Fear Not: Chosen, Called, and Carried by God

Be God's Glory
Aug 2
11 min read

Welcome to Day 213 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 41–43 presents a powerful message of divine assurance, justice, and redemption to Israel in the face of fear, opposition, and exile. God declares His sovereign control over history, reminding Israel that He alone is their protector and deliverer. These chapters highlight God’s calling of His people as chosen servants, not because of their strength but because of His faithful love. Isaiah 42 introduces the Servant of the Lord, who will bring justice with gentleness and restore righteousness not through violence but through divine commission. In chapter 43, God declares His unshakable love for Israel, promising not only deliverance from physical captivity but spiritual renewal. Together, these chapters comfort God’s people with His presence and affirm His covenant promise to redeem, restore, and remain with them.

In Isaiah 41, God calls the nations to witness His supreme authority over history and His intimate involvement with Israel. He contrasts the powerless idols of the nations with His own power to raise up a conqueror (commonly interpreted as Cyrus) to fulfill His purposes. Despite the turmoil surrounding them, God assures Israel, “Do not fear, for I am with you,” promising strength, help, and victory over enemies. The chapter emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, calling Israel His “servant” and “chosen one.” Unlike the false gods who can’t speak or save, the Lord declares the future and brings it to pass. This chapter is a reminder that God’s presence, not human strength, is what sustains and secures His people.

Isaiah 42 introduces the Servant of the Lord, a figure filled with God’s Spirit who brings justice to the nations—not by force, but through quiet strength and perseverance. This Servant will not break the bruised reed or extinguish the dimly burning wick, showing God’s compassion for the weak and oppressed. God affirms His role as Creator and covenant-keeper, sending His Servant as a light to the Gentiles and to open blind eyes, signaling global restoration. However, the chapter also rebukes Israel for spiritual blindness and deafness, failing to live out their calling as God's servant nation. While the Servant acts righteously, Israel has stumbled in its mission, and discipline has come through fire and war. Isaiah 42 presents both a prophetic glimpse of Christ and a call to spiritual awakening.

Isaiah 43 begins with a deeply personal reassurance: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine.” God promises His abiding presence through fire, flood, and every form of trial, emphasizing that His love and ownership of Israel are unshakable. The Lord declares His authority as Redeemer and the only true Savior, contrasting Himself again with the false gods of the nations. He reminds Israel that despite their rebellion and forgetfulness, He is the one who blots out transgressions for His own sake and offers forgiveness. God’s grace and mercy stand in sharp contrast to Israel’s failure to honor Him with true worship. This chapter powerfully demonstrates that God’s redemption is rooted in His character, not human merit, and He is committed to restoring His people for His glory.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name Isaiah comes from the Hebrew name Yeshayahu, which means “The Lord is salvation” or “Yahweh saves.” This name encapsulates the central message of the book: that salvation, judgment, and restoration come from God alone.

Purpose of the Book:

The Book of Isaiah was written to call God’s people to repentance, reveal the consequences of rebellion, and proclaim both God’s coming judgment and the hope of restoration. It addresses both the immediate political and spiritual crisis facing Judah and the future hope of a Messianic King and a new heavens and earth. Isaiah proclaims God’s sovereignty over all nations and points to a coming Savior who will redeem not only Israel but the entire world. The book serves as both a prophetic warning and a theological vision of God’s redemptive plan.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The book is traditionally attributed to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz, who ministered during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isaiah 1:1), placing his ministry in the 8th century BC (around 740–700 BC).

Biblical Support for Isaiah’s Authorship:

Isaiah 1:1 clearly identifies him as the author.
2 Chronicles 26:22 and 2 Chronicles 32:32 mention Isaiah’s writings and his involvement in documenting the reign of King Uzziah and King Hezekiah.
New Testament Confirmation: Jesus and the apostles frequently quote from Isaiah and attribute the words to him (e.g., Matthew 3:3; Luke 4:17; John 12:38-41), confirming early Jewish and Christian belief in Isaiah's authorship.

Some scholars propose that the book was written by multiple authors over time (often called Deutero-Isaiah or Trito-Isaiah theories), due to shifts in tone and historical context in later chapters (especially 40–66). However, the consistent literary style, theological themes, and the unified message suggest that the book can credibly be viewed as originating from Isaiah and his prophetic school or disciples (see Isaiah 8:16).

Key People:

Isaiah – The primary prophet and narrator of the book.
Kings of Judah:
- Uzziah – A prosperous king who became prideful (Isaiah 6:1).
- Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah – Rulers during Isaiah’s ministry, with Hezekiah receiving direct counsel and miraculous deliverance through Isaiah’s prayers (Isaiah 36–39).
Messianic Figure – Often referred to as the Servant of the Lord, the Branch, Immanuel, or the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 11:1-5; 53).
Assyrian and Babylonian kings – Representing God’s instruments of judgment (e.g., Sennacherib in Isaiah 36–37).
Cyrus the Great – A Persian king prophetically named in Isaiah 44–45 as the one God would use to restore Israel.

