Isaiah 41:9
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶחֱזַקְתִּ֙יךָ֙
Thou whom I have taken
H2388
הֶחֱזַקְתִּ֙יךָ֙
Thou whom I have taken
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
2 of 13
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
וּמֵאֲצִילֶ֖יהָ
thee from the chief men
H678
וּמֵאֲצִילֶ֖יהָ
thee from the chief men
Strong's:
H678
Word #:
5 of 13
an extremity (see isaiah 41:9), also a noble
קְרָאתִ֑יךָ
and called
H7121
קְרָאתִ֑יךָ
and called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
6 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בְּחַרְתִּ֖יךָ
I have chosen
H977
בְּחַרְתִּ֖יךָ
I have chosen
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
Cross References
1 Samuel 12:22For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.Psalms 94:14For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?Isaiah 41:8But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.Isaiah 41:2Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.Luke 13:29And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
Though geographically scattered and politically subjugated, Israel remains God's chosen people. Distance and displacement cannot nullify God's electing love, providing hope to exiles feeling abandoned.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise never to cast you away address your fears of abandonment?
- In what ways does God's calling reach you even in your 'far off' or remote spiritual condition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's choice extends to the ends of the earth ('chief men' is better 'corners/extremities'), calling Israel from remote places. The threefold declaration—'I have chosen thee,' 'not cast thee away,' and naming as 'my servant'—provides powerful assurance. The Hebrew 'ma'as' (cast away/rejected) is negated, promising permanent election.