First of all, the Hebrew captives, those who had been carried off by the Assyrians, and those who were to be taken by Nebuchadnezzar, and then, figuratively, all who have been held captive by Satan.

The answer is emphatic—God can save and will save. His people have nothing to fear. They are not to focus their attention on the strength of those who oppress them, but on the might of their Great Deliverer.

 That is, Zion’s children (see vs. 14-22). Here Isaiah refers specifically to the Hebrew exiles scattered in foreign lands. In common Hebrew usage “children,” literally, “sons,” is synonymous with “descendants.” Isaiah is not speaking particularly of “children” in the sense the English word commonly conveys (2 Kings 2:3, 5, 7, 15; Ps. 149:2; etc.). Those who oppose God and His people will turn against one another (Eze. 38:21; Zech. 14:13), and thus destroy themselves. It is the privilege of parents today to claim for their children the promise here made to ancient Israel, for our little ones are objects of divine love.