Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Isaiah 44 - Yahweh is the only Elohim

 In Isaiah 44 we read the Lord saying to Israel:

2
Yahweh made you, formed you in the womb, and will help you.

This is what Yahweh says:

Don’t be afraid, my servant Jacob,
    Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

We read in Proverbs 9:

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The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.
    The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Although the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, I don't need to be afraid because the Lord is the One who takes care of me.

The Spirit brings this confidence to the believer: he belongs to the Lord:

2    I will pour my Ruach on your offspring
    and my blessing on your descendants.
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They will spring up with the grass
    as poplars spring up by streams.
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One person will say, “I belong to Yahweh.”
    Another will call on the name of Jacob.
        Another will write on his hand, “Yahweh’s,”
            and he will adopt the name of Israel.

We are not to adhore other gods because other gods are powerless:

6 This is what Yahweh says:

I am the first and the last,
    and there is no Elohim except me.
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If there is anyone like me, let him say so.
    Let him tell me what happened
        when I established my people long ago.
    Then let him predict what will happen to them.
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Don’t be terrified or afraid.
    Didn’t I make this known to you long ago?
        You are my witnesses.
            Is there any Elohim except me?
                There is no other rock; I know of none.

        
The believer was created to serve the Lord:

21 Remember these things, Jacob:
    You are my servant, Israel.
        I formed you; you are my servant.
            Israel, I will not forget you.
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I made your rebellious acts disappear like a thick cloud
    and your sins like the morning mist.
    Come back to me, because I have reclaimed you.

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Sing with joy, you heavens, because Yahweh has done this.
    Rejoice, you deep places of the earth.
    Break into shouts of joy, you mountains,
    you forests and every tree in them.
        Yahweh has reclaimed Jacob.
            He will display his glory in Israel.

A sign that the Lord knows the future:

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He says about Cyrus, “He is my shepherd.
    He will do everything I want him to do.”
    He says about Jerusalem, “It will be rebuilt.”
    He says about the temple, “Your foundation will be laid.”

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