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- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Comfort ye, comfort ye - "The whole of this prophecy," says Kimchi, "belongs to the days of the Messiah."
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
In this first address the prophet vindicates his call to be the preacher of the comfort of the approaching deliverance, and explains this comfort on the ground that Jehovah, who called him to this comforting proclamation, was the incomparably exalted Creator and Ruler of the world. The first part of this address (Isa 40:1-11) may be regarded as the prologue to the whole twenty-seven. The theme of the prophetic promise, and the irresistible certainty of its fulfilment, are here declared. Turning of the people of the captivity, whom Jehovah has neither forgotten nor rejected, the prophet commences thus in Isa 40:1 : "Comfort ye, comfort ye may people, saith your God." This is the divine command to the prophets. Nachămū (piel, literally, to cause to breathe again) is repeated, because of its urgency (anadiplosis, as in Isa 41:27; Isa 43:11, Isa 43:25, etc.). The word יאמר, which does not mean "will say" here (Hofmann, Stier), but "saith" (lxx, Jerome) - as, for example, in Sa1 24:14 - affirms that the command is a continuous one. The expression "saith your God" is peculiar to Isaiah, and common to both parts of the collection (Isa 1:11, Isa 1:18; Isa 33:10; Isa 40:1, Isa 40:25; Isa 41:21; Isa 66:9). The future in all these passages is expressive of that which is taking place or still continuing. And it is the same here. The divine command has not been issued once only, or merely to one prophet, but is being continually addressed to many prophets. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people," is the continual charge of the God of the exiles. who has not ceased to be their God even in the midst of wrath, to His messengers and heralds the prophets.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. The Babylonish captivity being predicted in the preceding chapter, for the comfort of God's people a deliverance is promised, expressed in such terms, as in the clearest and strongest manner to set forth the redemption and salvation by Jesus Christ, of which it was typical. Here begins the more evangelical and spiritual part of this prophecy, which reaches to and includes the whole Gospel dispensation, from the coming of John the Baptist to the second coming of Christ. It begins with comforts, and holds on and ends with them; which consolations, Kimchi observes, are what should be in the times of the Messiah; and the word "comfort" is repeated, he says, to confirm the thing. It is God that here speaks, who is the God of all comfort; the persons whom he would have comforted are his "people", whom he has chosen, with whom be has made a covenant in Christ, whom he has given to him, and he has redeemed by his blood, and whom he effectually calls by his grace; these are sometimes disconsolate, by reason of the corruptions of their nature, the temptations of Satan, the hidings of God's face, and the various afflictions they meet with; and it is the will of God they should be comforted, as appears by sending his Son to be the comforter of them, by giving his Spirit as another comforter, by appointing ordinances as breasts of consolation to them, by the promises he has made to them, and the confirmation of them by an oath, for their strong consolation; and particularly by the word of the Gospel, and the ministers of it, who are Barnabases, sons of consolation, who are sent with a comfortable message, and are encouraged in their work from the consideration of God being their God, who will be with them, assist them, and make their ministrations successful; and to these are these words addressed; which are repeated, not to suggest any backwardness in Gospel ministers, who are ready to go on such an errand, however reluctant they may be to carry bad tidings; but rather to signify the people's refusal to be comforted, and therefore must be spoken to again and again; and also to show the vehement and hearty desire of the Lord to have them comforted. The Targum is, "O ye prophets, prophesy comforts concerning my people.'' And the Septuagint and Arabic versions insert, "O ye priests", as if the words were directed to them. The preachers of the Gospel are meant, and are called unto; what the Lord would have said for the comfort of his people by them is expressed in the following verse.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here the commission and instructions given, not to this prophet only, but, with him, to all the Lord's prophets, nay, and to all Christ's ministers, to proclaim comfort to God's people. 1. This did not only warrant, but enjoin, this prophet himself to encourage the good people who lived in his own time, who could not but have very melancholy apprehensions of things when they saw Judah and Jerusalem by their daring impieties ripening apace for ruin, and God in his providence hastening ruin upon them. Let them be sure that, notwithstanding all this, God had mercy in store for them. 2. It was especially a direction to the prophets that should live in the time of captivity, when Jerusalem was in ruins; they must encourage the captives to hope for enlargement in due time. 3. Gospel ministers, being employed by the blessed Spirit as comforters, and as helpers of the joy of Christians, are here put in mind of their business. Here we have, I. Comfortable words directed to God's people in general, Isa 40:1. The prophets have instructions from their God (for he is the Lord God of the holy prophets, Rev 22:6) to comfort the people of God; and the charge is doubled, Comfort you, comfort you - not because the prophets are unwilling to do it (no, it is the most pleasant part of their work), but because sometimes the souls of God's people refuse to be comforted, and their comforters must repeat things again and again, ere they can fasten any thing upon them. Observe here, 1. There are a people in the world that are God's people. 2. It is the will of God that his people should be a comforted people, even in the worst of times. 3. It is the work and business of ministers to do what they can for the comfort of God's people. 