Isaiah 44:1

Authorized King James Version

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Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:

Original Language Analysis

וְעַתָּ֥ה H6258
וְעַתָּ֥ה
Strong's: H6258
Word #: 1 of 7
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
שְׁמַ֖ע Yet now hear H8085
שְׁמַ֖ע Yet now hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 2 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יַעֲקֹ֣ב O Jacob H3290
יַעֲקֹ֣ב O Jacob
Strong's: H3290
Word #: 3 of 7
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
עַבְדִּ֑י my servant H5650
עַבְדִּ֑י my servant
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 4 of 7
a servant
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל and Israel H3478
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל and Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 5 of 7
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בָּחַ֥רְתִּי whom I have chosen H977
בָּחַ֥רְתִּי whom I have chosen
Strong's: H977
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
בֽוֹ׃ H0
בֽוֹ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 7

Analysis & Commentary

God addresses Israel as 'my servant' and 'Jeshurun' (meaning 'upright one'), terms of endearment despite their unfaithfulness. The Hebrew 'bachar' (chosen) emphasizes God's sovereign election that precedes human response. This call to hear echoes Deuteronomy's covenantal language, reminding Israel that their relationship with God rests on His initiative, not their merit.

Historical Context

Following warnings about spiritual blindness (43:8), God reassures His chosen people. The name Jeshurun appears only four times in Scripture (Deuteronomy 32:15, 33:5, 33:26, here), always as an affectionate title for Israel, contrasting their failures with their calling.

Questions for Reflection

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