07 August
Bible In 365 Days 
Isaiah 45-48
Isaiah 45
The fifth of these messages of Jehovah is a charge to Cyrus. First of all, it utters to him the promises of God which are intended to be his strength in carrying out the divine purpose. These all emphasize the ability and activity of Jehovah. He next declares the purpose for which His servant is called and equipped. It is a twofold purpose. First, for Israel's sake; and, second, in order that the world may know that He alone is God. He then declares His power to be universal, and the charge ends with a protest against objections which may be made to the appointment of Cyrus.
The sixth message is a brief one (Isaiah 45:14-17), in which Jehovah again declares His purpose for His people. It is that the peoples shall submit themselves, and that Israel shall be saved with an everlasting salvation.
The seventh and final message (Isaiah 45:18-25) declares His purpose for the ends of the earth. His original purpose was that the world should be inhabited. His purpose for His own people was that they might seek Him, and manifest His righteousness. His purpose for all the peoples is their salvation. Comparing Himself with idols, He declares that in right relation to Him salvation may be found, and in no other way.
Isaiah 46
This chapter and the next contain the prophecy of the fall of Babylon. This one describes the failure of the gods. It opens with a graphic picture of the idols being hurried away for safety, carried on beasts of burden. In immediate contrast the prophet describes Jehovah as carrying His people, and the contrast is endorsed as He inquires, "To whom will ye liken Me, and make Me equal, and compare Me, that we may be like?" Thus He sets forth the fundamental difference between false gods and the true. They have to be 'carried. He carries. On the basis of this the prophet appeals to the transgressors to remember it; and to the stout-hearted, that is to the enemies of His people, to hearken, and to understand that He will yet be the Deliverer of His own.
Isaiah 47
The prophecy is now addressed to Babylon itself, and in language full of force and beauty describes its judgment. The description is fourfold. First, the degradation of the city is foretold. From a proud position it is to descend to grinding and shame.
Moreover, this is to be a position of disgrace. Babylon is to pass into darkness, and no more to be called "The Lady of Kingdoms."
Yet again the judgment is to issue in desolation. The proud city which had made its boast that it could not be moved, and would never know sorrow, is to be made childless and widowed in a day, and this in spite of all sorcery and enchantment.
Finally, the judgment will be the utter destruction of the city. The fire will not be for comfort, but for burning, and all those who had trafficked with the city from her youth will abandon her, there being none to save.
Isaiah 48
This chapter constitutes the last section of the division dealing with the purpose of peace. It is a great appeal to the people. It first describes Jehovah's methods (Isaiah 48:1-11). He has had to do with a failing people, a people mentioning His name, but not in truth. His method has been that of prophecy and swift performance on account of their obstinacy, and to prevent them attributing to idols the things wrought by Jehovah. All this He has done for His own name's sake.
This method is illustrated in the calling and coming of the great Servant. The purpose of God is finally set forth. He teaches the people to profit, and the ultimate intention of His teaching is their peace and the abounding of their righteousness. Moreover, notwithstanding their failure, He is the God of redemption, and the prophecy reminds them of how He had led them through deserts, and out of rock had provided waters. The section ends with the declaration: "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." While His purpose is peace, they are thus solemnly warned that it cannot be realized in their experience while they persist in wickedness.
