Relevant Bible Verses: Isaiah 41, 42:1-7, 44:26-45:6, 49:1-12

Leading Question: The “servant” of the Lord is sometimes presented as a corporate entity, sometimes as an individual – how does one tell the difference?

A recurring theme in Isaiah 40-48 is the worthlessness of idols and false religion. In these chapters, at least eight passages reflect something close to mockery toward idols and those who worship them: 40:18-20; 41:6-7, 21-24; 44:9-20; 45:16; 46:5-7; 47:10-15; 48:5. A vivid excerpt from a long diatribe (44:18-20) illustrates the prophet’s disdain for idols and those who worship them:

Isaiah 44:18 They do not know, nor do they ...