of all Divine protests against the idols and their creators follows in these verses in flowery language (cf. Jeremiah 10:1-16).

There are two things to note on the subject of ‘idols’. One is that behind the idols are demons (Deuteronomy 32:17a; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20; Revelation 9:20). This means that serving idols is actually serving demons. The images represent concrete demonic powers, angels of satan. This also applies especially to the image that the antichrist will make (Revelation 13:14-15).

The other thing is that idols are ‘nothing’. They are ‘vanities’, ‘nullities’, that is to say, they represent nothing. Anyone who thinks that the image, the product of human hands, can help is a great fool. Anyone who seeks the help of the idols will also fall into chaos. Pointing out this foolishness, demonstrating its ridiculousness, will also work deliverance from the power of demons for him who realizes it.

The LORD ridicules those idols. Unlike Israel as God’s witness, the idols give testimony of their own powerlessness (Isaiah 44:9). From this self-testimony a scathing mockery is poured out over their makers. What foolishness it is to fabricate your own god and then expect something of it (Isaiah 44:10). Surely it is clear to every sensible person that a dead piece of material can’t work anything, isn’t it (Isaiah 44:11)? God creates man, but these people put it the other way around: man creates with a waste of all his powers a god – an image of metal or of wood – for which he fashions the material himself (Isaiah 44:12-14).

In the same way, man today is creating himself a god according to his own ‘dimensions’. Not the Bible is the standard, but one’s own judgment. Man wants a god who fulfills his wishes, who acts as he thinks is right. We are perhaps more guilty of this idolatry than we are aware of. A god who is only full of love and does not take evil so seriously, is such a god of one’s own making. The same goes for a god who can only judge and from whom no pity can be expected.

God here condemns Israel, who has turned from his Maker to the heathen use of idols. In Isaiah 44:15-17 we see how the same piece of wood serves to satisfy both the natural and religious needs of a human being. It shows that sinful man in his folly pursues the satisfaction of both needs in the same way. The whole part is full of man’s activity. They work hard, but without knowledge, for they are “darkened in their understanding” (Isaiah 44:18-19; Ephesians 4:17-18).

None of them get the idea that they are engaged in supreme foolishness. They feed on ashes, on something from which all life has disappeared, in which nothing useful is present anymore (Isaiah 44:20). They do not notice that they are engaged in deceit. It is clear that praying to these images, which are made by human hands, is vain and useless.

It’s like so many people today who willingly allow themselves to be deceived by horoscopes and occultism, rather than come into contact with the truth. They simply don’t wonder if it could also be deceit. If they do not repent, they will not save their lives and will perish forever.

The danger of idolatry is also not limited to unbelievers, because believers are also warned of this danger: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). In addition to serving images, there are many things that can take the place of the one true God, for example the Mammon, the god of money (Matthew 6:24). That is why the call to flee the love of money sounds (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

Jeremiah 14:2

The Idols Mocked

The whole message of the previous section is: ‘Trust Me, the Rock, and not the idols.’ Again and again the people tend to trust the idols of the nations. In this light one of the most striking of all Divine protests against the idols and their creators follows in these verses in flowery language (cf. Jeremiah 10:1-16).

There are two things to note on the subject of ‘idols’. One is that behind the idols are demons (Deuteronomy 32:17a; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20; Revelation 9:20). This means that serving idols is actually serving demons. The images represent concrete demonic powers, angels of satan. This also applies especially to the image that the antichrist will make (Revelation 13:14-15).

The other thing is that idols are ‘nothing’. They are ‘vanities’, ‘nullities’, that is to say, they represent nothing. Anyone who thinks that the image, the product of human hands, can help is a great fool. Anyone who seeks the help of the idols will also fall into chaos. Pointing out this foolishness, demonstrating its ridiculousness, will also work deliverance from the power of demons for him who realizes it.

The LORD ridicules those idols. Unlike Israel as God’s witness, the idols give testimony of their own powerlessness (Isaiah 44:9). From this self-testimony a scathing mockery is poured out over their makers. What foolishness it is to fabricate your own god and then expect something of it (Isaiah 44:10). Surely it is clear to every sensible person that a dead piece of material can’t work anything, isn’t it (Isaiah 44:11)? God creates man, but these people put it the other way around: man creates with a waste of all his powers a god – an image of metal or of wood – for which he fashions the material himself (Isaiah 44:12-14).

In the same way, man today is creating himself a god according to his own ‘dimensions’. Not the Bible is the standard, but one’s own judgment. Man wants a god who fulfills his wishes, who acts as he thinks is right. We are perhaps more guilty of this idolatry than we are aware of. A god who is only full of love and does not take evil so seriously, is such a god of one’s own making. The same goes for a god who can only judge and from whom no pity can be expected.

God here condemns Israel, who has turned from his Maker to the heathen use of idols. In Isaiah 44:15-17 we see how the same piece of wood serves to satisfy both the natural and religious needs of a human being. It shows that sinful man in his folly pursues the satisfaction of both needs in the same way. The whole part is full of man’s activity. They work hard, but without knowledge, for they are “darkened in their understanding” (Isaiah 44:18-19; Ephesians 4:17-18).

None of them get the idea that they are engaged in supreme foolishness. They feed on ashes, on something from which all life has disappeared, in which nothing useful is present anymore (Isaiah 44:20). They do not notice that they are engaged in deceit. It is clear that praying to these images, which are made by human hands, is vain and useless.

It’s like so many people today who willingly allow themselves to be deceived by horoscopes and occultism, rather than come into contact with the truth. They simply don’t wonder if it could also be deceit. If they do not repent, they will not save their lives and will perish forever.

The danger of idolatry is also not limited to unbelievers, because believers are also warned of this danger: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). In addition to serving images, there are many things that can take the place of the one true God, for example the Mammon, the god of money (Matthew 6:24). That is why the call to flee the love of money sounds (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

Jeremiah 14:3

The Idols Mocked

The whole message of the previous section is: ‘Trust Me, the Rock, and not the idols.’ Again and again the people tend to trust the idols of the nations. In this light one of the most striking of all Divine protests against the idols and their creators follows in these verses in flowery language (cf. Jeremiah 10:1-16).

There are two things to note on the subject of ‘idols’. One is that behind the idols are demons (Deuteronomy 32:17a; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20; Revelation 9:20). This means that serving idols is actually serving demons. The images represent concrete demonic powers, angels of satan. This also applies especially to the image that the antichrist will make (Revelation 13:14-15).

The other thing is that idols are ‘nothing’. They are ‘vanities’, ‘nullities’, that is to say, they represent nothing. Anyone who thinks that the image, the product of human hands, can help is a great fool. Anyone who seeks the help of the idols will also fall into chaos. Pointing out this foolishness, demonstrating its ridiculousness, will also work deliverance from the power of demons for him who realizes it.

The LORD ridicules those idols. Unlike Israel as God’s witness, the idols give testimony of their own powerlessness (Isaiah 44:9). From this self-testimony a scathing mockery is poured out over their makers. What foolishness it is to fabricate your own god and then expect something of it (Isaiah 44:10). Surely it is clear to every sensible person that a dead piece of material can’t work anything, isn’t it (Isaiah 44:11)? God creates man, but these people put it the other way around: man creates with a waste of all his powers a god – an image of metal or of wood – for which he fashions the material himself (Isaiah 44:12-14).

