Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryIsaiah 44

Prosperity Foretold; The Supremacy of God.This passage reveals two important truths: first, that God’s people are truly blessed because of their covenant relationship with him, and second, that the God of Israel is the one true and supreme God. These truths offer both encouragement and assurance to believers, showing them the blessings they can expect and the reasons they can trust in God completely.v. 1–2: God reminds his people of their special relationship with him. Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen (Isaiah 44:1). Despite their sins, God calls them to listen to his comforting words. He has chosen them, formed them from the womb, and made them his servants. These truths show that God will not abandon them even in difficult times. His covenant with them is unshakable, and they have no reason to fear.

v. 3–4: God promises to pour out his blessings on his people. I will pour water upon him that is thirsty (Isaiah 44:3). Those who seek God will be refreshed and satisfied. The water represents the Holy Spirit, which God will pour out in abundance on his people and their descendants. This will bring growth and renewal, like plants flourishing by a river. God’s Spirit will transform lives and cause the church to grow and thrive (John 7:39; Galatians 3:16 ).

v. 5: God’s people will joyfully commit themselves to him. One shall say, I am the Lord

v. 6–8: God declares his supremacy. Thus saith the Lord

v. 7: God’s ability to foretell and accomplish events proves his divinity. Who, as I, shall call… and set it in order for me? (Isaiah 44:7). God alone has the power to manage history and fulfill his purposes. From ancient times, he has guided his people and revealed his plans to them. This is proof that he is the one true God, and there is no one like him.

v. 8: God’s people are his witnesses. Fear ye not, neither be afraid… ye are my witnesses (Isaiah 44:8). Israel has experienced God’s power and faithfulness firsthand, and they can testify that he is the only true God. There is no other rock like him, no foundation as secure and trustworthy (Deuteronomy 32:4 ).

The Foolishness of IdolatryThis section talks about the foolishness of making and worshipping idols. It shows that idols are created by people and have no real power. The passage explains that trusting in anything other than the true God is useless. It also points out that those who serve idols will be disappointed and ashamed in the end.v. 9: The verse says, “All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame”. This means people who make or trust in idols are foolish, and their idols cannot help them at all.

v. 10: The prophet asks, “Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing?”. This shows how pointless it is to make objects and call them gods when they have no power to help anyone.

v. 11: Those who make idols will be put to shame. All the workers and their idols will stand together, but they will be brought down and humbled .

v. 12: The blacksmith works hard, heating and shaping metal to make an idol, but he gets hungry and tired. This shows that idols are made by weak humans and have no life or power .

v. 13: The carpenter measures wood and makes it into a human shape, so it can sit in a house. This shows how silly it is to worship something that is just a piece of wood .

v. 14: He cuts down trees and plants cedars or oaks. The rain helps them grow, but it is still just wood from the earth .

v. 15: The wood is used for fire to warm himself or bake bread, but from the same wood, he makes an idol and prays to it. This shows how unreasonable it is to worship something made from common materials .

v. 16: Half the wood is burned for heat or cooking, and the rest is made into a god. The person says, “Save me; you are my god,”to something he just made .

v. 17: The rest of the wood is turned into an idol, and the maker bows down and worships it, asking for help. This highlights the foolishness of idol worship .

v. 18: Those who do this do not understand. Their eyes and hearts are closed, so they cannot see the truth about idols .

v. 19: No one stops to think, “I used part of this for a fire; should I make the rest into an idol?”People do not realize how senseless it is .

v. 20: The person who trusts in idols is like someone who feeds on ashes. His heart leads him astray, and he cannot save himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”. This verse teaches that trusting in idols will never bring real help or truth.

God Remembers and Redeems His PeopleThis section shows God’s kindness and faithfulness to His people. After speaking against idols, God now reminds Israel that He has not forgotten them. He calls them to remember their special relationship with Him. God promises forgiveness, redemption, and joy for those who belong to Him.v. 21: God says, “Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant. I have formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me”. God reminds His people that they belong to Him and He will never forget them.

v. 22: God promises, “I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you”. He forgives their sins and calls them to come back to Him because He has rescued them.

v. 23: The whole creation is called to celebrate. “Sing, O heavens, for the Lord

v. 24: God says, “I am the Lord

v. 25: God frustrates the signs of false prophets and makes fools of those who claim to be wise, showing that human wisdom cannot compare to His power .

v. 26: He confirms the words of His true servants and fulfills what His messengers say. God keeps His promises, especially the promise to restore Jerusalem .

v. 27: He commands the deep waters to dry up and makes the rivers dry, showing His authority over nature .

v. 28: God speaks about Cyrus, saying, “He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose; saying of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’”This shows God’s plan to use Cyrus to help bring His people back and rebuild Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28 ).