Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Isaiah 41

Isa 41:1 Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.

islands [See also Isa 41:5.]

i.e. coasts.

Isa 41:2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.

the righteous man from the east

The reference here seems to be to Cyrus, whose victories and rapid growth in power are here ascribed to the providence of God. Isa 41:5-7 describe the effect upon the nations of the rise of the Persian power. They heartened each other, and made (Isa 41:7) new idols. At Isa 41:8 the prophet addresses Israel. Since it was their God who raised up Cyrus, they should expect good, not evil, from him (Isa 41:8-20). Isa 41:21-24 form a contemptuous challenge to the idols in whom the nations are trusting.

Isa 41:8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

servant

Three servants of Jehovah are mentioned in Isaiah:

1. David (Isa 37:35);
2. Israel the nation (Isa 41:8-16; 43:1-10; 44:1-8, 21; 45:4; 48:20);
3. Messiah (Isa 42:1-12; Isa 49, entire chapter, but note especially Isa 49:5-7, where the Servant Christ restores the servant nation; Isa 50:4-6; 52:13-15; 53:1-12). Israel the nation was a faithless servant, but restored and converted will yet thresh mountains. Against the Servant Christ no charge of unfaithfulness or failure is brought. See Scofield Isaiah 42:1, note.

Isa 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

redeemer

Hebrew goel, Redemption (Kinsman type). Scofield Isaiah 59:20, note.

Isa 41:19 I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:

shittah

i.e. acacia.

Isa 41:22 Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.

consider them

Heb. set our heart upon them.

Isa 41:24 Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.

ye are of nothing

Isa 44:9; Psa 115:8; 1Co 8:4.

Isa 41:27 The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.

good tidings

Gospel. Isa 52:7. (Gen 12:1-3; Rev 14:6.)