In the same way, man today is creating himself a god according to his own ‘dimensions’. Not the Bible is the standard, but one’s own judgment. Man wants a god who fulfills his wishes, who acts as he thinks is right. We are perhaps more guilty of this idolatry than we are aware of. A god who is only full of love and does not take evil so seriously, is such a god of one’s own making. The same goes for a god who can only judge and from whom no pity can be expected.

God here condemns Israel, who has turned from his Maker to the heathen use of idols. In Isaiah 44:15-17 we see how the same piece of wood serves to satisfy both the natural and religious needs of a human being. It shows that sinful man in his folly pursues the satisfaction of both needs in the same way. The whole part is full of man’s activity. They work hard, but without knowledge, for they are “darkened in their understanding” (Isaiah 44:18-19; Ephesians 4:17-18).

None of them get the idea that they are engaged in supreme foolishness. They feed on ashes, on something from which all life has disappeared, in which nothing useful is present anymore (Isaiah 44:20). They do not notice that they are engaged in deceit. It is clear that praying to these images, which are made by human hands, is vain and useless.

It’s like so many people today who willingly allow themselves to be deceived by horoscopes and occultism, rather than come into contact with the truth. They simply don’t wonder if it could also be deceit. If they do not repent, they will not save their lives and will perish forever.

The danger of idolatry is also not limited to unbelievers, because believers are also warned of this danger: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). In addition to serving images, there are many things that can take the place of the one true God, for example the Mammon, the god of money (Matthew 6:24). That is why the call to flee the love of money sounds (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

Jeremiah 14:4

The Idols Mocked

The whole message of the previous section is: ‘Trust Me, the Rock, and not the idols.’ Again and again the people tend to trust the idols of the nations. In this light one of the most striking of all Divine protests against the idols and their creators follows in these verses in flowery language (cf. Jeremiah 10:1-16).

There are two things to note on the subject of ‘idols’. One is that behind the idols are demons (Deuteronomy 32:17a; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20; Revelation 9:20). This means that serving idols is actually serving demons. The images represent concrete demonic powers, angels of satan. This also applies especially to the image that the antichrist will make (Revelation 13:14-15).

The other thing is that idols are ‘nothing’. They are ‘vanities’, ‘nullities’, that is to say, they represent nothing. Anyone who thinks that the image, the product of human hands, can help is a great fool. Anyone who seeks the help of the idols will also fall into chaos. Pointing out this foolishness, demonstrating its ridiculousness, will also work deliverance from the power of demons for him who realizes it.

The LORD ridicules those idols. Unlike Israel as God’s witness, the idols give testimony of their own powerlessness (Isaiah 44:9). From this self-testimony a scathing mockery is poured out over their makers. What foolishness it is to fabricate your own god and then expect something of it (Isaiah 44:10). Surely it is clear to every sensible person that a dead piece of material can’t work anything, isn’t it (Isaiah 44:11)? God creates man, but these people put it the other way around: man creates with a waste of all his powers a god – an image of metal or of wood – for which he fashions the material himself (Isaiah 44:12-14).

In the same way, man today is creating himself a god according to his own ‘dimensions’. Not the Bible is the standard, but one’s own judgment. Man wants a god who fulfills his wishes, who acts as he thinks is right. We are perhaps more guilty of this idolatry than we are aware of. A god who is only full of love and does not take evil so seriously, is such a god of one’s own making. The same goes for a god who can only judge and from whom no pity can be expected.

God here condemns Israel, who has turned from his Maker to the heathen use of idols. In Isaiah 44:15-17 we see how the same piece of wood serves to satisfy both the natural and religious needs of a human being. It shows that sinful man in his folly pursues the satisfaction of both needs in the same way. The whole part is full of man’s activity. They work hard, but without knowledge, for they are “darkened in their understanding” (Isaiah 44:18-19; Ephesians 4:17-18).

None of them get the idea that they are engaged in supreme foolishness. They feed on ashes, on something from which all life has disappeared, in which nothing useful is present anymore (Isaiah 44:20). They do not notice that they are engaged in deceit. It is clear that praying to these images, which are made by human hands, is vain and useless.

It’s like so many people today who willingly allow themselves to be deceived by horoscopes and occultism, rather than come into contact with the truth. They simply don’t wonder if it could also be deceit. If they do not repent, they will not save their lives and will perish forever.

The danger of idolatry is also not limited to unbelievers, because believers are also warned of this danger: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). In addition to serving images, there are many things that can take the place of the one true God, for example the Mammon, the god of money (Matthew 6:24). That is why the call to flee the love of money sounds (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

Jeremiah 14:5

The Idols Mocked

The whole message of the previous section is: ‘Trust Me, the Rock, and not the idols.’ Again and again the people tend to trust the idols of the nations. In this light one of the most striking of all Divine protests against the idols and their creators follows in these verses in flowery language (cf. Jeremiah 10:1-16).

There are two things to note on the subject of ‘idols’. One is that behind the idols are demons (Deuteronomy 32:17a; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20; Revelation 9:20). This means that serving idols is actually serving demons. The images represent concrete demonic powers, angels of satan. This also applies especially to the image that the antichrist will make (Revelation 13:14-15).

The other thing is that idols are ‘nothing’. They are ‘vanities’, ‘nullities’, that is to say, they represent nothing. Anyone who thinks that the image, the product of human hands, can help is a great fool. Anyone who seeks the help of the idols will also fall into chaos. Pointing out this foolishness, demonstrating its ridiculousness, will also work deliverance from the power of demons for him who realizes it.

The LORD ridicules those idols. Unlike Israel as God’s witness, the idols give testimony of their own powerlessness (Isaiah 44:9). From this self-testimony a scathing mockery is poured out over their makers. What foolishness it is to fabricate your own god and then expect something of it (Isaiah 44:10). Surely it is clear to every sensible person that a dead piece of material can’t work anything, isn’t it (Isaiah 44:11)? God creates man, but these people put it the other way around: man creates with a waste of all his powers a god – an image of metal or of wood – for which he fashions the material himself (Isaiah 44:12-14).

In the same way, man today is creating himself a god according to his own ‘dimensions’. Not the Bible is the standard, but one’s own judgment. Man wants a god who fulfills his wishes, who acts as he thinks is right. We are perhaps more guilty of this idolatry than we are aware of. A god who is only full of love and does not take evil so seriously, is such a god of one’s own making. The same goes for a god who can only judge and from whom no pity can be expected.

God here condemns Israel, who has turned from his Maker to the heathen use of idols. In Isaiah 44:15-17 we see how the same piece of wood serves to satisfy both the natural and religious needs of a human being. It shows that sinful man in his folly pursues the satisfaction of both needs in the same way. The whole part is full of man’s activity. They work hard, but without knowledge, for they are “darkened in their understanding” (Isaiah 44:18-19; Ephesians 4:17-18).

None of them get the idea that they are engaged in supreme foolishness. They feed on ashes, on something from which all life has disappeared, in which nothing useful is present anymore (Isaiah 44:20). They do not notice that they are engaged in deceit. It is clear that praying to these images, which are made by human hands, is vain and useless.

