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The key to understanding this section is found in the rhetorical questions in vv.18, 21, 25, 27, and 28. The concerns are threefold: (1) The confidence of the exiles in Yahweh had been shaken. Now they were questioning whether Yahweh was indeed greater than the gods of Babylon. Comparisons were being made (vv.18, 25). (2) They evidently had forgotten their story, which was the history of Yahweh’s relationship with the world in general and this people in particular. Because they had a history, they would have a future (vv.21, 28). (3) Some of the exiles believed that God had disregarded them and did not care about their fate. This magnificent poem is written to address these concerns.
The poem begins with two questions (v.12) that have only one answer: “God! God created all that is.” These are followed by more questions (vv.13-14) that have only one answer: “No one! Yahweh alone is God.” Though the nation of Babylon looms large now, it is time to gain a clearer perception of reality. As with all nations, Babylon is like a drop in a bucket, like fine dust compared to the majesty of God (vv.15-17). Lebanon is mentioned because of the heights of its mountains, yet does not compare with the loftiness of God.
In vv.18-20 the comparison is brought into sharper focus with the specific reference to the idols of Babylon. Dare we really compare the creator God to a created object?
Vv.21-24 are a recapitulation of history within the context of creation. The creator God is the God who is involved in history. He is responsible for his creation and will not abandon it, as history shows. Vv.25 and 26 refer to the popular astral deities of Babylonian mythology. Rather than worship the starry hosts as the Babylonian captors do, one ought simply to remember who created them. Surely he alone is the one worthy of worship.
The chapter concludes with an appeal to trust God. The exiles may have grown tired and weary in exile, but the prophet reminds them in this moving passage that God will give them the needed strength in abundant supply.