Isaiah 43 came in a section of the book many mainline scholars call “Second Isaiah.” Its prophetic poetry spoke first to Israelites returning from exile in Babylon. The chance to return to their land was welcome, but it took a long, likely dangerous journey, often on foot. “Don’t fear,” was the divine message to them. “I will be with you.” Those words have strengthened and encouraged God’s people in all kinds of challenging or difficult situations ever since.

• Scholar John Oswalt wrote, “The key to [God’s promised redemption] is the personal relationship of God to his people. The recurrence of the pronouns “I” and “you” in 43:1–7 is striking. Twice God says, “I am/will be with you” (vv. 2, 5). He identifies himself by relation to them, calling himself “the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (v. 3).” What steps can make your relationship with God personal, not just with an impersonal “force”? How can knowing God personally move your heart beyond fear?
• An ancient tradition said King Manasseh killed Isaiah. The Romans crucified Jesus and beheaded Paul the apostle. Do this passage’s promises ring hollow in light of events like that? No—Hebrews 2:15 said Jesus’ resurrection can “free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” In what ways does fear limit your ability to live for God and others? To what extent has faith in Jesus freed you from the fear of disappointment, grief or even death in this life?