Isaías 43
Procopius of Gaza
Isaías 43:1
The things said here are of a quite different tenor from what was said in the previous passage about the people of the covenant, where he called them blind, deaf and plundered. Now the message here is of the better condition of those believers of the covenant who belong to a better order. For the former ones were those who were suffering. Here he addresses as "you" those who recognize their Creator and Maker. "Do listen to the one who keeps you an unblemished creation and product, for here you are fittingly called Jacob and Israel. For I made you in your soul, according to the image, and formed you, taking a body from the ground, and I provided my blood for you, buying back my own creation. You, being made worthy of these things, go by the road on which you are instructed to go and preach the good news. Although some will attack you, be encouraged that you are special. 'For behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Be followers of me, the one who wished to give my blood of redemption for you, as atonement." …"You are mine." For we are said to have been Christ's, even before the separation from God that occurred when we as sinners went out of the garden, though by nature we were always God's. But he has made us once more to be his own through the Holy Spirit making us strong through every trial. Rivers, water and flames denote the many channels of temptation. For it is written, "All who wish to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." And Christ says to those who believed in him, "You will have sorrow in the world." — COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 43:1-13
Isaías 43:5
"I will destroy those warring with you on account of the gospel, both people and leaders." He encourages them in this way. "And your children, which you have sown by God and which you have begotten throughout the world, I will gather to my heavenly city, raising up those airborne, through the air, like birds made light by the winds," that is, the angelic forces. "I shall raise up your offspring to be my children through their being reborn in the church, and all those called by my name Christians are welcomed." For Christ prophesied these things through the godly prophet. — COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 43:1-13
Isaías 43:10
"I have glorified you in the world." By this glory Christ has led the blind people into the light. For the sun of righteousness does not allow us to be children of the night and shadows but rather of day, as the divine apostle says. When Paul says, "They have been gathered," this in fact has not yet taken place, and he is obviously speaking prophetically, meaning "they will be gathered." For speaking of things to come as if they had happened is customary in the Scriptures; another example of such is "I have given my back to the rod" and "they divided my clothing among them." — COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 43:1-13
Isaías 43:16
How has he led chariots and horses? It is clear that Pharaoh pursued Israel by his own decision, for God had already spoken in this way to him: "I have raised you up as to show my power in you and so that my name might be made known throughout the earth." Thus in a marvelous way God saves those who are fleeing from the desire for earthly things as they are pursued by the devil. God shows them that the wild waves of the present life are passable and that they will not be overwhelmed by trials but will arrive securely in the desert with a stilled and purified mind. They will eat the heavenly bread and drink the water from the rock. This is to share in Christ and to go through the Jordan and gain the Promised Land. — COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 43:14-28
Isaías 43:25
Nature is too weak to gain righteousness by works. For the human disposition is inclined toward evil from an early age, as David clearly says, "If you kept record of our transgressions, who would stand? For with you there is atonement." For I myself am merciful, and I wish that those in trouble remember their Savior and give him thanks through all things. For this is what the saints do.… And do not be ashamed to confess your sins. For the Pharisee did not do so, and he was condemned. But the tax collector did so, and he was justified. …"You transgressed against me"—this is given great force. For it is not a transgression against humanity or created nature. For the idolater rejects the divine nature as he robs the same of its transcendence and glory, which are to be worshiped. As God says in Jeremiah, "Why have you spoken to me? You have all acted unrighteously and impiously toward me," says the Lord Almighty. — COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 43:14-28