It’s like so many people today who willingly allow themselves to be deceived by horoscopes and occultism, rather than come into contact with the truth. They simply don’t wonder if it could also be deceit. If they do not repent, they will not save their lives and will perish forever.

The danger of idolatry is also not limited to unbelievers, because believers are also warned of this danger: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). In addition to serving images, there are many things that can take the place of the one true God, for example the Mammon, the god of money (Matthew 6:24). That is why the call to flee the love of money sounds (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

Jeremiah 14:6

The Idols Mocked

The whole message of the previous section is: ‘Trust Me, the Rock, and not the idols.’ Again and again the people tend to trust the idols of the nations. In this light one of the most striking of all Divine protests against the idols and their creators follows in these verses in flowery language (cf. Jeremiah 10:1-16).

There are two things to note on the subject of ‘idols’. One is that behind the idols are demons (Deuteronomy 32:17a; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20; Revelation 9:20). This means that serving idols is actually serving demons. The images represent concrete demonic powers, angels of satan. This also applies especially to the image that the antichrist will make (Revelation 13:14-15).

The other thing is that idols are ‘nothing’. They are ‘vanities’, ‘nullities’, that is to say, they represent nothing. Anyone who thinks that the image, the product of human hands, can help is a great fool. Anyone who seeks the help of the idols will also fall into chaos. Pointing out this foolishness, demonstrating its ridiculousness, will also work deliverance from the power of demons for him who realizes it.

The LORD ridicules those idols. Unlike Israel as God’s witness, the idols give testimony of their own powerlessness (Isaiah 44:9). From this self-testimony a scathing mockery is poured out over their makers. What foolishness it is to fabricate your own god and then expect something of it (Isaiah 44:10). Surely it is clear to every sensible person that a dead piece of material can’t work anything, isn’t it (Isaiah 44:11)? God creates man, but these people put it the other way around: man creates with a waste of all his powers a god – an image of metal or of wood – for which he fashions the material himself (Isaiah 44:12-14).

In the same way, man today is creating himself a god according to his own ‘dimensions’. Not the Bible is the standard, but one’s own judgment. Man wants a god who fulfills his wishes, who acts as he thinks is right. We are perhaps more guilty of this idolatry than we are aware of. A god who is only full of love and does not take evil so seriously, is such a god of one’s own making. The same goes for a god who can only judge and from whom no pity can be expected.

God here condemns Israel, who has turned from his Maker to the heathen use of idols. In Isaiah 44:15-17 we see how the same piece of wood serves to satisfy both the natural and religious needs of a human being. It shows that sinful man in his folly pursues the satisfaction of both needs in the same way. The whole part is full of man’s activity. They work hard, but without knowledge, for they are “darkened in their understanding” (Isaiah 44:18-19; Ephesians 4:17-18).

None of them get the idea that they are engaged in supreme foolishness. They feed on ashes, on something from which all life has disappeared, in which nothing useful is present anymore (Isaiah 44:20). They do not notice that they are engaged in deceit. It is clear that praying to these images, which are made by human hands, is vain and useless.

It’s like so many people today who willingly allow themselves to be deceived by horoscopes and occultism, rather than come into contact with the truth. They simply don’t wonder if it could also be deceit. If they do not repent, they will not save their lives and will perish forever.

The danger of idolatry is also not limited to unbelievers, because believers are also warned of this danger: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). In addition to serving images, there are many things that can take the place of the one true God, for example the Mammon, the god of money (Matthew 6:24). That is why the call to flee the love of money sounds (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

Jeremiah 14:7

The Idols Mocked

The whole message of the previous section is: ‘Trust Me, the Rock, and not the idols.’ Again and again the people tend to trust the idols of the nations. In this light one of the most striking of all Divine protests against the idols and their creators follows in these verses in flowery language (cf. Jeremiah 10:1-16).

There are two things to note on the subject of ‘idols’. One is that behind the idols are demons (Deuteronomy 32:17a; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20; Revelation 9:20). This means that serving idols is actually serving demons. The images represent concrete demonic powers, angels of satan. This also applies especially to the image that the antichrist will make (Revelation 13:14-15).

The other thing is that idols are ‘nothing’. They are ‘vanities’, ‘nullities’, that is to say, they represent nothing. Anyone who thinks that the image, the product of human hands, can help is a great fool. Anyone who seeks the help of the idols will also fall into chaos. Pointing out this foolishness, demonstrating its ridiculousness, will also work deliverance from the power of demons for him who realizes it.

The LORD ridicules those idols. Unlike Israel as God’s witness, the idols give testimony of their own powerlessness (Isaiah 44:9). From this self-testimony a scathing mockery is poured out over their makers. What foolishness it is to fabricate your own god and then expect something of it (Isaiah 44:10). Surely it is clear to every sensible person that a dead piece of material can’t work anything, isn’t it (Isaiah 44:11)? God creates man, but these people put it the other way around: man creates with a waste of all his powers a god – an image of metal or of wood – for which he fashions the material himself (Isaiah 44:12-14).

In the same way, man today is creating himself a god according to his own ‘dimensions’. Not the Bible is the standard, but one’s own judgment. Man wants a god who fulfills his wishes, who acts as he thinks is right. We are perhaps more guilty of this idolatry than we are aware of. A god who is only full of love and does not take evil so seriously, is such a god of one’s own making. The same goes for a god who can only judge and from whom no pity can be expected.

God here condemns Israel, who has turned from his Maker to the heathen use of idols. In Isaiah 44:15-17 we see how the same piece of wood serves to satisfy both the natural and religious needs of a human being. It shows that sinful man in his folly pursues the satisfaction of both needs in the same way. The whole part is full of man’s activity. They work hard, but without knowledge, for they are “darkened in their understanding” (Isaiah 44:18-19; Ephesians 4:17-18).

None of them get the idea that they are engaged in supreme foolishness. They feed on ashes, on something from which all life has disappeared, in which nothing useful is present anymore (Isaiah 44:20). They do not notice that they are engaged in deceit. It is clear that praying to these images, which are made by human hands, is vain and useless.

It’s like so many people today who willingly allow themselves to be deceived by horoscopes and occultism, rather than come into contact with the truth. They simply don’t wonder if it could also be deceit. If they do not repent, they will not save their lives and will perish forever.

The danger of idolatry is also not limited to unbelievers, because believers are also warned of this danger: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). In addition to serving images, there are many things that can take the place of the one true God, for example the Mammon, the god of money (Matthew 6:24). That is why the call to flee the love of money sounds (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

Jeremiah 14:8

The Idols Mocked

The whole message of the previous section is: ‘Trust Me, the Rock, and not the idols.’ Again and again the people tend to trust the idols of the nations. In this light one of the most striking of all Divine protests against the idols and their creators follows in these verses in flowery language (cf. Jeremiah 10:1-16).

There are two things to note on the subject of ‘idols’. One is that behind the idols are demons (Deuteronomy 32:17a; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20; Revelation 9:20). This means that serving idols is actually serving demons. The images represent concrete demonic powers, angels of satan. This also applies especially to the image that the antichrist will make (Revelation 13:14-15).

The other thing is that idols are ‘nothing’. They are ‘vanities’, ‘nullities’, that is to say, they represent nothing. Anyone who thinks that the image, the product of human hands, can help is a great fool. Anyone who seeks the help of the idols will also fall into chaos. Pointing out this foolishness, demonstrating its ridiculousness, will also work deliverance from the power of demons for him who realizes it.

