Isaiah 41 · Grade 5

Abraham My Friend

Name Date

Read and Think

Isaiah 41 is the first of several trial scenes in chapters 40-48, where God summons the nations and their gods to court. The question is who controls history: "Who has raised up one from the east?" This conqueror is later named as Cyrus of Persia (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1). God claims the credit: "I, Yahweh, the first, and with the last, I am he." In the New Testament, Revelation 1:17 and 22:13 give Christ a similar title, the First and the Last. Meanwhile the frightened nations make idols, with the craftsman encouraging the goldsmith and fastening the idol "with nails, that it might not totter."

Against that panic, God speaks to Israel with tenderness. Israel is "my servant," chosen, "the offspring of Abraham my friend." In the New Testament, James 2:23 also calls Abraham the friend of God. The promise of verse 10 contains five assurances: God's presence, his relationship, his strength, his help, and his upholding hand. Verse 13 adds a personal image: "I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Don't be afraid. I will help you.’"

God calls Israel "you worm Jacob," honest about their weakness, yet names himself "your Redeemer... the Holy One of Israel." For the thirsty he promises a transformed land with rivers, springs, cedar, acacia, and myrtle, "that they may see, know, consider, and understand together, that Yahweh's hand has done this." The chapter ends with a challenge the idols cannot meet: "Declare the things that are to come hereafter." Their verdict: "Behold, all of their deeds are vanity and nothing."

Show What You Know

Who is the conqueror from the east later named as?
Which New Testament verses give Christ a similar title to verse 4?
Where else is Abraham called God's friend?
What five assurances does verse 10 contain?

Think About It

Abraham was called God's friend. What would it mean for you to live as a friend of God?
God was honest that Israel was weak, but He still promised help. Why is it freeing to admit weakness to God?

Memory Verse

“Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Isaiah 41:10 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for holding my hand. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

God told His people that those who fought them would become nothing. How does that change the way you view people who oppose you?
God chose Israel and did not reject them. How does being chosen by God shape your sense of who you are?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?