44:6
“I am the first and last...” This verse sets out the most important fact in the universe, sets out what must be the most foundational point if we want to have a correct worldview, if we want to understand and live our lives aright. The Lord is Israel’s king and redeemer. Reminding them that He is their king is crucial. In the days of Samuel Israel demanded a king because she wanted to be like other nations. This was a fundamental mistake, and symptomatic of Israel’s sin. We too need to remember that the Lord is our king and our redeemer. No one else is. He is the first and last, this adds significance to Christ’s claiming to be the alpha and omega in Rev 1:8. The Lord is everything.
44:7
Having told the people who He is, God challenges them to bring any alternatives forward. If there is anyone who can compare with Him, who is it?! Let them demonstrate the truth of their claim. To do they would need to explain all of past history, and be able to foretell what is to come. Of course no one else can do this, and the question is largely rhetorical, aimed at getting people to realise the truth.
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