Question 1

What does it mean that God is the first and the last in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “I am the first, I also am the last,” He is telling Israel that He is eternal and unchanging. He was there at the beginning, laying the foundation of the earth and spreading out the heavens, and He will still be there at the end. This shows that their situation in Babylon is not outside His control. He is not a new or weak god like the idols around them. The same Lord who created everything is the One speaking, so they can trust His promises and warnings.

Question 2

Who is the person God uses against Babylon in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage speaks of someone whom the Lord has loved and called, who will carry out His pleasure on Babylon and stretch out his arm against the Chaldeans. From the wider context, this points to a ruler God raises up to conquer Babylon. He is not acting on his own power or goodness, but as an instrument in God’s hand. God is showing that He directs history, even the actions of powerful kings, to bring His people out of captivity and keep His word.

Question 3

What does it mean that God teaches His people "to profit" and leads them?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go,” He is saying that His commands and guidance are for their good. He does not give rules to harm them but to bless them. If they had listened, their peace would have flowed like a river and their righteousness would have been like the waves of the sea. This shows God as a patient teacher and guide, leading His people in ways that bring peace, fruitfulness, and lasting blessing.

Question 4

Why does God lament, "O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments"?

Accepted Answer

God’s cry, “O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments,” shows His sorrow over Israel’s disobedience. He explains what they lost by turning away: peace like a steady river, righteousness as plentiful as sea waves, and a countless, stable family line. This is not God gloating over their failure but grieving the blessings they refused. It reminds us that ignoring God’s word does real damage. His commands are meant to bring peace and stability, and walking away from them leads to trouble and loss.

Question 5

What is the meaning of the command to go forth of Babylon with singing?

Accepted Answer

The call, “Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans,” is both a command and a promise. God is telling His people to actually leave the land of their captivity. They are not to slip away in fear, but to go out with a voice of singing, telling everyone, even to the ends of the earth, that the Lord has redeemed His servant Jacob. This shows that their rescue is God’s work, not their own. Their exit from Babylon is meant to be public praise to God for keeping His word.

Question 6

Why does the passage mention water from the rock and no thirst in the deserts?

Accepted Answer

The mention of water from the rock and the people not thirsting in the deserts points back to how God cared for Israel in the wilderness after bringing them out of Egypt. He split the rock and made water flow out so they could live in a dry place. By reminding them of this, God is saying that bringing them out of Babylon will be just as sure and cared for. If He could provide water in a desert, He can guide and sustain them on the journey home and in every hard place they face.

Question 7

What does "there is no peace unto the wicked" mean here?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “There is no peace unto the wicked,” He is drawing a sharp line at the end of the passage. Peace like a river was held out to those who would listen to His commands, but those who remain wicked, without faith or repentance, cannot expect that peace. They may have outward comfort for a time, but not the deep rest and safety that come from walking with God. This warning also checks false confidence, so people will not claim God’s promises while refusing His ways.

Question 8

How does this passage show God’s character toward His people?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God as powerful, patient, and faithful. He is the Creator who calls the heavens and earth to stand at His word, and He directs kings to fulfill His plans. Yet He also speaks tenderly to “Jacob and Israel, my called,” reminding them that He teaches and leads them for their good. He grieves over their disobedience but still promises redemption and calls them out of Babylon with songs. At the same time, He is holy and just, making clear that there is no true peace for those who persist in wickedness.

Question 9

How can a believer today apply the call to listen and come out of Babylon?

Accepted Answer

The call to “hearken,” to “come near,” and to “go forth of Babylon” shows that God wants His people to trust His word, leave what holds them away from Him, and walk in His ways. For a believer today, this means taking God’s voice seriously, not treating His commands as small or optional. It can also mean turning from patterns, places, or ties that pull you toward sin, and stepping into the freedom He gives. As you do, you can remember that He is the same Lord who guides, provides, and gives real peace.

Isaiah 48:12

¶ Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.

Deliverance Promised to Israel

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Isaiah 48:12

¶ Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.

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Deliverance Promised to Israel

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