Isaiah 40:1-14
Q.1. What prophecy was made for Jerusalem’s future? What great events will precede Israel’s pardon? Who was described in these prophecies? How reliable is God’s Word? – (Isa.40:1-8 c.f. Zech.13:1; Lk.3:4-6; Rom.11:25-27; 1 Pet.1:23-25)
The prophecies of the next few chapters (40-48) were written to encourage Judah, as though they were already in exile. God foreshadowed an end to Jerusalem’s warfare, and the removal of Israel’s sin – 1 “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. 2 “Speak kindly to Jerusalem; And call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” (Isa.40:1-2 c.f. Zech.13:1; Rom.11:25-27). Isaiah predicted the role of John the Baptizer in heralding the coming of Christ (Isa.40:3-4 c.f. Lk.3:4-6). He then revealed – Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken (Isa.40:5). This takes us all the way forward to the Second Coming of Christ, when – every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him (c.f. Rev.1:7; 19:11-16). In these few verses God revealed that Judah will be severely chastened, their sins will come to an end, they will be purified, and will see God in all His glory. With two powerful statements, God confirmed that these future prophecies will surely come to pass – For the mouth of the Lord has spoken (Isa.40:5). Everything else is transitory – The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever (Isa.40:8 c.f. 1 Pet.1:23-25).
Q.2. Will Israel ever be the bearer of the Good News? What will be the characteristics of Christ’s reign? Can we comprehend the greatness and wisdom of God’s plans? – (Isa.40:9-14 c.f. Rom.11:33-36)
After all these calamities, Zion will be the bearer of Good News – Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; Lift it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” (Isa.40:9) Eventually Christ will establish His reign on earth – Behold, the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him (Isa.40:10 c.f. Jude 14-15). However, before all that – Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arms He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes (Isa.40:11). God revealed to Isaiah His greatness and wisdom. He declared the impossibility for us to measure the heavens and the waters of the earth (Isa.40:12). He then turned to His knowledge and wisdom, and asked – 13 Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counsellor has informed Him? 14 With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge and informed Him of the way of understanding? (Isa.40:13-14 c.f. Rom.11:33-36). Planet earth is a speck in the universe. It is beyond human comprehension to understand how the universe operates and holds together (c.f. Ps.19:1-6; Col.1:15-17).