Vv. 1-7 God is claiming, before his people, that he has control and power over all of history. He is the incomparable first and last, greater than any god that could be manufactured by humans. 

• Coastlands are used to bring forth the idea of distant lands, meaning foreign nations. We see that they are afraid of the one true God who is strengthening his people and raising up a nation in the east as conqueror. 

• The nation of the east is Persia, led by Cyrus. We know that it is Cyrus who will come and defeat the Babylonians, allowing the Israelites to return to the Promised Land. 

• The coastlands are seen building idols to build themselves up. They desire protection from the judgement the God of Israel is bringing, so they create idols they feel cannot be moved. 

Vv. 8-20 In contrast to those who are not among the people of God, Israel is supposed to be fearless as God is redeeming them and Resorting relationship with them. This confidence in the Lord is important for the scary circumstances they find themselves in. 

• God uses the promises and the fulfillment of the past to reinforce that he is on their side. 

• An interesting distinction is made between God and idols. Idols need to be strengthened and reinforced by the people who create them; but God reinforces his people, his creation. 

• Though Israel has been overpowered by Babylon, God declares that it is he that we guide them out from bondage, giving them courage and strength. 

• God is making a way for Israel, he will destroy their oppressors and blow them away in the wind. Though Israel is weak and insignificant like worms, God has chose them. 

• God shows his goodness in that the people who are needy and thirsty will be taken care of by him. 

• All this is done for his glory and that we may rejoice and praise his name. 

Vv. 21-29 In exile, Israel will and does experience idols of other nations. God puts them to the test, in the end showing that he is greater than all of these. 

• The first test is that of prophecy: will the idols be able to tell what happens in the future. Of course they can’t, but our God does and has power over all things past, present, and future. 

• The second test is that of action. God challenges the idols to move, to do good or harm. But they are unable. God, however, is always moving throughout all of history. He is the great causer, setting history into motion. 

• He proves that he knows the future and is able to move by causing the rise and success of Persia and Cyrus.