As we think about God’s exclusive nature in Isaiah 49, keep in mind that we are not talking about his exclusivity in regards to himself (his holiness…i.e., he is intrinsically different), nor are we talking about his exclusivity in regards to the world (his sovereignty). Instead, we are talking about his exclusivity in regards to his creatures — he alone owns us! He has sole rights to lay claim to our life, and it is his sole decision to do whatever it takes to bring us/them back to himself. God displayed that type of exclusive ownership with Jersualem, especially in Isaiah 49. It was evident that he owned them by creation and by covenant, so he could rightly lay claim to them. Exclusive claim. Sole rights. He doesn’t need permission or a vote of cofidence. He’s God, the exclusive owner of all things.