John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 43:26

"Put me in remembrance; let us plead together: set thou forth [thy cause], that thou mayest be justified." — Isaiah 43:26 (ASV)

Bring to my remembrance. Because human pride cannot be easily corrected, the Lord pursues this argument and dwells extensively on it. His purpose is to lead the Jews to abandon all confidence in their works and become more humble. Therefore, He gives them freedom to say and argue whatever they please to support their cause, if they do not acknowledge that they are defeated.

By a kind of concession in their favor, He invites them to call to His remembrance, as if He had said, “If you think I am forgetful, tell it yourself; remind Me, if you can allege anything good; speak in your turn, I will be silent.” Through this form of expression, He taunts people more effectively than if He had stated the situation in the usual way.

He shows that it is exceedingly foolish for people to claim anything for themselves. For, although He gives them freedom to boast, they will be found utterly unable to plead and will have nothing to say in defense of their cause.

That thou mayest be justified, that is, “So that you may gain your cause and carry off the victory, I allow you to say whatever you please.” This is vehement mockery, which silences people more completely than if He pronounced the sentence Himself and with the authority of a judge. Yet we must also observe the Prophet's design, for he found it necessary to strip the Jews of the mask of personal worth, so that they might humbly and meekly receive the grace of God.