The LORD ridicules those idols. Unlike Israel as God’s witness, the idols give testimony of their own powerlessness (Isaiah 44:9). From this self-testimony a scathing mockery is poured out over their makers. What foolishness it is to fabricate your own god and then expect something of it (Isaiah 44:10). Surely it is clear to every sensible person that a dead piece of material can’t work anything, isn’t it (Isaiah 44:11)? God creates man, but these people put it the other way around: man creates with a waste of all his powers a god – an image of metal or of wood – for which he fashions the material himself (Isaiah 44:12-14).

In the same way, man today is creating himself a god according to his own ‘dimensions’. Not the Bible is the standard, but one’s own judgment. Man wants a god who fulfills his wishes, who acts as he thinks is right. We are perhaps more guilty of this idolatry than we are aware of. A god who is only full of love and does not take evil so seriously, is such a god of one’s own making. The same goes for a god who can only judge and from whom no pity can be expected.

God here condemns Israel, who has turned from his Maker to the heathen use of idols. In Isaiah 44:15-17 we see how the same piece of wood serves to satisfy both the natural and religious needs of a human being. It shows that sinful man in his folly pursues the satisfaction of both needs in the same way. The whole part is full of man’s activity. They work hard, but without knowledge, for they are “darkened in their understanding” (Isaiah 44:18-19; Ephesians 4:17-18).

None of them get the idea that they are engaged in supreme foolishness. They feed on ashes, on something from which all life has disappeared, in which nothing useful is present anymore (Isaiah 44:20). They do not notice that they are engaged in deceit. It is clear that praying to these images, which are made by human hands, is vain and useless.

It’s like so many people today who willingly allow themselves to be deceived by horoscopes and occultism, rather than come into contact with the truth. They simply don’t wonder if it could also be deceit. If they do not repent, they will not save their lives and will perish forever.

The danger of idolatry is also not limited to unbelievers, because believers are also warned of this danger: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). In addition to serving images, there are many things that can take the place of the one true God, for example the Mammon, the god of money (Matthew 6:24). That is why the call to flee the love of money sounds (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

Jeremiah 14:9

The LORD Does Not Forget His People

Then from Isaiah 44:21, after the activities of man in the previous verses, come the activities of the LORD. He reminds His people to keep in mind that He, the LORD, is the only true God and that the idols are nothing. He bases His exhortation on the facts that they owe their existence as a people to His supernatural activity and that as His people they are His “servant”. The second fact is a direct contrast with the idolatrous slaves of a piece of wood from a tree, as described in the previous verses.

This brings God’s heart to an expression of infinite grace. His people will not be forgotten by Him. He will wipe out their transgressions like a thick cloud and their sins like a heavy mist (Isaiah 44:22). Let them return to Him, for He has redeemed them after all! The word for “wipe out” is used for the wiping out or blotting out of

1. a name from a book (Exodus 32:32-33; Psalms 69:28);

2. a curse (Numbers 5:23);

3. the remembrance of a people (Deuteronomy 25:19);

4. sin or sins (Nehemiah 4:5; Psalms 51:1; 9; Psalms 109:14; Jeremiah 18:23; Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 44:23).

Transgressions and sins are clearly seen here as things that bring separation between God and man (Isaiah 59:2). Only the purification by His wind (Job 37:21) and the sunshine of His grace expels the cloud. All removal of guilt is only possible through the blood of Christ. His work underlies the promises made here by the LORD. The subject here is restoration, the re-establishment of fellowship, which is reflected in the invitation: “Return to Me.”

Isaiah 44:21-22 contain a very beneficial assurance of past salvation, a promise of remembering it in the future, and an invitation to return to the fellowship with God they had in the past. In view of these glorious statements, in a song of thanksgiving the whole creation is called upon to rejoice and to share in the consequences of the forgiveness that has come to Israel (Isaiah 44:23). Creation will also be set free from the curse of sin (Romans 8:21). Freedom will be the hallmark of glory. The essence of the glory that will be enjoyed by the nations lies in the fact that the LORD will glorify Himself in Israel. In the coming sections this thought will be further explained.

Jeremiah 14:10

The LORD Does Not Forget His People

Then from Isaiah 44:21, after the activities of man in the previous verses, come the activities of the LORD. He reminds His people to keep in mind that He, the LORD, is the only true God and that the idols are nothing. He bases His exhortation on the facts that they owe their existence as a people to His supernatural activity and that as His people they are His “servant”. The second fact is a direct contrast with the idolatrous slaves of a piece of wood from a tree, as described in the previous verses.

This brings God’s heart to an expression of infinite grace. His people will not be forgotten by Him. He will wipe out their transgressions like a thick cloud and their sins like a heavy mist (Isaiah 44:22). Let them return to Him, for He has redeemed them after all! The word for “wipe out” is used for the wiping out or blotting out of

1. a name from a book (Exodus 32:32-33; Psalms 69:28);

2. a curse (Numbers 5:23);

3. the remembrance of a people (Deuteronomy 25:19);

4. sin or sins (Nehemiah 4:5; Psalms 51:1; 9; Psalms 109:14; Jeremiah 18:23; Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 44:23).

Transgressions and sins are clearly seen here as things that bring separation between God and man (Isaiah 59:2). Only the purification by His wind (Job 37:21) and the sunshine of His grace expels the cloud. All removal of guilt is only possible through the blood of Christ. His work underlies the promises made here by the LORD. The subject here is restoration, the re-establishment of fellowship, which is reflected in the invitation: “Return to Me.”

Isaiah 44:21-22 contain a very beneficial assurance of past salvation, a promise of remembering it in the future, and an invitation to return to the fellowship with God they had in the past. In view of these glorious statements, in a song of thanksgiving the whole creation is called upon to rejoice and to share in the consequences of the forgiveness that has come to Israel (Isaiah 44:23). Creation will also be set free from the curse of sin (Romans 8:21). Freedom will be the hallmark of glory. The essence of the glory that will be enjoyed by the nations lies in the fact that the LORD will glorify Himself in Israel. In the coming sections this thought will be further explained.

Jeremiah 14:11

The LORD Does Not Forget His People

Then from Isaiah 44:21, after the activities of man in the previous verses, come the activities of the LORD. He reminds His people to keep in mind that He, the LORD, is the only true God and that the idols are nothing. He bases His exhortation on the facts that they owe their existence as a people to His supernatural activity and that as His people they are His “servant”. The second fact is a direct contrast with the idolatrous slaves of a piece of wood from a tree, as described in the previous verses.

This brings God’s heart to an expression of infinite grace. His people will not be forgotten by Him. He will wipe out their transgressions like a thick cloud and their sins like a heavy mist (Isaiah 44:22). Let them return to Him, for He has redeemed them after all! The word for “wipe out” is used for the wiping out or blotting out of

1. a name from a book (Exodus 32:32-33; Psalms 69:28);

2. a curse (Numbers 5:23);

3. the remembrance of a people (Deuteronomy 25:19);

4. sin or sins (Nehemiah 4:5; Psalms 51:1; 9; Psalms 109:14; Jeremiah 18:23; Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 44:23).

