Isaiah 51:9-10

Isaiah uses the name ‘Rahab’ to refer to Egypt. That country was the enemy of the people of God in ancient times (see Exodus 14:30-31).

• Verse 9 seems to describe the *Lord as he awakes from sleep. Of course, this is picture language. The *Lord never sleeps (Psalms 121:4). In other words, he is never unaware of what is happening to his people. But he chooses the moment when he will act to save them. And then, to them, he seems to act as one who has just awoken (Psalms 78:65-66).

The *Lord will save you

v12 ‘I myself will comfort you,’ says the *Lord. ‘You need never be afraid of any man. He is only human. And, like the grass, he will die. v13 You must never forget the greatness of your *Lord. He created you for himself. He established the heavens and the earth. So do not live in terror of an angry enemy. Yes, he plotted to kill you. But now he has completely disappeared. v14 The prisoner who trembles in prison will soon have his freedom. He will not die and go to *Sheol. He will no longer suffer from hunger.’