Isaiah 40:1-2
The first 39 chapters of Isaiah address Judah in the present situation during Isaiah's ministry. Chapters 40 to 66 address Judah as though she were already in captivity in Babylon even though it wouldn't happen for another eighty to one hundred years. This has caused some to consider the writings to be from two different people. However, Jesus himself quotes from both parts of Isaiah and attests the writings to him. So, either the scholars are wrong or Jesus is wrong. I'm going with Jesus on this. Isaiah's style changes distinctly here but the author doesn't change.
Chapters 40 through 66 are broke down into three distinct sections.
- Chapters 40-48 speak of the hope and comfort of a future after the time of God's judgment has passed.
- Chapters 49-57 speak about the coming Messiah.
- Chapters 58-66 speaks of the future glory of Israel and God's people.
The call went out to herald the comfort of God's people. This call may have been to the prophets, the people themselves or God's divine council. Isaiah looks to the future time when judgment has past. God's wrath against the nation is complete. Israel is still his covenant people and he will bring them back to their homes later. Israel is like the firstborn of God's people. The firstborn gets a double portion both good and bad.
Isaiah 40:3-5
For the Jews in Babylon, they look to the Lord to be with them and make a way for them back to their land. They look for deliverance from captivity; a highway from Babylon to Zion. Through God's providence the way for the Lord is prepared. Likewise, the passage is brought to a deeper meaning when quoted by the gospel writers. Through repentance and trust in the Lord, the way is prepared for the coming messiah.
It was the custom of many at that time to send heralds and servants ahead of the coming king to prepare the way. It was their job to make a straight highway for the coming king. Every hill would be brought low and valley brought level. The rough places would be made smooth. It was a highway prepared for the king. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all flesh will witness it.
John the Baptist quoted this in Matthew 3:3. John was preparing the way for the Lord by preaching repentance. This was a preparation of the heart to receive the coming King of Kings. John heralded the coming Lord to all who would listen. He prepared the way and at the right time the glory of the Lord was revealed in Jesus Christ. John said in John 1:29, "Behold, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
Isaiah 40:6-8
The first voice said "Cry out!" The next asked what to cry out. The first voice answers with this metaphor. All men are like grass, grass withers away. And all of life is like the flower; today it may be beautiful, but it too will fade. People are no different. Generations come and go, people pass on, but there is one thing that stands forever. Without fail; without exception the word of our God stands forever. If He promises a time of deliverance and comfort than we are able to rely on that promise without fail. This is quoted by Peter in 1 Peter 1:24-25 where he is making the same point.
Isaiah 40:9
Isaiah encouraged the city of Jerusalem to shout it from the mountaintops. Proclaim the 'good tidings' to the world; declare it all who would hear. We know the good tidings as the good news of Jesus Christ. This encouragement to scream in out with enthusiasm from the highest place with strength and not be afraid.
"Behold your God!" is an encouragement to take a long look, an in-depth look at who He is and what He's done. Isaiah's message to herald the news of the Lord ends in verse nine; in verse ten, we see what the heralding would sound like.
Isaiah 40:10-11
When the Lord comes again, He will come with a strong hand. That same strong hand that worked judgment against them and then brought them back to their land will also defend them and care for them. God's hand works for Him, with Him, and before Him'. With that strong hand and mighty arm the Lord will gather His people to Him. He tends his flock like a shepherd. In all His might we see a gentleness and tenderness.
Isaiah 40:12-14
The poetic passage asks the rhetorical question; the clear answer in every case is 'no one'. The details with which God deals in are beyond our understanding. There is such a delicate balance in the universe and God created it that way to show His glory. He made it all and holds it all together.
Isaiah 40:15-17
In comparison to God's greatness, the nations are like a drop in a bucket. In the grand scheme of things, they are inconsequential. They come and go at the hand of a sovereign God, for His purpose and in His time. We stand in time and view nations as great entities that have been created by great men. God stands outside of time and sees that they are but a blip on the radar; as small as dust on the scales. The nations, no matter how important they may be in the world, have no affect unless God ordains it.
Isaiah 40:18-20
Do we compare God to ordinary things? Do we create a likeness of Him cover it with gold and silver and make it ornate so it appears to be of great value? Could man ever create anything to resemble God? Many men have tried. Whether it is covered with gold and valued highly among men or carved from wood and done carefully so it won't teeter or tip over, it is still from the mind and hands of men; in reality, it can't come close.
Every time we sin against God we set ourselves and our will over the divine will of our creator. We have, in essence, said to him, "I don't like your way, my way is better." We have created for ourselves another god. Sometimes that god is revealed by where we spend our money and our time. If all your time and money is spent on you, who do you think your god is? If your god is you do you believe you will never totter and fall?
Isaiah 40:21-24
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The glory and sovereignty of God is awesome. He was there from the beginning and created all the heavens and all the earth. We can't imagine what that must have looked like when it was happening. Our God spoke all things into existence. Will there be instant replay in heaven? I hope so. It would be an incredible sight to see. God moves among men and sets up princes and brings them down. No judge will stand before Him; He is the one who ordained that he judge. These great men from birth to death are barely worth mentioning in God's eternal sight. They come and go and whither away. I feel very small and insignificant when I read this. Yet, when a God this big, loves me so much that He sent His son to die for me, I feel special.
Isaiah 40:25-26
Who can we compare God to? No one, no thing; ever – He is and will remain unequaled!! Every knee will bow and declare Jesus Lord of all. Those that follow false gods can scream that it's not fair. Those that want to hold onto their sin can say they don't agree with God. Those that have hard hearts and refuse to see the handiwork of our creator can plead their case all they want. They can bring their proof of evolution before the throne of God. None of these things matter.
Look to the heavens, he calls the stars by names, not one is missing. See also Psalm 147:4-5.
Isaiah 40:27-31
God never tires or grows weary. We soar like eagles; we run and don't grow weary. God will strengthen us; we will never have to rely on our own strength. We can't begin to understand how incredible God really is. His understanding is unsearchable. When you feel weak and beat down by the world remember that God gives strength to the weak. By His mighty hand we can be lifted up. We wait on the Lord. We trust Him. We know His promises are faithful and true. Sometimes it appears otherwise but we walk by faith, not by sight.
©2018 Doug Ford
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