Transgressions and sins are clearly seen here as things that bring separation between God and man (Isaiah 59:2). Only the purification by His wind (Job 37:21) and the sunshine of His grace expels the cloud. All removal of guilt is only possible through the blood of Christ. His work underlies the promises made here by the LORD. The subject here is restoration, the re-establishment of fellowship, which is reflected in the invitation: “Return to Me.”

Isaiah 44:21-22 contain a very beneficial assurance of past salvation, a promise of remembering it in the future, and an invitation to return to the fellowship with God they had in the past. In view of these glorious statements, in a song of thanksgiving the whole creation is called upon to rejoice and to share in the consequences of the forgiveness that has come to Israel (Isaiah 44:23). Creation will also be set free from the curse of sin (Romans 8:21). Freedom will be the hallmark of glory. The essence of the glory that will be enjoyed by the nations lies in the fact that the LORD will glorify Himself in Israel. In the coming sections this thought will be further explained.

Jeremiah 14:12

The LORD Promises Restoration

The Redeemer of Israel, Who formed His earthly people since their earthly existence, is the LORD Who made everything (Isaiah 44:24). He formed His people, but also heaven and earth. He can and wants to redeem Israel as well. This redemption is now explained. Jerusalem is rebuilt and Babylon is judged. This explanation starts with “thus says the LORD” as an indication of a new section.

Isaiah 44:25 refers to the Babylonian soothsayers. Perhaps the Jews who live there are also tempted to ask these fortune-tellers how things will go. The LORD will cut off that road. He deals with these soothsayers with the same power with which He created heaven and earth and makes their so-called knowledge foolish (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:20b). The LORD is the Only One Who truly foretells the future (Isaiah 41:21-29), while the soothsayers are unmasked as inventors of lies.

The LORD turns the wisdom of the world into foolishness, while confirming the word of His servant and carrying out the announcement of His messengers (Isaiah 44:26; 1 Corinthians 1:21-22). Let us, to whom the message of the gospel has been entrusted, draw new courage from it. Amidst religious superstition and various forms of opposition, we know that His Word will not return to Him empty (Isaiah 55:11). Israel is the faithful servant here, as are all the faithful prophets through whom God gives His message to His people and to the nations. The servant is also now the one through whom God speaks. If His Word is faithfully passed on, He will do so because it is His Word.

In order to fulfill His Word toward His people, He causes the rivers of Babylon to dry up (Isaiah 44:27). Again (Isaiah 41:2; 25) King Cyrus is mentioned by name, about 160 years before his performance. This is a proof that only He, the one true God, Who created heaven and earth, is capable of making that advance announcement.

What Cyrus will do in draining the rivers of Babylon to capture it, to this end he receives from the LORD the insight. This gives him the opportunity to work on the destruction of Babylon and to restore Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28). The LORD calls Cyrus “My shepherd” because in this as an instrument in His hand, however weak, he is a picture of the Lord Jesus, Who will deliver His people in a perfect and definitive way and bring them into the blessing.

Jeremiah 14:13

The LORD Promises Restoration

The Redeemer of Israel, Who formed His earthly people since their earthly existence, is the LORD Who made everything (Isaiah 44:24). He formed His people, but also heaven and earth. He can and wants to redeem Israel as well. This redemption is now explained. Jerusalem is rebuilt and Babylon is judged. This explanation starts with “thus says the LORD” as an indication of a new section.

Isaiah 44:25 refers to the Babylonian soothsayers. Perhaps the Jews who live there are also tempted to ask these fortune-tellers how things will go. The LORD will cut off that road. He deals with these soothsayers with the same power with which He created heaven and earth and makes their so-called knowledge foolish (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:20b). The LORD is the Only One Who truly foretells the future (Isaiah 41:21-29), while the soothsayers are unmasked as inventors of lies.

The LORD turns the wisdom of the world into foolishness, while confirming the word of His servant and carrying out the announcement of His messengers (Isaiah 44:26; 1 Corinthians 1:21-22). Let us, to whom the message of the gospel has been entrusted, draw new courage from it. Amidst religious superstition and various forms of opposition, we know that His Word will not return to Him empty (Isaiah 55:11). Israel is the faithful servant here, as are all the faithful prophets through whom God gives His message to His people and to the nations. The servant is also now the one through whom God speaks. If His Word is faithfully passed on, He will do so because it is His Word.

In order to fulfill His Word toward His people, He causes the rivers of Babylon to dry up (Isaiah 44:27). Again (Isaiah 41:2; 25) King Cyrus is mentioned by name, about 160 years before his performance. This is a proof that only He, the one true God, Who created heaven and earth, is capable of making that advance announcement.

What Cyrus will do in draining the rivers of Babylon to capture it, to this end he receives from the LORD the insight. This gives him the opportunity to work on the destruction of Babylon and to restore Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28). The LORD calls Cyrus “My shepherd” because in this as an instrument in His hand, however weak, he is a picture of the Lord Jesus, Who will deliver His people in a perfect and definitive way and bring them into the blessing.

Jeremiah 14:14

The LORD Promises Restoration

The Redeemer of Israel, Who formed His earthly people since their earthly existence, is the LORD Who made everything (Isaiah 44:24). He formed His people, but also heaven and earth. He can and wants to redeem Israel as well. This redemption is now explained. Jerusalem is rebuilt and Babylon is judged. This explanation starts with “thus says the LORD” as an indication of a new section.

Isaiah 44:25 refers to the Babylonian soothsayers. Perhaps the Jews who live there are also tempted to ask these fortune-tellers how things will go. The LORD will cut off that road. He deals with these soothsayers with the same power with which He created heaven and earth and makes their so-called knowledge foolish (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:20b). The LORD is the Only One Who truly foretells the future (Isaiah 41:21-29), while the soothsayers are unmasked as inventors of lies.

The LORD turns the wisdom of the world into foolishness, while confirming the word of His servant and carrying out the announcement of His messengers (Isaiah 44:26; 1 Corinthians 1:21-22). Let us, to whom the message of the gospel has been entrusted, draw new courage from it. Amidst religious superstition and various forms of opposition, we know that His Word will not return to Him empty (Isaiah 55:11). Israel is the faithful servant here, as are all the faithful prophets through whom God gives His message to His people and to the nations. The servant is also now the one through whom God speaks. If His Word is faithfully passed on, He will do so because it is His Word.

In order to fulfill His Word toward His people, He causes the rivers of Babylon to dry up (Isaiah 44:27). Again (Isaiah 41:2; 25) King Cyrus is mentioned by name, about 160 years before his performance. This is a proof that only He, the one true God, Who created heaven and earth, is capable of making that advance announcement.

What Cyrus will do in draining the rivers of Babylon to capture it, to this end he receives from the LORD the insight. This gives him the opportunity to work on the destruction of Babylon and to restore Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28). The LORD calls Cyrus “My shepherd” because in this as an instrument in His hand, however weak, he is a picture of the Lord Jesus, Who will deliver His people in a perfect and definitive way and bring them into the blessing.

Jeremiah 14:15

The LORD Promises Restoration

The Redeemer of Israel, Who formed His earthly people since their earthly existence, is the LORD Who made everything (Isaiah 44:24). He formed His people, but also heaven and earth. He can and wants to redeem Israel as well. This redemption is now explained. Jerusalem is rebuilt and Babylon is judged. This explanation starts with “thus says the LORD” as an indication of a new section.

