Isaiah 41:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Although He possesses sovereignty over all as God, in His earthly existence, He was granted authority for the sake of the household of God. After reigning, He appointed rulers among us—His holy apostles—who began to govern with justice. Thus, He declares, "I will give to Zion, that is, to the church or assembly of believers, the saving foundation, which is Christ, and I will bring consolation to Jerusalem, the entryway to the church." In Christ, we find comfort and strength, being guided along the steadfast path that leads to eternal life. Of those who speak, it is said, there is none; nor do their idols speak. The Greeks had many philosophers and eloquent speakers, yet none could truly impart the way of holiness; their temples were filled with idols, but none of these false deities could provide access or guidance to the truth. What can I say? If someone were to inquire of them where they come from, they would be unable to respond. And if they lack awareness of their own origins, being mute and insensible, how could they instruct others? If they are aware of themselves, as mere substances that are lifeless and devoid of understanding, how can they be mentors to others or reveal the way of goodness?

For calamities arise from that direction upon all the earth, as it is said to Jeremiah, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I answered, “A boiling pot, its face toward the north” (Jeremiah 1:13). Yet, they are gathered from the north so that they may believe in Him who comes from the rising sun. Of Him it is written, Who has arisen, the just one from the east, and in another passage, Behold, a man; the east is his name (Zech. 6:12). He will call them by my name, so that, turning away from idols, they may honor the one true God. For He declares in the Gospel, “I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive” (John 5:43). He will crush rulers and dignitaries as well as worldly pride, and they will be as clay to a potter, to form either vessels for honor or dishonor (Rom. 9:21). This, which I speak of as completed according to the tradition of the prophets—as if it has already taken place, or as Symmachus indicates, promised as if it has—none of the demons or idols can foresee. Hence, all oracles have become mute, for there is no one to proclaim or listen, while the understanding of the hearts of the Gentiles, once ignorant, has perceived their error and turned away from false prophecies. The Lord will first address Zion, meaning His church, declaring, “These are your children, whom I have entrusted to you through my faith.” This refers to the apostles who preached the gospel to the nations. Although Zion and Jerusalem differ in name, the city is one, just as the Church is one. Thus, we should call on all nations caught in the delusion of idolatry to respond about their origins. And their answer will be that they all follow vanity and the wind, worshipping the crafted works of their hands. Everything stated about idols and nations also applies to misguided doctrines and their leaders, the heretics, since while Christ preaches peace to the Church and reveals the way of truth, they pursue falsehood and are like the wind and the tempest. The Hebrews, recognizing the forces gathered from the north and those arising from the east, refer to the Assyrians and Persians, who invaded Jerusalem and overran all its rulers, while none of the idols they revered knew this would occur, except for the Lord alone, who repaid them for their transgressions.