CONTEXT: Once again Matthew Henry provides the overview of this chapter: This chapter goes on with the good words and comfortable words which we had in the chapter before, for the encouragement of the captives, assuring them that God would in due time restore them or their children to their own land, and make them a great and happy nation again, especially by sending them the Messiah, in whose kingdom and grace many of these promises were to have their full accomplishment. I. They shall be restored to peace and honour, and joy and great plenty (v. 1-14). II. Their sorrow for the loss of their children shall be at an end (v. 15-17). III. They shall repent of their sins, and God will graciously accept them in their repentance (v. 18-20). IV. They shall be multiplied and increased, both their children and their cattle, and not be cut off and diminished as they had been (v. 21-30). V. God will renew his covenant with them, and enrich it with spiritual blessings (v. 31-34). VI. These blessings shall be secured to theirs after them, even to the spiritual seed of Israel for ever (v. 35-37). VII. As an earnest of this the city of Jerusalem shall be rebuilt (v. 38-40). These exceedingly great and precious promises were firm foundations of hope and full fountains of joy to the poor captives; and we also may apply them to ourselves and mix faith with them.
I find it helpful to read the context in small portions. Here read v.11 with vs. 10 and 12 to get the right understanding of God’s Holy Word. In v.10 God declares to all the nations of the world that He is the Sovereign God that scattered Israel to the far corners (coastlands) of the earth and kept them for His people. Now read our main text, God is ransoming His people back. Then in v.12, after having been driven then through the desert in v.9, the nation of Israel will once again rejoice at the height of Zion.
When looking at our text for today (AMP) For the Lord has ransomed Jacob And has redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he, we can note a few things:
- The Lord ransomed Jacob – here the Hebrew word translated Ga’ al; to ransom, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman. to redeem (by payment), to redeem (with God as subject)
- And has redeemed him – the Hebrew word translated here is Padah; seemingly alike but the meaning is of action. to ransom, redeem, rescue, or deliver
- from the hand of him who was stronger than he – this is pretty straightforward, Jacob was not going to overcome on his own he just as we need(s/ed) God
Takeaways: Ransome and Redemption go hand in hand. Both for ancient Israel and modern Christianity. Neither party could or can “Just Do IT” it requires the sovereign God of the universe, the creator of all to Ransome His chosen people. This is the Gospel in a nutshell.
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 