Question 1

Who is the “righteous man from the east” mentioned in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The “righteous man from the east” has been understood in more than one way. Many readers see this as pointing to Abraham, whom God called out of an idolatrous land and led to Canaan, giving nations into his hand. Others see it pointing ahead to later rulers God would raise up, or even as a picture of Christ. The main point is not the man himself, but that God is the one who raises him, guides his steps, and rules over history through chosen servants.

Question 2

What does God mean when he says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee”?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee,” he is speaking to Israel as his chosen servant, reminding them that they are not alone in their troubles. They face enemies and feel weak, but God Himself promises to stand by them. He adds, “I will strengthen thee… I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness,” showing that their safety rests on his faithful character, not on their strength. This is meant to calm their hearts and steady their faith.

Question 3

Why does God call Jacob a “worm,” and how is that encouraging?

Accepted Answer

Calling Jacob a “worm” points to how small, weak, and despised Israel felt among the nations. On its own, a worm has no power to defend itself. Yet God speaks tenderly right after this: “Fear not, thou worm Jacob… I will help thee… thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” The comfort is that God does not wait for his people to be strong or impressive. He comes to help precisely when they are low and fragile, so that their rescue clearly shows his mercy and strength.

Question 4

What is the meaning of the “new sharp threshing instrument having teeth”?

Accepted Answer

The “new sharp threshing instrument having teeth” is a picture of how God will change his weak people into an effective tool in his hand. A threshing tool was used to separate grain from husks, and here it is so sharp it can thresh mountains and make hills like chaff. This shows that, by God’s power, Israel will overcome what looks huge and immovable. The focus is not on their own ability, but on what God can make them do when he strengthens them for his purpose.

Question 5

How does this passage show the difference between idols and the true God?

Accepted Answer

Idols in this passage must be built, nailed down, and propped up. The craftsmen encourage each other, saying, “Be of good courage,” as they smooth, solder, and fasten the statue so it will not fall. In contrast, the true God is the one who calls generations, raises up rulers, chooses Israel, and promises, “I am with thee.” Idols need help to stand. God needs no support and instead is the one who supports, upholds, and protects his people in every season.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about God’s care for the poor and needy?

Accepted Answer

The passage gives a gentle picture of God watching over those who are poor, needy, and thirsty. When they seek water and their tongue fails for thirst, God says, “I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” He promises to open rivers in high places, fountains in valleys, and turn wilderness into pools and springs. This shows that God sees people in desperate places and is willing to change what seems barren so they can live and know that he has helped them.

Question 7

How were the nations responding, and why were they afraid?

Accepted Answer

The distant islands and the ends of the earth are described as seeing what God was doing and becoming afraid. They sense his power in raising up leaders and helping his people. Instead of turning to him, they rush together to support their idols, telling each other to be brave while they strengthen and fasten their statues. Their fear comes from seeing God’s work but wanting to keep their old worship, so they cling to what is familiar, even though it cannot truly protect them.

Question 8

How can this passage encourage someone who feels weak or opposed today?

Accepted Answer

Someone who feels small, overlooked, or under pressure can find real comfort here. God speaks to a people who feel like a “worm,” surrounded by enemies and tempted to fear. He answers them with repeated promises: “Fear not… I am with thee… I will help thee… I will uphold thee.” He also says their enemies will fade like nothing, while he holds their right hand. This invites anyone who feels crushed to lean on God’s steady presence instead of their own strength.

Question 9

Why does God talk about planting trees and water in the wilderness?

Accepted Answer

The pictures of cedars, myrtles, and other trees growing in the wilderness, along with rivers and pools in dry land, show God completely changing a harsh place into a living one. This is about his people in bleak, needy conditions. He wants them to know he can bring refreshment and life where there was only dryness. The goal is clear in the text: that people “see, and know, and consider, and understand together” that the Lord’s own hand has done it.

Question 10

What does this passage show about God’s rule over history and generations?

Accepted Answer

God asks, “Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning?” Then he answers, “I the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he.” This means he is at the start and the end of the story, guiding the rise of leaders and the lives of his people. Nations seem powerful, but they are like dust and chaff before his purpose. For Israel, this means their story is not random. Their calling from Abraham onward rests in the hands of the eternal Lord.

Isaiah 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.

God’s Help to Israel

metadata.crossReferences

Isaiah 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.

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

God’s Help to Israel

metadata.crossReferences