Thus, it symbolizes the assurance of the fulfillment of divine promises, the most immediate of which is the appointment of Cyrus, a chosen servant of the Lord, who will be the means through which Jerusalem, the temple, and the cities of Judah will be restored—predicted to be laid waste in chapter 39.
In verses 21 to 28 of this chapter, we observe a seamless continuation from the prophecy in verses 1 to 8, which is briefly interrupted by a discourse on the futility of idols. Verse 21 reiterates the sentiment of verse 2, while verse 22 mirrors the idea expressed in verse 25 of chapter 43, and verse 24 recalls the phrasing of verse 6 within this chapter. The concluding section of chapter 44, consisting of verses 21 to 28, forms an interconnected unit with the initial verses, 1 to 8. The closing statement of verse 8 poses the rhetorical question, “Is there any God besides Me? There is no other stronghold; I am aware of none.” Verse 21 then states, “Remember this, Jacob and Israel, for you are My servant; I have created you; you are My servant, Israel; do not forget Me.”
When we examine the sermon on the futility of idols, we find that it closely parallels the similar denunciation found in the writings of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 10:2-5, 14), who condemns the creation of idols. The more recent ‘epistle of Jeremiah’ and the exhortations found in the Wisdom of Solomon appear to build upon the same themes and criticisms articulated by Isaiah. Isaiah appeals to human reason, detailing the process of idol construction and questioning the insanity of idol worship. We focus on verse 20, which states, “A misguided heart has led him astray, and he cannot save his soul, nor can he say, ‘Is there not deceit in my right hand?’” Who is responsible for the deception of the idolater's heart? From whom is he unable to find liberation? It is clear that this refers to the evil one, the father of lies, who governs the hearts of the pagans, deceiving them until the One who "conquered the world," along with death and hell, arrived. Prior to this victory, Satan was able to prevent the soul of humanity, unilluminated by revelation, from moving toward the light. However, once light, truth, and grace were introduced into the world, the human spirit could pursue the light and be set free from the chains of Satan. As noted, we connect the ensuing verses with the statement in verse 8: “Is there any God besides Me? There is no other stronghold; I am aware of none.”
THEOSIS