Read & explore together
Jerusalem to Be Restored
Isaiah 44:21–28 calls Jacob and Israel to remember Yahweh’s care, return to him, and listen to what he declares. The passage joins forgiveness, praise, creation, and Yahweh’s stated purpose for Jerusalem and the temple’s foundation.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In these verses, Yahweh speaks directly to Jacob and Israel as his servant. He says he formed them, has blotted out their sins, and calls them to return. The passage then praises Yahweh, presents him as Maker of all things, contrasts him with false guidance, and records his words about Jerusalem, Judah, the deep, Cyrus, and the temple’s foundation.
Isaiah 44:21–28Main takeaway
This passage teaches that Yahweh forgives, calls his servant back, and declares purposes for Jerusalem and the temple’s foundation that rest on his own power and word.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Remember, return, and redemptionYahweh tells Jacob and Israel to remember these things because they are his servant, formed by him and not forgotten.
Explanation
Yahweh tells Jacob and Israel to remember these things because they are his servant, formed by him and not forgotten. He then says he has blotted out transgressions and sins like a cloud. On that basis he calls them to return to him, because he has redeemed them.
02A song of praise for Yahweh’s workHeavens, the lower parts of the earth, mountains, forests, and trees are all called to sing.
Explanation
Heavens, the lower parts of the earth, mountains, forests, and trees are all called to sing. This is prophetic praise language that magnifies Yahweh’s action. The stated reason is that Yahweh has redeemed Jacob and will glorify himself in Israel, so the whole creation is summoned to respond.
03The Redeemer who made all thingsYahweh describes himself as Redeemer and as the one who formed his people from the womb. He also says he alone stretched out the heavens and spread out the earth by himself.
Explanation
Yahweh describes himself as Redeemer and as the one who formed his people from the womb. He also says he alone stretched out the heavens and spread out the earth by himself. The passage grounds its message in who Yahweh is: the one speaking is the Maker of all things.
04Yahweh overturns false words and confirms his ownThe passage says Yahweh frustrates the signs of liars, makes diviners mad, and turns wise men backward so their knowledge becomes foolish.
Explanation
The passage says Yahweh frustrates the signs of liars, makes diviners mad, and turns wise men backward so their knowledge becomes foolish. In contrast, he confirms the word of his servant and performs the counsel of his messengers. He says Jerusalem will be inhabited and Judah’s cities will be built and raised up.
05Yahweh names Cyrus and states his purposeYahweh also says to the deep, ‘Be dry,’ and says he will dry up rivers. Then he names Cyrus and says, ‘He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure.’
Explanation
Yahweh also says to the deep, ‘Be dry,’ and says he will dry up rivers. Then he names Cyrus and says, ‘He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure.’ Yahweh’s words are specific: Jerusalem will be built, and the temple will have its foundation laid.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What reasons does Yahweh give here for Israel to return to him?
Look at the words about being formed, not forgotten, having sins blotted out, and being redeemed.
02How does the passage connect praise with redemption?
Notice why heaven, earth, mountains, and trees are called to sing.
03What contrast is made between liars and diviners and Yahweh’s own word?
Compare what Yahweh does to false signs and human knowledge with what he does for the word of his servant and messengers.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Isaiah 44:21–28
21Remember these things, Jacob and Israel, for you are my servant. I have formed you. You are my servant. Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
22I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
23Sing, you heavens, for Yahweh has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth! Break out into singing, you mountains, O forest, all of your trees, for Yahweh has redeemed Jacob, and will glorify himself in Israel.
24Yahweh, your Redeemer, and he who formed you from the womb says: “I am Yahweh, who makes all things; who alone stretches out the heavens; who spreads out the earth by myself;
25who frustrates the signs of the liars, and makes diviners mad; who turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolish;
26who confirms the word of his servant, and performs the counsel of his messengers; who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be inhabited;’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They will be built,’ and ‘I will raise up its waste places;’
27who says to the deep, ‘Be dry,’ and ‘I will dry up your rivers,’
28who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure,’ even saying of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built;’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’ ”