The Ransom in Isaiah 43:3

Sometimes a cell group member will throw me a curly question about the Bible that I can’t answer. Last night, someone asked what is the ransom being talked about in Isaiah 43:3? I have to admit that I didn’t have a clue! I had to crack open the commentary to find one.

Here is the verse:

For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in your stead.

It isn’t clear, but some context helps. This chapter is talking about the liberation of Israel from their exile in Babylon. Cyrus will set them free, and they will cross the deserts to return home. It is going to be an even greater miracle than when the nation was set free from Egypt under the leadership of Moses.

Historically, Cyrus had little interest in the land of Israel, but it was a strategic stepping stone on his way to conquering the northern African nations of Egypt, Ethiopia and Seba.

So what the Lord is saying to His people here is that they will be returning home under the edict of Cyrus, and in return for Cyrus setting God’s people free, the Lord will give him these other nations.

Historically, Cyrus did not invade Egypt, but his son Cambyses did. His successor Darius continued to use Israel as a stepping stone to get to Egypt.

So it does make sense when you know the background.