Isaiah 44:25 refers to the Babylonian soothsayers. Perhaps the Jews who live there are also tempted to ask these fortune-tellers how things will go. The LORD will cut off that road. He deals with these soothsayers with the same power with which He created heaven and earth and makes their so-called knowledge foolish (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:20b). The LORD is the Only One Who truly foretells the future (Isaiah 41:21-29), while the soothsayers are unmasked as inventors of lies.

The LORD turns the wisdom of the world into foolishness, while confirming the word of His servant and carrying out the announcement of His messengers (Isaiah 44:26; 1 Corinthians 1:21-22). Let us, to whom the message of the gospel has been entrusted, draw new courage from it. Amidst religious superstition and various forms of opposition, we know that His Word will not return to Him empty (Isaiah 55:11). Israel is the faithful servant here, as are all the faithful prophets through whom God gives His message to His people and to the nations. The servant is also now the one through whom God speaks. If His Word is faithfully passed on, He will do so because it is His Word.

In order to fulfill His Word toward His people, He causes the rivers of Babylon to dry up (Isaiah 44:27). Again (Isaiah 41:2; 25) King Cyrus is mentioned by name, about 160 years before his performance. This is a proof that only He, the one true God, Who created heaven and earth, is capable of making that advance announcement.

What Cyrus will do in draining the rivers of Babylon to capture it, to this end he receives from the LORD the insight. This gives him the opportunity to work on the destruction of Babylon and to restore Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28). The LORD calls Cyrus “My shepherd” because in this as an instrument in His hand, however weak, he is a picture of the Lord Jesus, Who will deliver His people in a perfect and definitive way and bring them into the blessing.

Jeremiah 14:16

The LORD Promises Restoration

The Redeemer of Israel, Who formed His earthly people since their earthly existence, is the LORD Who made everything (Isaiah 44:24). He formed His people, but also heaven and earth. He can and wants to redeem Israel as well. This redemption is now explained. Jerusalem is rebuilt and Babylon is judged. This explanation starts with “thus says the LORD” as an indication of a new section.

Isaiah 44:25 refers to the Babylonian soothsayers. Perhaps the Jews who live there are also tempted to ask these fortune-tellers how things will go. The LORD will cut off that road. He deals with these soothsayers with the same power with which He created heaven and earth and makes their so-called knowledge foolish (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:20b). The LORD is the Only One Who truly foretells the future (Isaiah 41:21-29), while the soothsayers are unmasked as inventors of lies.

The LORD turns the wisdom of the world into foolishness, while confirming the word of His servant and carrying out the announcement of His messengers (Isaiah 44:26; 1 Corinthians 1:21-22). Let us, to whom the message of the gospel has been entrusted, draw new courage from it. Amidst religious superstition and various forms of opposition, we know that His Word will not return to Him empty (Isaiah 55:11). Israel is the faithful servant here, as are all the faithful prophets through whom God gives His message to His people and to the nations. The servant is also now the one through whom God speaks. If His Word is faithfully passed on, He will do so because it is His Word.

In order to fulfill His Word toward His people, He causes the rivers of Babylon to dry up (Isaiah 44:27). Again (Isaiah 41:2; 25) King Cyrus is mentioned by name, about 160 years before his performance. This is a proof that only He, the one true God, Who created heaven and earth, is capable of making that advance announcement.

What Cyrus will do in draining the rivers of Babylon to capture it, to this end he receives from the LORD the insight. This gives him the opportunity to work on the destruction of Babylon and to restore Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28). The LORD calls Cyrus “My shepherd” because in this as an instrument in His hand, however weak, he is a picture of the Lord Jesus, Who will deliver His people in a perfect and definitive way and bring them into the blessing.

Jeremiah 14:18

Cyrus Called by the LORD

This chapter begins with a second message from the LORD about Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1). The first message is a prophecy foretelling His coming (Isaiah 44:28). Now it is a word to him personally. He is a heathen ruler, but the LORD has taken his right hand, indicating that he is an instrument in the hand of the LORD, although he is not at all aware of being subject to a higher power (Isaiah 45:5). This is a world of difference with Asaph, who is aware that the LORD has taken hold of his right hand (Psalms 73:23).

The titles granted to him and the provisions made for him are unique. Something similar has never been said of any heathen ruler. He is called the ‘anointed’ of the LORD, that is literally ‘messiah’. Earlier the LORD has already called him “My shepherd” (Isaiah 44:28). The fact that Isaiah uses the title ‘anointed’ for a heathen ruler will have amazed the Jews. After all, it is a title reserved for priests and kings of Israel. But why now someone from the nations? That is precisely the message of God, that He is not only the God of Israel, but of the entire world. He can use whoever He wants and save whoever He wants.

The LORD will use Cyrus and pave his way by removing all obstacles before him. He will be able to penetrate everywhere (Isaiah 45:2; cf. Isaiah 40:4). Through his conquests he will obtain immense riches (Isaiah 45:3). The redemption brought about by Cyrus is a prelude to the redemption that the Lord Jesus, the true Anointed of God, the Messiah, will bring about at His return.

The details of Isa 45:1-3 are given in the prophecy of the prophet Daniel. There it is Darius who takes Babylon, but behind him we see the rising power of Cyrus. We see how Belshazzar is deprived of all power, how the gates of Babylon are broken open, with the result that all hidden treasures end up in the hands of Cyrus (Daniel 5:25-30).

The LORD will do the same, that Cyrus may come to the acknowledgment that He has led him and given him that prosperity. He does not seem to have come to that acknowledgment. Nevertheless, he will receive all that wealth and prosperity because, without knowing it himself, he is the deliverer of God’s people who delivers them from exile in Babylon (Isaiah 45:4; Ezra 1:1-4). The confirmation that it is the LORD and no one else (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:4b-6) to Whom he owes his prosperity is in Isaiah 45:5. The goal the LORD has in mind is that one will know on the whole earth that He alone is the true and only God (Isaiah 45:6). The restoration that Cyrus will grant to God’s people must have this result.

“Light” and “darkness” are in God’s hand (Isaiah 45:7). In the creation of light (Genesis 1:3), the creation of darkness, although not explicitly stated, is contained. Light is said to be good (Genesis 1:4). This is not said of darkness. What we do read, however, is that God, when He sees everything He has made, including darkness, saw that it was very good (Genesis 1:2-5; 31). This presupposes that the darkness is not something negative, because the darkness has been given a function by God (cf.

Psalms 104:19-24). God, Who in His creation has given a place to darkness, which is not evil in itself, can use the darkness after the fall into sin to symbolize something evil with it. Thus, He Who is exalted above all things can cause “well-being” where there is discontent, but can also create “calamity” and bring it as punishment on sin (cf. Isaiah 10:5-12).

In the same way, God does not make man wicked, but when he reveals himself in this way, God knows how to use him for His purpose (Proverbs 16:4; Amos 3:6b). Here it is about wars with their terrible consequences, as Cyrus will fight them, and the well-being that will come from them for Israel.

In Isaiah 45:8 the statement of Isa 45:7 focuses on salvation and follows the assurance that the LORD will establish righteousness on earth as a blessing from heaven. Thus righteousness will also be produced on earth. Here again in Cyrus we can recognize a type of Christ, the King of righteousness, the true Melchizedek Who will come.