Conclusion

Isaiah masterfully blends themes of judgment, mercy, justice, and redemption, portraying God as holy and righteous, yet also gracious and compassionate. The first half of the book (chapters 1–39) focuses on judgment against Judah and the nations, while the latter half (chapters 40–66) offers messages of comfort, restoration, and the coming Messianic hope. Isaiah paints a sweeping vision of history, from Judah’s failures to God’s final plan of universal salvation through the Suffering Servant and the creation of a new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65–66). The book ends with a powerful call to worship and remain faithful, highlighting the eternal triumph of God's justice and glory. Isaiah remains a cornerstone of both Jewish and Christian theology, rich with prophecy, poetry, and profound revelation of God's heart for His people and the world.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In Isaiah 41, God reveals Himself as sovereign, faithful, and deeply personal. He assures Israel of His presence and protection, declaring, “Do not fear, for I am with you,” showing that His character is both powerful and intimate. He is the One who strengthens the weak and defeats the enemies of His people. God stands in contrast to the helplessness of idols—He is active, responsive, and fully in control of history.

The name Yahweh is used in this chapter, emphasizing God’s covenant-keeping nature. He also refers to Himself as the “Holy One of Israel” (Qedosh Yisrael), which underscores His purity and unique relationship with His chosen people. The lesson in this chapter is that God is not distant—He is near to those who feel small or afraid. His people can trust Him because He is not only the Creator but also their Helper and Redeemer.

Isaiah 42 highlights God’s righteousness, gentleness, and justice. He introduces His Servant who brings justice not through aggression but through compassion, refusing to crush the broken or extinguish the weak. God’s character is both tender and strong, showing concern for all nations, especially the marginalized and spiritually blind. He is patient with the failings of His people but also calls them to spiritual renewal.

While specific Hebrew names like Yahweh are present, the chapter emphasizes God's role as Creator and Covenant-Giver. The Servant of the Lord operates under divine authority, suggesting the presence of Ruach Yahweh (Spirit of the Lord), mentioned in verse 1. The lesson is that God’s way of bringing justice often defies human expectations. He invites us to trust in His quiet, restorative power and to recognize His call to live as His righteous representatives.

In Isaiah 43, God’s love, mercy, and steadfastness are unmistakable. He declares His ownership of Israel, saying, “You are Mine,” and assures them of His presence through life’s deepest trials. God’s character is that of a Redeemer who does not abandon His people despite their failures. He forgives, restores, and calls them by name, offering comfort and covenant faithfulness.

This chapter contains the use of Yahweh, Holy One of Israel, and Go’el—which means “Redeemer.” These names show that God is both transcendent and deeply involved in the redemption of His people. The central lesson is that God’s salvation is not earned but given out of His love and for His glory. No matter how far we stray, God’s desire is to restore us because we are precious in His sight.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?

How does God reveal His nearness and strength in Isaiah 41, especially to those who feel afraid or weak?
What do God’s words “Do not fear, for I am with you” in Isaiah 41 say about His personal relationship with His people?
In what ways is God's character reflected in the Servant described in Isaiah 42—especially in His gentleness and justice?
How does Isaiah 42 display God's patience with His people despite their spiritual blindness and disobedience?
What does Isaiah 43 reveal about God’s love, especially in how He calls His people by name and declares them as His own?
How is God's role as Redeemer (Go’el) in Isaiah 43 connected to His mercy and covenant faithfulness?
What does the unchanging nature of God across all three chapters teach us about trusting Him in uncertain times?

Questions About Themes:

How does the theme of fear versus faith emerge in Isaiah 41, and how does God address it directly?
What is the significance of God's choice of Israel as “My servant” in Isaiah 41, and how does that relate to identity and calling?
In Isaiah 42, how is the theme of justice portrayed differently from worldly definitions of power and authority?
How does the Servant’s mission to bring light to the nations reflect God’s global plan of redemption?
What does Isaiah 43 teach about God’s redemptive love even in the face of Israel’s rebellion?
How do these chapters contrast the emptiness of idols with the active power and faithfulness of the one true God?
How do the repeated “fear not” declarations throughout Isaiah 41–43 frame the overall message of these chapters?

Reflective Application Questions:

What fears or insecurities in your life need to be surrendered to God in light of Isaiah 41:10?
How can you more fully trust God’s strength rather than your own when facing challenges or uncertainty?
In what ways are you called to embody the Servant’s example of quiet strength and compassion in your community?
Are there areas of your life where you have become spiritually blind or deaf to God’s voice, like the people in Isaiah 42?
How does knowing God calls you by name and claims you as His own (Isaiah 43:1) impact how you see yourself?
What situations are you walking through right now where you need to remember God’s promise to be with you through the waters and fire?
How can your life reflect God’s redemptive love and mercy to others, even when they’ve fallen short?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans