Isaiah 48: Group Study Handout

Overview

Yahweh calls the house of Jacob and those named Israel to hear about their stubbornness (vv. 1-2). He speaks of past declarations, revealing that He foretold events to prevent the people from crediting idols for what He has done (vv. 3-5). Yahweh then introduces new revelations, asserting that the people have not heard these things before (vv. 6-8). For His name's sake, He will hold back His anger and refine Israel through affliction (vv. 9-11). Yahweh asserts His authority as the first and the last, affirming His role in creation and His sovereignty (vv. 12-16). He expresses that if Israel had listened to His commandments, their well-being would have flourished (vv. 17-19). Finally, Yahweh commands them to flee Babylon and proclaim His redemption of Jacob (vv. 20-22).

Key verse

“For my own sake, for my own sake, I will do it; for how would my name be profaned? I will not give my glory to another.”

Isaiah 48:11 (WEB)

Outline

1. Isaiah 48:1–2 Call to Israel's Stubbornness
2. Isaiah 48:3–5 God's Past Declarations
3. Isaiah 48:6–8 New Revelations and Israel's Hearing
4. Isaiah 48:9–11 Divine Purpose in Refinement
5. Isaiah 48:12–16 God's Sovereign Authority
6. Isaiah 48:17–19 Consequences of Disobedience
7. Isaiah 48:20–22 Call to Leave Babylon

Discussion questions

1. In v6, what new things does God declare that Israel has not known?
2. What does God call Israel in v12 when he says, 'Listen to me, O Jacob'?
3. In vv. 9-11, what is the nature of God's deferral of anger and preservation of his name?
4. The mention of 'the furnace of affliction' in v10: what is God's purpose for refining Israel?
5. When have you experienced a time of affliction that led to personal growth or change?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 48: Isaiah 43, Isaiah 44, Psalm 25.

Before next time: read Isaiah 49.