Isaiah 44:21
Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
Original Language Analysis
זְכָר
Remember
H2142
זְכָר
Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
O Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
O Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְצַרְתִּ֤יךָ
I have formed
H3335
יְצַרְתִּ֤יךָ
I have formed
Strong's:
H3335
Word #:
8 of 14
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
O Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
O Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Isaiah 43:1But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.Isaiah 43:15I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.Zechariah 10:9And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.Isaiah 43:7Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.Isaiah 42:23Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come?Deuteronomy 32:18Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.Deuteronomy 4:23Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.
Historical Context
After satirizing pagan idolatry, God reminds Israel of their unique relationship with Him. Their identity as His formed servant contrasts with those who form their own gods.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering who God is and who you are to Him counter idolatrous tendencies?
- What comfort comes from God's promise never to forget His servants?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God calls Israel to remember 'these things' - the contrast between living God and dead idols. The servant language returns: 'thou art my servant...I have formed thee; thou art my servant.' The emphatic repetition emphasizes identity. The promise 'thou shalt not be forgotten of me' reverses exile's fear of divine abandonment.