Isaiah 40
BSB1 “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. 2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins." 3 A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." 6 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." 9 Go up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news. Raise your voice loudly, O Jerusalem, herald of good news. Lift it up, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!" 10 Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him. 11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance? 13 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? 14 Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding? 15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust. 16 Lebanon is not sufficient for fuel, nor its animals enough for a burnt offering. 17 All the nations are as nothing before Him; He regards them as nothingness and emptiness. 18 To whom will you liken God? To what image will you compare Him? 19 To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? 20 To one bereft of an offering who chooses wood that will not rot, who seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple? 21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the foundation of the earth? 22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. 23 He brings the princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth meaningless. 24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner have their stems taken root in the ground, than He blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like stubble. 25 “To whom will you liken Me, or who is My equal?” asks the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and why do you assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my claim is ignored by my God”? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out. 29 He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. 31 But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Study Notes — Isaiah 40
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 40
- Themes from Isaiah 40
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 40
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 40 begins with a message of comfort for Jerusalem, calling God's people to prepare the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:1-5). The chapter then emphasizes the greatness and power of God, contrasting human weakness with God's eternal nature (Isaiah 40:6-31). The chapter concludes with a call to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming Messiah, who will bring redemption and restoration to God's people. Key verses include Isaiah 40:8, which reminds us that God's word endures forever, and Isaiah 40:31, which promises that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 40 is part of the second major section of the book of Isaiah, which focuses on the redemption and restoration of God's people. The chapter is addressed to the people of Judah, who are facing exile and hardship, and it calls them to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming Messiah. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and looking forward to the return of Christ.
Heart Application
As we read Isaiah 40, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and looking forward to the return of Christ. We are called to prepare the way for the Lord, to trust in His power and wisdom, and to wait on Him in times of difficulty and hardship. May we be encouraged to renew our strength and to mount up with wings like eagles, trusting in the power and presence of God in our lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 40 is a chapter that reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and looking forward to the return of Christ. It calls us to prepare the way for the Lord, to trust in His power and wisdom, and to wait on Him in times of difficulty and hardship. As we read this chapter, we are encouraged to renew our strength and to mount up with wings like eagles, trusting in the power and presence of God in our lives. In Isaiah 40:31, we are reminded that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength and will not grow weary.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is a message of comfort to those who are afflicted, and it is a call to repentance to those who are sinful. May we be faithful in proclaiming this message to a world in need.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The sovereignty of God is a doctrine that is both comforting and challenging. May we be humble and submissive as we consider the greatness and power of our God.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Comfort for God's People (Isaiah 40:1-5) — The chapter begins with a message of comfort for Jerusalem, emphasizing God's desire to bring peace and restoration to His people.
- The Greatness and Power of God (Isaiah 40:6-26) — The chapter emphasizes the greatness and power of God, contrasting human weakness with God's eternal nature.
- The Call to Trust in God's Sovereignty (Isaiah 40:27-31) — The chapter concludes with a call to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming Messiah, who will bring redemption and restoration to God's people.
- The Importance of Waiting on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord, trusting in His power and wisdom, and renewing our strength in times of difficulty and hardship.
- The Ultimate Redemption and Restoration (Isaiah 40:1-31) — The chapter points forward to the ultimate redemption and restoration that will come through the Messiah, who will bring peace and restoration to all things.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Isaiah 40 emphasizes the greatness and power of God, contrasting human weakness with God's eternal nature. This doctrine is central to the chapter, reminding us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and looking forward to the return of Christ.
- The Importance of Trusting in God
- The chapter calls us to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming Messiah, who will bring redemption and restoration to God's people. This doctrine is emphasized in verses such as Isaiah 40:10-11, which remind us that God is the one who will come to save His people.
- The Redemption and Restoration of God's People
- The chapter points forward to the ultimate redemption and restoration that will come through the Messiah, who will bring peace and restoration to all things. This doctrine is central to the chapter, reminding us of the importance of looking forward to the return of Christ.
- The Power and Presence of God
- The chapter emphasizes the power and presence of God, reminding us that He is the one who will come to save His people. This doctrine is emphasized in verses such as Isaiah 40:26, which remind us that God is the one who gives strength to the weary.
Lessons from Isaiah 40
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and looking forward to the return of Christ. This lesson is emphasized in verses such as Isaiah 40:10-11, which remind us that God is the one who will come to save His people.
- The Power and Presence of God — The chapter emphasizes the power and presence of God, reminding us that He is the one who will come to save His people. This lesson is emphasized in verses such as Isaiah 40:26, which remind us that God is the one who gives strength to the weary.
- The Importance of Waiting on the Lord — The chapter calls us to wait on the Lord, trusting in His power and wisdom, and renewing our strength in times of difficulty and hardship. This lesson is emphasized in verses such as Isaiah 40:31, which remind us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength and will not grow weary.
- The Ultimate Redemption and Restoration — The chapter points forward to the ultimate redemption and restoration that will come through the Messiah, who will bring peace and restoration to all things. This lesson is emphasized in verses such as Isaiah 40:1-5, which remind us of God's desire to bring peace and restoration to His people.
- The Importance of Preparing the Way for the Lord — The chapter calls us to prepare the way for the Lord, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and looking forward to the return of Christ. This lesson is emphasized in verses such as Isaiah 40:3-5, which remind us of the importance of preparing for the coming of the Lord.
Themes from Isaiah 40
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the greatness and power of God, contrasting human weakness with God's eternal nature. This theme is central to the chapter, reminding us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and looking forward to the return of Christ.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter calls us to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming Messiah, who will bring redemption and restoration to God's people. This theme is emphasized in verses such as Isaiah 40:10-11, which remind us that God is the one who will come to save His people.
- The Redemption and Restoration of God's People — The chapter points forward to the ultimate redemption and restoration that will come through the Messiah, who will bring peace and restoration to all things. This theme is central to the chapter, reminding us of the importance of looking forward to the return of Christ.
- The Power and Presence of God — The chapter emphasizes the power and presence of God, reminding us that He is the one who will come to save His people. This theme is emphasized in verses such as Isaiah 40:26, which remind us that God is the one who gives strength to the weary.
- The Importance of Waiting on the Lord — The chapter calls us to wait on the Lord, trusting in His power and wisdom, and renewing our strength in times of difficulty and hardship. This theme is emphasized in verses such as Isaiah 40:31, which remind us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength and will not grow weary.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to prepare the way for the Lord, and how can we apply this to our lives today?
- How does the chapter emphasize the greatness and power of God, and what implications does this have for our lives?
- What does it mean to wait on the Lord, and how can we cultivate this practice in our lives?
- How does the chapter point forward to the ultimate redemption and restoration that will come through the Messiah?
- What are some ways that we can renew our strength and mount up with wings like eagles, trusting in the power and presence of God in our lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Comfort for God's People (Isaiah 40:1-5)
| 40:1 | The chapter begins with a message of comfort for Jerusalem, emphasizing God's desire to bring peace and restoration to His people. |
| 40:2 | The prophet calls God's people to speak tenderly to Jerusalem, reminding her that her warfare is ended and her iniquity is pardoned. |
| 40:3 | The prophet calls God's people to prepare the way for the Lord, making straight in the desert a highway for our God. |
| 40:4 | The prophet reminds us that every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low, and the rough ground shall become level, and the rugged terrain a broad valley. |
| 40:5 | The prophet reminds us that the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. |
2. The Greatness and Power of God (Isaiah 40:6-26)
| 40:6 | The prophet reminds us that a voice says, "Call out." Then he answered, "What shall I call out?" All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. |
| 40:7 | The prophet reminds us that the grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. |
| 40:8 | The prophet reminds us that the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. |
| 40:9 | The prophet calls God's people to get yourselves 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!" |
| 40:10 | The prophet reminds us that behold, the Lord God will come with mighty power, and His arm will rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him. |
| 40:11 | The prophet reminds us that like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. |
| 40:12 | The prophet asks, who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and marked off the heavens by the span, and calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, and weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales? |
| 40:13 | The prophet asks, who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counselor has informed Him? |
| 40:14 | The prophet asks, 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? |
| 40:15 | The prophet reminds us that behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust. |
| 40:16 | The prophet reminds us that even Lebanon is not enough to burn, nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering. |
| 40:17 | The prophet reminds us that all the nations are as nothing before Him, they are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless. |
| 40:18 | The prophet asks, to whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him? |
| 40:19 | The prophet reminds us that as for the idol, a craftsman casts it, a goldsmith plates it with gold, and a silversmith fashions chains of silver. |
| 40:20 | The prophet reminds us that he who is too impoverished for such an offering selects a tree that does not rot; he seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman to prepare an idol that will not totter. |
| 40:21 | The prophet asks, do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? |
| 40:22 | The prophet reminds us that it is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. |
| 40:23 | The prophet reminds us that He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. |
| 40:24 | The prophet reminds us that scarcely have they been planted, scarcely have they been sown, scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, but He merely blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them away like stubble. |
| 40:25 | The prophet asks, to whom then will you liken Me that I would be his equal? says the Holy One. |
| 40:26 | The prophet reminds us that lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing. |
3. The Call to Trust in God's Sovereignty (Isaiah 40:27-31)
| 40:27 | The prophet asks, why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God"? |
| 40:28 | The prophet reminds us that the Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. |
| 40:29 | The prophet reminds us that He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. |
| 40:30 | The prophet reminds us that though youths grow weary and tire, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. |
| 40:31 | The prophet reminds us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 40?
The main theme of Isaiah 40 is the comfort and redemption of God's people, emphasizing the greatness and power of God and the importance of trusting in His sovereignty. As seen in Isaiah 40:1-5, God calls His people to prepare the way for the Lord and to trust in His power and wisdom.
What does it mean to prepare the way for the Lord?
To prepare the way for the Lord means to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming Messiah, who will bring redemption and restoration to God's people. This is emphasized in Isaiah 40:3-5, which calls God's people to make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
What is the significance of the image of mounting up with wings like eagles?
The image of mounting up with wings like eagles is a powerful reminder of the freedom and empowerment that comes from trusting in God. As seen in Isaiah 40:31, those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength and will not grow weary, but will instead mount up with wings like eagles.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 40:3 → Matthew 3:3 | The ministry of John the Baptist is a fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3, which calls God's people to prepare the way for the Lord. |
| 2 | Isaiah 40:9 → Isaiah 52:7 | The proclamation of the gospel is a fulfillment of Isaiah 40:9, which calls God's people to get yourselves up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news. |
| 3 | Isaiah 40:10 → Revelation 22:12 | The return of Christ is a fulfillment of Isaiah 40:10, which reminds us that the Lord God will come with mighty power, and His arm will rule for Him. |
| 4 | Isaiah 40:11 → Psalm 23:1-4 | The shepherd-like care of God is a theme that is developed in Psalm 23:1-4, which reminds us that the Lord is our shepherd and that we shall not want. |
| 5 | Isaiah 40:12 → Job 38:4-7 | The question of who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand is a theme that is developed in Job 38:4-7, which reminds us of the power and wisdom of God. |
| 6 | Isaiah 40:13 → Romans 11:34 | The question of who has directed the Spirit of the Lord is a theme that is developed in Romans 11:34, which reminds us that no one has directed the Spirit of the Lord. |
| 7 | Isaiah 40:15 → Isaiah 2:11 | The theme of the nations being like a drop from a bucket is a theme that is developed in Isaiah 2:11, which reminds us that the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. |
| 8 | Isaiah 40:18 → Psalm 102:25-27 | The theme of the greatness and power of God is a theme that is developed in Psalm 102:25-27, which reminds us that God is the one who laid the foundations of the earth. |
| 9 | Isaiah 40:22 → Psalm 104:2-5 | The theme of God sitting above the circle of the earth is a theme that is developed in Psalm 104:2-5, which reminds us that God is the one who stretches out the heavens like a curtain. |
| 10 | Isaiah 40:26 → Psalm 147:4 | The theme of God leading forth the host of stars by number is a theme that is developed in Psalm 147:4, which reminds us that God is the one who calls them all by name. |
Sermons on Isaiah 40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Lord Giveth by E.V. Hill | In this sermon transcript, Dr. Evie Hill delivers a heartfelt message at his wife's funeral. He reflects on the 32 years they spent together and the love and support she gave him. |
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Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with |
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Set Your Affections Above - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy of John the Baptist and the need to prepare the way of the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of raising up valleys and bringing |
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A Touch From God (Full) by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and being willing to fully surrender to Him, leaving behind defilement and busyness. It highlights the need for a de |
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Washed With Fire by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a woman who worked in Africa and lived in a humble bamboo house. Despite facing potential dangers in the jungle, she had faith and |
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Get a Good Look at God by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage from Isaiah chapter 40, specifically verses 1-17 and 26-31. The sermon begins by emphasizing the comforting message of God to Hi |
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The Power of God - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to be led by the Spirit. They emphasize the importance of humility and caution again |
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Short Excerpt by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of salvation and its ability to deliver and purify the soul. The sermon encourages the listener to find joy in the salvation offer |
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Intercessory Prayer - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in spreading the word of God. He criticizes those who claim to have the best thing in the worl |
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How to Pray - Part 2 by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala emphasizes the importance of prayer, addressing common obstacles that hinder believers from effectively communicating with God. He highlights that many feel overwhelmed |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 40
In Isaiah 40, we see a beautiful picture of the comfort and redemption of God's people. The chapter begins with a message of comfort for Jerusalem, emphasizing God's desire to bring peace and restoration to His people. The prophet then emphasizes the greatness and power of God, contrasting human weakness with God's eternal nature. The chapter concludes with a call to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming Messiah, who will bring redemption and restoration to God's people. As Matthew Henry writes, 'The gospel is a message of comfort to those who are afflicted, and it is a call to repentance to those who are sinful.' May we be faithful in proclaiming this message to a world in need, and may we be encouraged to renew our strength and to mount up with wings like eagles, trusting in the power and presence of God in our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The use of rhetorical questions
The chapter uses rhetorical questions to emphasize the greatness and power of God, contrasting human weakness with God's eternal nature. For example, in Isaiah 40:12-14, the prophet asks a series of questions that highlight God's power and wisdom.
The emphasis on God's sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and looking forward to the coming Messiah. This is seen in verses such as Isaiah 40:10-11, which remind us that God is the one who will come to save His people.
The use of imagery and metaphor
The chapter uses imagery and metaphor to describe the greatness and power of God, such as the image of mounting up with wings like eagles in Isaiah 40:31. This imagery emphasizes the freedom and empowerment that comes from trusting in God.