Question 1

Who are Jacob, Israel, and Jesurun in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Here “Jacob” and “Israel” are names for God’s people as a whole, not just the man Jacob. God is speaking to the group He has chosen to be His servant. “Jesurun” is a gentle, loving name that means something like “upright” or “beloved.” By using all three names, God reminds them of their history, their calling, and His affection for them. Even though they have sinned and been disciplined, He still owns them as His people and speaks to them kindly.

Question 2

What does it mean that God formed His people from the womb?

Accepted Answer

When God says He made and formed His people from the womb, He is not only talking about their physical birth, but about His choice and care from the very beginning. It means their relationship with Him rests on His mercy and purpose, not on their good works. He knew them, claimed them, and set them apart before they could do anything for Him. This is meant to give comfort: the same God who began with them will help them and will not abandon them now.

Question 3

What does “I will pour water on him that is thirsty” mean?

Accepted Answer

The picture of pouring water on the thirsty and floods on dry ground points to God giving new spiritual life where there is emptiness. People are like dry land that cannot make itself fruitful. God promises to pour out His Spirit on their children and His blessing on their descendants. Just as rain makes plants grow quickly and strongly, God’s Spirit brings growth, faith, and refreshment to His people and their families. It shows that He can revive what seems barren and hopeless.

Question 4

Why do people say, “I am the Lord’s” and take the name of Israel?

Accepted Answer

Verse 5 shows people gladly owning that they belong to God. One says, “I am the Lord’s,” another uses the name Jacob, another writes to the Lord and takes the name Israel. These are different ways of saying the same thing: they publicly join themselves to God and His people. After a time of sin and scattering, God’s work in their hearts leads them to open confession. They are no longer ashamed to be known as His; they see it as an honor to carry His name.

Question 5

What does “I am the first and I am the last” teach about God?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “I am the first, and I am the last,” He is saying He has no beginning and no end. He was there before anything else and will remain when all else is gone. This also shows that He is steady and unchanging in His care for His people. The same God who chose and formed them is the God who will bring them safely through the future. Because He alone is God, they do not need to fear idols or enemies, since nothing can match His power or outlast His rule.

Question 6

Why does God ask, “Is there a God beside me?”

Accepted Answer

God asks, “Is there a God beside me?” to make His people see that all other gods are empty. He alone can call events, declare what will happen, and then bring it to pass. No idol can tell the future or guide history. By reminding them that they are His witnesses, He points to all the times He has already spoken and then fulfilled His word. This is meant to pull their hearts away from false gods and give them steady confidence in Him alone.

Question 7

How does this passage comfort people who are afraid?

Accepted Answer

Twice God tells His people not to fear. He reminds them that He made them, chose them, and promises to help them. He does not just ask them to calm down; He gives reasons: He will pour out His Spirit like water, their children will grow and flourish, and He Himself is their King and Redeemer. He controls the future and there is no other god. For someone who feels weak, forgotten, or guilty, these words show that God’s care is deeper than their fear or failure.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about the Holy Spirit?

Accepted Answer

The passage links water and the Spirit. God promises, “I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.” This shows the Spirit is not given in a small measure, but poured out richly, like heavy rain. The Spirit brings life, growth, and blessing to coming generations. Where people are empty and hard, the Spirit softens, cleanses, and causes faith to spring up. It reminds believers that any real spiritual life and change come from God’s own gift, not from human strength.

Question 9

How can someone today respond to the truths in this passage?

Accepted Answer

A person today can respond in a few simple ways. First, by taking God’s “fear not” to heart and bringing their worries to Him, trusting that He has not forgotten those He formed and chose. Second, by asking God to pour out His Spirit on their own life and family, like water on dry ground. Third, by openly owning, in words and actions, “I am the Lord’s,” not hiding their faith. Finally, by turning away from anything they treat like a rival to God and resting in Him alone.

Isaiah 44:1

Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:

The LORD Has Chosen Israel

The Blessings of Israel

Cross References

Isaiah 44:1

Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:

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The LORD Has Chosen Israel

The Blessings of Israel

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