Jeremiah 14:19

Cyrus Called by the LORD

This chapter begins with a second message from the LORD about Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1). The first message is a prophecy foretelling His coming (Isaiah 44:28). Now it is a word to him personally. He is a heathen ruler, but the LORD has taken his right hand, indicating that he is an instrument in the hand of the LORD, although he is not at all aware of being subject to a higher power (Isaiah 45:5). This is a world of difference with Asaph, who is aware that the LORD has taken hold of his right hand (Psalms 73:23).

The titles granted to him and the provisions made for him are unique. Something similar has never been said of any heathen ruler. He is called the ‘anointed’ of the LORD, that is literally ‘messiah’. Earlier the LORD has already called him “My shepherd” (Isaiah 44:28). The fact that Isaiah uses the title ‘anointed’ for a heathen ruler will have amazed the Jews. After all, it is a title reserved for priests and kings of Israel. But why now someone from the nations? That is precisely the message of God, that He is not only the God of Israel, but of the entire world. He can use whoever He wants and save whoever He wants.

The LORD will use Cyrus and pave his way by removing all obstacles before him. He will be able to penetrate everywhere (Isaiah 45:2; cf. Isaiah 40:4). Through his conquests he will obtain immense riches (Isaiah 45:3). The redemption brought about by Cyrus is a prelude to the redemption that the Lord Jesus, the true Anointed of God, the Messiah, will bring about at His return.

The details of Isa 45:1-3 are given in the prophecy of the prophet Daniel. There it is Darius who takes Babylon, but behind him we see the rising power of Cyrus. We see how Belshazzar is deprived of all power, how the gates of Babylon are broken open, with the result that all hidden treasures end up in the hands of Cyrus (Daniel 5:25-30).

The LORD will do the same, that Cyrus may come to the acknowledgment that He has led him and given him that prosperity. He does not seem to have come to that acknowledgment. Nevertheless, he will receive all that wealth and prosperity because, without knowing it himself, he is the deliverer of God’s people who delivers them from exile in Babylon (Isaiah 45:4; Ezra 1:1-4). The confirmation that it is the LORD and no one else (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:4b-6) to Whom he owes his prosperity is in Isaiah 45:5. The goal the LORD has in mind is that one will know on the whole earth that He alone is the true and only God (Isaiah 45:6). The restoration that Cyrus will grant to God’s people must have this result.

“Light” and “darkness” are in God’s hand (Isaiah 45:7). In the creation of light (Genesis 1:3), the creation of darkness, although not explicitly stated, is contained. Light is said to be good (Genesis 1:4). This is not said of darkness. What we do read, however, is that God, when He sees everything He has made, including darkness, saw that it was very good (Genesis 1:2-5; 31). This presupposes that the darkness is not something negative, because the darkness has been given a function by God (cf.

Psalms 104:19-24). God, Who in His creation has given a place to darkness, which is not evil in itself, can use the darkness after the fall into sin to symbolize something evil with it. Thus, He Who is exalted above all things can cause “well-being” where there is discontent, but can also create “calamity” and bring it as punishment on sin (cf. Isaiah 10:5-12).

In the same way, God does not make man wicked, but when he reveals himself in this way, God knows how to use him for His purpose (Proverbs 16:4; Amos 3:6b). Here it is about wars with their terrible consequences, as Cyrus will fight them, and the well-being that will come from them for Israel.

In Isaiah 45:8 the statement of Isa 45:7 focuses on salvation and follows the assurance that the LORD will establish righteousness on earth as a blessing from heaven. Thus righteousness will also be produced on earth. Here again in Cyrus we can recognize a type of Christ, the King of righteousness, the true Melchizedek Who will come.

Jeremiah 14:20

Cyrus Called by the LORD

This chapter begins with a second message from the LORD about Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1). The first message is a prophecy foretelling His coming (Isaiah 44:28). Now it is a word to him personally. He is a heathen ruler, but the LORD has taken his right hand, indicating that he is an instrument in the hand of the LORD, although he is not at all aware of being subject to a higher power (Isaiah 45:5). This is a world of difference with Asaph, who is aware that the LORD has taken hold of his right hand (Psalms 73:23).

The titles granted to him and the provisions made for him are unique. Something similar has never been said of any heathen ruler. He is called the ‘anointed’ of the LORD, that is literally ‘messiah’. Earlier the LORD has already called him “My shepherd” (Isaiah 44:28). The fact that Isaiah uses the title ‘anointed’ for a heathen ruler will have amazed the Jews. After all, it is a title reserved for priests and kings of Israel. But why now someone from the nations? That is precisely the message of God, that He is not only the God of Israel, but of the entire world. He can use whoever He wants and save whoever He wants.

The LORD will use Cyrus and pave his way by removing all obstacles before him. He will be able to penetrate everywhere (Isaiah 45:2; cf. Isaiah 40:4). Through his conquests he will obtain immense riches (Isaiah 45:3). The redemption brought about by Cyrus is a prelude to the redemption that the Lord Jesus, the true Anointed of God, the Messiah, will bring about at His return.

The details of Isa 45:1-3 are given in the prophecy of the prophet Daniel. There it is Darius who takes Babylon, but behind him we see the rising power of Cyrus. We see how Belshazzar is deprived of all power, how the gates of Babylon are broken open, with the result that all hidden treasures end up in the hands of Cyrus (Daniel 5:25-30).

The LORD will do the same, that Cyrus may come to the acknowledgment that He has led him and given him that prosperity. He does not seem to have come to that acknowledgment. Nevertheless, he will receive all that wealth and prosperity because, without knowing it himself, he is the deliverer of God’s people who delivers them from exile in Babylon (Isaiah 45:4; Ezra 1:1-4). The confirmation that it is the LORD and no one else (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:4b-6) to Whom he owes his prosperity is in Isaiah 45:5. The goal the LORD has in mind is that one will know on the whole earth that He alone is the true and only God (Isaiah 45:6). The restoration that Cyrus will grant to God’s people must have this result.

“Light” and “darkness” are in God’s hand (Isaiah 45:7). In the creation of light (Genesis 1:3), the creation of darkness, although not explicitly stated, is contained. Light is said to be good (Genesis 1:4). This is not said of darkness. What we do read, however, is that God, when He sees everything He has made, including darkness, saw that it was very good (Genesis 1:2-5; 31). This presupposes that the darkness is not something negative, because the darkness has been given a function by God (cf.

Psalms 104:19-24). God, Who in His creation has given a place to darkness, which is not evil in itself, can use the darkness after the fall into sin to symbolize something evil with it. Thus, He Who is exalted above all things can cause “well-being” where there is discontent, but can also create “calamity” and bring it as punishment on sin (cf. Isaiah 10:5-12).

In the same way, God does not make man wicked, but when he reveals himself in this way, God knows how to use him for His purpose (Proverbs 16:4; Amos 3:6b). Here it is about wars with their terrible consequences, as Cyrus will fight them, and the well-being that will come from them for Israel.

In Isaiah 45:8 the statement of Isa 45:7 focuses on salvation and follows the assurance that the LORD will establish righteousness on earth as a blessing from heaven. Thus righteousness will also be produced on earth. Here again in Cyrus we can recognize a type of Christ, the King of righteousness, the true Melchizedek Who will come.

