In my last post, we explored Isra’el’s Unfaithfulness and Adonai’s Mercy in 43:14-28. In this post, we explore Isra’el the Chosen in 44:1-5.
1 “Now listen, Ya‘akov my servant, Isra’el whom I have chosen:
Again, Ya‘akov or Isra’el is explicitly identified as Adonai’s servant. Adonai had chosen Isra’el from among the nations to be His special people (Deuteronomy 7:7-11).
2 Thus says Adonai, who made you, formed you in the womb, and will help you: ‘Don’t be afraid, Ya‘akov my servant, Yeshurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, My blessing on your offspring.
The phrase formed you in the womb evokes the metaphor of Adonai as the mother who gave birth to Isra’el. Yeshurun was an endearing name for Isra’el (see Deuteronomy 32:15; 33:5, 26). The meaning of the name is somewhat obscure, but some think it is derived from a Hebrew root meaning “upright or virtuous.” The results are growth, in this case, among the descendants of the people of Adonai.
The outpouring of His Spirit was previewed on the Day of Shavuot (Pentecost), but it was not entirely fulfilled for Joel 2 speaks of signs in the sky, of the moon turning to blood, and various symbols associated with the Tribulation period. Adonai promises that He will pour His Spirit upon our offspring. We all need His Spirit to be poured upon us, our family, and our country.
4 They will spring up among the grass like willows on the riverbanks. 5 One will say, “I belong to Adonai.’’ Another will be called by the name of Ya‘akov. Yet another will write that he belongs to Adonai and adopt the surname Isra’el.’” ~ Isaiah 44:1-5 (CJB)
They in verse 4 refers to the offspring. Writing on one’s hand signified intimacy, though some believe it refers to a slave mark showing ownership. In either case, the idea is that people will want to identify and align themselves with Adonai.
In that day, when Isra’el experiences revival in the Tribulation period, when the Spirit is poured out upon Isra’el, no longer will her people be agnostic as eighty percent of the Jewish nation is today. They’ll call themselves Adonai’s. They’ll remember their heritage and roots and take upon themselves the name of Adonai.
In my next post, we learn of Worthless Idols in 44:6-23.
My Heart is for Israel 
“The outpouring of His Spirit was previewed on the Day of Shavuot (Pentecost), but it was not entirely fulfilled for Joel 2 speaks of signs in the sky, of the moon turning to blood, and various symbols associated with the Tribulation period. Adonai promises that He will pour His Spirit upon our offspring. We all need His Spirit to be poured upon us, our family, and our country.”
Can you expound or explain further on your comment, I’m not sure which direction you are going with it.
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This passage is referring to Yo’el (Joel) 2:28-32. Kefa referred to this passage on the Day of Shavuot in Acts 2:15-21. My comment is that Yeshya’yahu also prophesied of a similar outpouring of Adonai’s Spirit upon the people. While I wholeheartedly agree that His Spirit needs to be poured on all of us, we both know that many have not received that yet that outpouring. There used to be a saying, and it may still be around: “the best is yet to come.”
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Thank you for your explanation Don. I would differ as in Acts 2:14-21, Peter uses Joel Chapter 2 to say that it has been fulfilled. I hope you and your love ones are doing well in your new home.
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Alex, my comment was meant to indicate that I see Acts 2:19-21 as only partially fulfilled. More will come upon His ultimate return.
Despite the two homes being of similar square footage, we are finding it difficult to get all our “stuff” in place. But we do love where we are at.
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