“Fear not… fear not… fear not” (v 10, 13, 14). This repeated encouragement at the heart of Isaiah 41 suggests that fear had become a central issue for God’s people in captivity. In line with Isaiah’s prediction (39:5-7), Jerusalem and its temple were finally destroyed in 587 BC. The people were either killed or transported to Babylon. This was the most devastating event Israel faced in Old Testament times. The future looked bleak. Survivors were afraid that God had abandoned them and that their many enemies would overpower them. So at the start of this chapter, God assures His people that He alone guides the course of historical events. Their captivity did not prove that He was weak or losing control, but just the opposite. Isaiah not only foresaw the event, but now insists that it was God’s doing. Here he invites the whole human race to consider who is managing history, so that they too can turn to Him and be strengthened. “One from the east” is Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. Cyrus would eventually conquer Babylon and set the Jewish exiles free. But it is the unseen God who will perform the deed (v 1-4). Other nations will panic as Cyrus rises in power. Instead of turning to God for strength, they will create their own helpless little gods (v 5-7). But the LORD’s people have no reason to panic. We matter to Him! He chose us long ago, called us to Himself, and will stay with us always. No matter where we may be, God promises to strengthen, help, and uphold us (v 8-10). Those who oppose God can never prevail, and He is the One who takes us by the hand (v 11-13). It’s not that we overcome by our own power. Israel is called a “worm” lest they think this is all about them! Yet even in our inadequacy, our Redeemer is personally present with us to triumph over a world that denies Him. By His power we are able to persevere (v 14-16). And along the way, God will keep refreshing us with constant reminders of His powerful love (v 17-20). The nations are invited to prove that their gods amount to something, but the truth is, manmade idols are nothing; they make no impact on history. By contrast, the LORD brings onto the scene Cyrus the Great, whose vast empire will spread, not only to the east (v 2), but north as well (v 21-25). No one else saw it coming. The gods of the nations were silent. In the end, every idol of this world will prove to be foolish, worthless, and as empty as the wind. God alone orchestrates all the events of history for the sake of His people, working all things together for our eternal advantage (v 26-29). For further meditation: