![]() “You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. Then comes the start of joyful proclamations for those that wait upon the Lord. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins” ( Isaiah 40:1-2). “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. It starts with the voice of a loving Father to his children who have just been released from Babylon to return home. Now comes a touch of consolation and anticipation of a new thing that God will be doing. But rather than keeping the focus on the fearful aspect of oncoming invasion, Chapter 40 jumps ahead to a time after God’s people have been in captivity in a foreign land. The glory of God is a theme that runs throughout the whole book of Isaiah. Starting in Chapter 40, poetic and prophetic words tell of the comfort, forgiveness and incredible blessings God has in store for those who love and obey Him. ![]() God’s faithful needed reassurance, and He graciously shifts the tone of Isaiah’s words to encourage them. This was a frightening prospect, especially following all the messages of judgement and condemnation Isaiah had already brought to the nations. Isaiah has just pronounced in Chapter 39 that the Babylonians would invade Jerusalem, leading to a period of captivity for God’s people. In the meantime, passages like chapter 40:31 declare God’s promise of provision and victory for those who rely on Him as they wait. ![]() The writing reflects an acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty over His people and even pagan nations, as well as a reminder that no one can be holy in their own strength and that we must wait on the Lord for provision.Īlong with these difficult passages, the book of Isaiah offers a glimpse of God’s amazing plan to reclaim His people through the arrival of a Deliverer. The name Isaiah means “The Lord is salvation,” and this theme resonates through all of the prophet’s book. They will soar on wings like eagles they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). “.they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. ![]()
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