Isaiah 51:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 51:2
2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 51 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, judgment, creation. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 51:2
2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
Analysis
The historical rehearsal 'I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him' emphasizes God's ability to multiply from nothing. Abraham's singularity ('him alone') shows that numerical smallness doesn't limit God's purposes. This encourages remnant theology - faithful few are sufficient for God to accomplish His plans. The progression (call, bless, increase) models redemption's pattern: election, justification, glorification.
Historical Context
When exiles felt numerically insignificant (compared to Babylon's masses), this reminded them that Israel began with one elderly, childless couple. Their ancestor's faith in impossible promise should inspire their own trust in restoration promises.
Reflection
- How does Abraham's example of faith in impossible circumstances encourage you when you feel inadequate for God's calling?
- What does God's pattern of working through small, weak remnants teach about how He displays His power?
Cross-References
- References Abraham: Isaiah 29:22, Joshua 24:3, Ezekiel 33:24
- Blessing: Genesis 22:17, 24:1, 24:35