9 Because of my name I will put away my wrath, and for my praise I will keep myself from cutting you off. 10 See, I have been testing you for myself like silver; I have put you through the fire of trouble. 11 For myself, even because of my name, I will do it; for I will not let my name be shamed; and my glory I will not give to another. 12 Give ear to me, Jacob, and Israel, my loved one; I am he, I am the first and I am the last. 13 Yes, by my hand was the earth placed on its base, and by my right hand the heavens were stretched out; at my word they take up their places. 14 Come together, all of you, and give ear; who among you has given news of these things? the Lord's loved one will do his pleasure with Babylon, and with the seed of the Chaldaeans. 15 I, even I, have given the word; I have sent for him: I have made him come, and have given effect to his undertakings.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 48:9-15
Commentary on Isaiah 48:9-15
(Read Isaiah 48:9-15)
We have nothing ourselves to plead with God, why he should have mercy upon us. It is for his praise, to the honour of his mercy, to spare. His bringing men into trouble was to do them good. It was to refine them, but not as silver; not so thoroughly as men refine silver. If God should take that course, they are all dross, and, as such, might justly be put away. He takes them as refined in part only. Many have been brought home to God as chosen vessels, and a good work of grace begun in them, in the furnace of affliction. It is comfort to God's people, that God will secure his own honour, therefore work deliverance for them. And if God delivers his people, he cannot be at a loss for instruments to be employed. God has formed a plan, in which, for his own sake, and the glory of his grace, he saves all that come to Him.