Jehovah Extends His Mercy

The salvation of Israel is emphasized in Jehovah's next words:  "Collect yourselves and come. Bring yourselves up close together, you escapees from the nations.  Those carrying the wood of their carved image have not come to any knowledge, neither have those praying to a god that cannot save. Make your report and your presentation. Yes, let them consult together in unity.  Who has caused this to be heard from a long time ago?  Who has reported it from that very time?  Is it not I, Jehovah, besides whom there is no other God; a righteous God and a Savior, there being none excepting me?"  (Isaiah 45:20, 21) Jehovah summons the "escapees" to compare their salvation with what happens to those who worship idols.  (Deuteronomy 30:3; Jeremiah 29:14; 50:28)  Because idolaters pray to and serve powerless gods that cannot save them, they "have not come to any knowledge."  Their worship is in vain-simply for nothing.  Those who worship Jehovah, however, foretold "a long time ago," including the salvation of the exiled people in Babylon.  Such power and foresight set Jehovah apart from all other gods.  Truly, he is  "a righteous God and Savior." 

Next timed: "Salvation We Owe to Our God"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001