Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
4. Because thou wast precious. Others interpret it “Thou wast honorable, because I raised thee to honor;” but I think that God assigns the reason why he gave up Egypt and Ethiopia to the enemies in their room. It was because he loved them, and because they were dear to him.
After reproving Jacob's stubborn disobedience, God's goodness blazes forth all the brighter: He continues His love and care for His people. Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound; mercy rejoices against judgment, and the sun breaks from behind dark clouds to shine the brighter.
AI summary
Commenting on Isaiah 43:1-7
Since thou wast precious in my sight,.... As the saints are; not that they are valuable in themselves; they have no intrinsic worth in them; they are in no wise better than others; they are of the same mass and lump with others; they are of the fallen race of Adam, and are earthly and simple as he was; nor are they precious in their...