In Isaiah, chapter forty-three, verses one through twenty-eight, this chapter speaks about Israel’s deliverance from Babylonian captivity because of God’s love for His people. “But now” are the first two words to begin the chapter and the theme title for these scriptures under the subheading “God will redeem His people” section, which are the first twenty-one verses. However, “Israel’s sin of ingratitude” contains the last seven.
“But now,” as in the beginning of verse one, is God speaking through His servant Isaiah to open the hearts of His people, as in the start of verse three, “For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” The theme title also means “already” or “as of now.” God declares His purpose and who He is in verses ten through twelve, ” Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.”
On the other hand, the response of the people of God has not been eager. Although the first two words of verse one are “But now” from the Lord, the response from God’s people is, “But thou,” which begins verse twenty-two. “But thou hast not called upon me,” “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins, as in verse twenty-five. “Put me in remembrance: let us plead together,” as in verse twenty-six.