John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 43:7

"every one that is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yea, whom I have made." — Isaiah 43:7 (ASV)

All called. This is my interpretation of this clause, for the Prophet has used the singular number instead of the plural. Interpreters have misunderstood the meaning of this manner of expression, for they explain it this way: “Whoever has been called by my name, I have formed them for my glory.” But I understand it this way: “All called,” that is, “All shall be called by My name,” as He says in other passages, “My name shall be called upon them” (Genesis 48:16; Deuteronomy 28:10; Isaiah 4:1). Why is this so? “Because I have created them, I have formed them, I have made them for my glory.”

He continues the subject which he previously discussed about gathering the people into one body, though they have been scattered into various and distant parts of the world. It is as if he had said, “If this work appears to be incredible, you should not judge it by the ordinary course of nature, but you should look to His power.”

By my name; that is, “under my direction,” as we have also said when explaining another passage (Isaiah 41:25), that God is reconciled to us because by the right of adoption we are considered His people. Now, because the Jews were to be brought back under His guidance and command, and not by the power or assistance of humans, He declares that His name will be made illustrious in this deliverance, so that people may learn not to form their judgments from perspectives of the flesh or from natural means.

For my glory. The Prophet adds the reason, which provides strong support: that is, that He wishes His glory to be manifested in them. He therefore testifies that the salvation of His people concerns Himself, that He can no more abandon the care of His people than He can expose His name to reproach and disgrace, which He will never do. In short, His glory, of which He is the continual defender, is intimately connected with the salvation of His people.

I have formed him, yea, I have made him. For the sake of emphasis, He repeats the same thing in various ways, so that they may be more fully convinced that He wishes to bring to completion the work which He has begun. Such is the force of the particle אף, (aph,) which means “likewise,” or “even,” and sometimes, as we say, “for this time.” Accordingly, the meaning is generally understood to be: “Just as I have created and formed that people, so I desire to elevate them to a new rank and to restore them to their ancient freedom.”

It may also be translated 'and so'—and, as I have said, I prefer this translation—so as to mean not only that the people have nothing except from His grace, but also that He is deeply concerned about their salvation, because He cannot despise His own work, a work so remarkable and excellent. This passage, therefore, highlights for us the extraordinary grace of God, by which we are not only born as human beings, but are also formed anew according to His image.