“But 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.”
My Notes
What Does Isaiah 43:1 Mean?
God speaks to Israel with words that combine creation and redemption: I created thee, I formed thee, I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. Every phrase establishes ownership — not as domination but as intimate, costly relationship.
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee" — the command not to fear is grounded in redemption. You do not need to fear because you have been purchased. The price was paid. You belong to someone.
"I have called thee by thy name" — God knows your name. Not a number, not a category. Your name. The knowledge is personal and specific.
"Thou art mine" — the possessive is tender, not controlling. You belong to the one who created you, formed you, redeemed you, and called you by name. The belonging is total and personal.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Which clause speaks most directly to your need today — created, formed, redeemed, called, or 'thou art mine'?
- 2.How does being called by name change your sense of being known by God?
- 3.What fear does 'thou art mine' address in your current situation?
- 4.How does the comprehensive nature of God's claim — from creation to redemption — establish your identity?
Devotional
Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Four clauses. Each one a reason not to fear. Each one an expression of belonging.
I have redeemed thee. Purchased. Bought back. The ransom was paid. You are not unclaimed. You are not up for grabs. Someone paid a price for you.
I have called thee by thy name. Not a generic call to the masses. By your name. The God who created galaxies knows the name you answer to. The personal nature of this calling should undo every fear that you are unknown or forgotten.
Thou art mine. Two words that settle your identity. Not the world's. Not your failures'. Not your fears'. Mine. You belong to the one who made you, redeemed you, and called you.
Fear not. That is the command, and it is supported by the most comprehensive statement of belonging in the Old Testament. You are created, formed, redeemed, called, and claimed. Every dimension of your existence has been touched by a God who says: you are mine.
Whatever is making you afraid — whatever threatens your sense of security or identity — set it against this: thou art mine. Spoken by the God who created you.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob,.... This prophecy is not concerning Cyrus, and the redemption of…
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This chapter has a plain connexion with the close of the foregoing chapter, but a very surprising one. It was there said…
Israel, though blind and deaf (ch. Isa 42:18 ff.), is precious in the sight of Jehovah its Creator, who is now about to…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture