Isaiah 44: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 44 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh speaks to Jacob and Israel, assuring them of His help and calling them His servants (vv. 1-2). He promises to pour out His Spirit on their descendants and bless them (vv.

Key verse

“This is what Yahweh, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies, says: “I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God.”
Isaiah 44:6 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 44:1–2 God's Assurance to Israel
Isaiah 44:3–5 Promise of Spiritual Renewal
Isaiah 44:6–8 The Uniqueness of God
Isaiah 44:9–11 The Futility of Idols
Isaiah 44:12–20 Idolatry Described
Isaiah 44:21–23 God's Redemption
Isaiah 44:24–28 God's Sovereignty and Prophecy

Discussion questions

In v3, what does God promise to pour out on Israel's descendants?
In v22, what has God done to Israel's transgressions according to the text?
The declaration in v6 that 'besides me there is no God': what implications does this have for Israel's identity?
In v20, why does the text suggest that the idolater 'feeds on ashes'?
When have you struggled to recognize a truth in your life similar to 'a deceived heart has turned him aside' (v20)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 44: Acts 2, Isaiah 43, Joel 2.

Before next time: read Isaiah 45.