Jeremiah 14:21

Cyrus Called by the LORD

This chapter begins with a second message from the LORD about Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1). The first message is a prophecy foretelling His coming (Isaiah 44:28). Now it is a word to him personally. He is a heathen ruler, but the LORD has taken his right hand, indicating that he is an instrument in the hand of the LORD, although he is not at all aware of being subject to a higher power (Isaiah 45:5). This is a world of difference with Asaph, who is aware that the LORD has taken hold of his right hand (Psalms 73:23).

The titles granted to him and the provisions made for him are unique. Something similar has never been said of any heathen ruler. He is called the ‘anointed’ of the LORD, that is literally ‘messiah’. Earlier the LORD has already called him “My shepherd” (Isaiah 44:28). The fact that Isaiah uses the title ‘anointed’ for a heathen ruler will have amazed the Jews. After all, it is a title reserved for priests and kings of Israel. But why now someone from the nations? That is precisely the message of God, that He is not only the God of Israel, but of the entire world. He can use whoever He wants and save whoever He wants.

The LORD will use Cyrus and pave his way by removing all obstacles before him. He will be able to penetrate everywhere (Isaiah 45:2; cf. Isaiah 40:4). Through his conquests he will obtain immense riches (Isaiah 45:3). The redemption brought about by Cyrus is a prelude to the redemption that the Lord Jesus, the true Anointed of God, the Messiah, will bring about at His return.

The details of Isa 45:1-3 are given in the prophecy of the prophet Daniel. There it is Darius who takes Babylon, but behind him we see the rising power of Cyrus. We see how Belshazzar is deprived of all power, how the gates of Babylon are broken open, with the result that all hidden treasures end up in the hands of Cyrus (Daniel 5:25-30).

The LORD will do the same, that Cyrus may come to the acknowledgment that He has led him and given him that prosperity. He does not seem to have come to that acknowledgment. Nevertheless, he will receive all that wealth and prosperity because, without knowing it himself, he is the deliverer of God’s people who delivers them from exile in Babylon (Isaiah 45:4; Ezra 1:1-4). The confirmation that it is the LORD and no one else (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:4b-6) to Whom he owes his prosperity is in Isaiah 45:5. The goal the LORD has in mind is that one will know on the whole earth that He alone is the true and only God (Isaiah 45:6). The restoration that Cyrus will grant to God’s people must have this result.

“Light” and “darkness” are in God’s hand (Isaiah 45:7). In the creation of light (Genesis 1:3), the creation of darkness, although not explicitly stated, is contained. Light is said to be good (Genesis 1:4). This is not said of darkness. What we do read, however, is that God, when He sees everything He has made, including darkness, saw that it was very good (Genesis 1:2-5; 31). This presupposes that the darkness is not something negative, because the darkness has been given a function by God (cf.

Psalms 104:19-24). God, Who in His creation has given a place to darkness, which is not evil in itself, can use the darkness after the fall into sin to symbolize something evil with it. Thus, He Who is exalted above all things can cause “well-being” where there is discontent, but can also create “calamity” and bring it as punishment on sin (cf. Isaiah 10:5-12).

In the same way, God does not make man wicked, but when he reveals himself in this way, God knows how to use him for His purpose (Proverbs 16:4; Amos 3:6b). Here it is about wars with their terrible consequences, as Cyrus will fight them, and the well-being that will come from them for Israel.

In Isaiah 45:8 the statement of Isa 45:7 focuses on salvation and follows the assurance that the LORD will establish righteousness on earth as a blessing from heaven. Thus righteousness will also be produced on earth. Here again in Cyrus we can recognize a type of Christ, the King of righteousness, the true Melchizedek Who will come.

Jeremiah 14:22

Cyrus Called by the LORD

This chapter begins with a second message from the LORD about Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1). The first message is a prophecy foretelling His coming (Isaiah 44:28). Now it is a word to him personally. He is a heathen ruler, but the LORD has taken his right hand, indicating that he is an instrument in the hand of the LORD, although he is not at all aware of being subject to a higher power (Isaiah 45:5). This is a world of difference with Asaph, who is aware that the LORD has taken hold of his right hand (Psalms 73:23).

The titles granted to him and the provisions made for him are unique. Something similar has never been said of any heathen ruler. He is called the ‘anointed’ of the LORD, that is literally ‘messiah’. Earlier the LORD has already called him “My shepherd” (Isaiah 44:28). The fact that Isaiah uses the title ‘anointed’ for a heathen ruler will have amazed the Jews. After all, it is a title reserved for priests and kings of Israel. But why now someone from the nations? That is precisely the message of God, that He is not only the God of Israel, but of the entire world. He can use whoever He wants and save whoever He wants.

The LORD will use Cyrus and pave his way by removing all obstacles before him. He will be able to penetrate everywhere (Isaiah 45:2; cf. Isaiah 40:4). Through his conquests he will obtain immense riches (Isaiah 45:3). The redemption brought about by Cyrus is a prelude to the redemption that the Lord Jesus, the true Anointed of God, the Messiah, will bring about at His return.

The details of Isa 45:1-3 are given in the prophecy of the prophet Daniel. There it is Darius who takes Babylon, but behind him we see the rising power of Cyrus. We see how Belshazzar is deprived of all power, how the gates of Babylon are broken open, with the result that all hidden treasures end up in the hands of Cyrus (Daniel 5:25-30).

The LORD will do the same, that Cyrus may come to the acknowledgment that He has led him and given him that prosperity. He does not seem to have come to that acknowledgment. Nevertheless, he will receive all that wealth and prosperity because, without knowing it himself, he is the deliverer of God’s people who delivers them from exile in Babylon (Isaiah 45:4; Ezra 1:1-4). The confirmation that it is the LORD and no one else (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:4b-6) to Whom he owes his prosperity is in Isaiah 45:5. The goal the LORD has in mind is that one will know on the whole earth that He alone is the true and only God (Isaiah 45:6). The restoration that Cyrus will grant to God’s people must have this result.

“Light” and “darkness” are in God’s hand (Isaiah 45:7). In the creation of light (Genesis 1:3), the creation of darkness, although not explicitly stated, is contained. Light is said to be good (Genesis 1:4). This is not said of darkness. What we do read, however, is that God, when He sees everything He has made, including darkness, saw that it was very good (Genesis 1:2-5; 31). This presupposes that the darkness is not something negative, because the darkness has been given a function by God (cf.

Psalms 104:19-24). God, Who in His creation has given a place to darkness, which is not evil in itself, can use the darkness after the fall into sin to symbolize something evil with it. Thus, He Who is exalted above all things can cause “well-being” where there is discontent, but can also create “calamity” and bring it as punishment on sin (cf. Isaiah 10:5-12).

In the same way, God does not make man wicked, but when he reveals himself in this way, God knows how to use him for His purpose (Proverbs 16:4; Amos 3:6b). Here it is about wars with their terrible consequences, as Cyrus will fight them, and the well-being that will come from them for Israel.

In Isaiah 45:8 the statement of Isa 45:7 focuses on salvation and follows the assurance that the LORD will establish righteousness on earth as a blessing from heaven. Thus righteousness will also be produced on earth. Here again in Cyrus we can recognize a type of Christ, the King of righteousness, the true Melchizedek Who will come.