Israel is a blind and deaf servant (42:18–43:7). Because of her unwillingness to respond to Yahweh, she was oppressed and exiled as an expression of Yahweh’s anger. Israel’s exile was evidence of God’s rejection, but her redemption is an expression of his love. Israel’s formation was not a mistake. God elected (“created,” “formed”) Israel. He made them to be his people by calling them to be his. He loves his people and will do anything to redeem them. Regardless of how difficult the circumstances or how far he has to bring his people, he is with them. He is their God by covenant, the Holy One who has consecrated them, their Redeemer. He will give up nations such as Egypt, Cush (Ethiopia), and Seba (a region south of Ethiopia) in exchange for the remnant of his people, his “sons” and “daug…