4. Words of conviction, such as we had in the former part of this book, must be followed with words of comfort, such as we have here; for he that has torn will heal us. II. Comfortable words directed to Jerusalem in particular: "Speak to the heart of Jerusalem (Isa 40:2); speak that which will revive her heart, and be a cordial to her and to all that belong to her and wish her well. Do not whisper it, but cry unto her: cry aloud, to show saints their comforts as well as to show sinners their transgressions; make her hear it:" 1. "That the days of her trouble are numbered and finished: Her warfare is accomplished, the set time of her servitude; the campaign is now at an end, and she shall retire into quarters of refreshment." Human life is a warfare (Job 7:1); the Christian life much more. But the struggle will not last always; the warfare will be accomplished, and then the good soldiers shall not only enter into rest, but be sure of their pay. 2. "That the cause of her trouble is removed, and, when that is taken away, the effect will cease. Tell her that her iniquity is pardoned, God is reconciled to her, and she shall no longer be treated as one guilty before him." Nothing can be spoken more comfortably than this, Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. Troubles are then removed in love when sin is pardoned. 3. "That the end of her trouble is answered: She has received of the Lord double for the cure of all her sins, sufficient, and more than sufficient, to separate between her and her idols," the worship of which was the great sin for which God had a controversy with them, and from which he designed to reclaim them by their captivity in Babylon: and it had that effect upon them; it begat in them a rooted antipathy to idolatry, and was physic doubly strong for the purging out of that iniquity. Or it may be taken as the language of the divine compassion: His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel (Jdg 10:16), and, like a tender father, since he spoke against them he earnestly remembered them (Jer 31:20), and was ready to say that he had given them too much correction. They, being very penitent, acknowledged that God has punished them less than their iniquities deserved; but he, being very pitiful, owned, in a manner, that he had punished them more than they deserved. True penitents have indeed, in Christ and his sufferings, received of the Lord's hand double for all their sins; for the satisfaction Christ made by his death was of such an infinite value that it was more than double to the demerits of sin; for God spared not his own Son.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
40:1–66:24 The rest of Isaiah provides a message of comfort and a revelation of God’s character and his purposes for Israel. As 39:6-7 predicted, Judah would experience judgment and exile after the time of Isaiah. Throughout chs 40–66, Isaiah prophesied from the vantage point of the Exile having already become a reality. Therefore, the Babylonian exile provides the background for understanding these chapters. 40:1–55:13 This section announces the good news of God’s coming salvation. The Lord is coming to vindicate his own and to judge his enemies. Salvation would be accomplished through the arrival, suffering, and exaltation of the Lord’s servant—the Messiah, Jesus Christ. 40:1-31 This chapter introduces chs 40–66. In this section, comfort refers to the result of God’s merciful way of dealing with people in the age to come. It includes encouragement, strength, and acceptance. God wants to rescue his people (40:1-11) and is more than able to do so (40:12-26). The exiles needed to believe God’s promises and wait on him for their rescue (40:27-31; see also 30:15-18).
Isaiah 40:1
Prepare the Way for the LORD
1“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.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Set Your Affections Above - Part 2
By Derek Prince12K23:00AffectionsISA 40:12CO 5:10REV 19:7In 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 down mountains, symbolizing the need to let go of pride and arrogance. The speaker also highlights the need to straighten out the crooked areas of our lives and fill in the rough places. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the eternal nature of God's word.
Are You a Bruised Reed?
By Keith Daniel4.8K1:28:45Following ChristECC 3:3ISA 22:20ISA 40:1MAT 20:26MAT 25:23ROM 8:331TH 5:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's promises and the ministry of encouragement. He references Isaiah and the Old Testament to highlight the rich promises of a mighty Savior. The preacher also discusses the significance of the narrow road and the mansion that God has prepared for believers. He emphasizes the need for encouragement in the Christian journey and the role it plays in preventing people from giving up. The sermon concludes with the image of Pilgrim encountering the keeper of the house, who offers encouragement and rejoices in Pilgrim's conversion.
Words of Comfort
By Chuck Smith2.5K50:53ComfortISA 40:1MAT 6:33ACT 15:28ACT 15:312TI 2:14JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of putting our trust in the Lord. He highlights that God will bring forth victory and comfort through the scriptures and the Holy Spirit. The speaker encourages believers to speak words of comfort and exhortation to one another, strengthening the body of Christ. He also addresses the issue of a man named Charles Templeton, who has renounced his faith in the Bible and Jesus Christ. The speaker concludes by reminding listeners that God is there to comfort and take care of His people.
Studies in Isaiah - Part 1
By Harry Ironside2.5K45:58ExpositoryISA 35:1ISA 36:1ISA 40:1ISA 53:5MAT 6:33JHN 10:18REV 21:4In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing a message from the Lord about a coming battle and the loss of possessions. He then transitions to a section of the book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 40-44, which focus on comforting God's people. The speaker explains that God first reveals their true condition and then offers a remedy. The sermon also highlights the significance of four historical chapters in the life of King Hezekiah, emphasizing his godliness and the fulfillment of God's purpose through him.
The Candlestick - Smyrna
By Carter Conlon2.2K47:32SmyrnaISA 40:1ISA 40:28ROM 6:5ROM 8:15ROM 8:181JN 3:2REV 22:7In this sermon, the preacher addresses the fear and suffering that believers may face. He emphasizes that the devil may try to imprison and test them, but assures them that it will only be for a short season. He reminds them of the fleeting nature of life and the warning against placing too much value on earthly riches. The preacher encourages the congregation not to believe the lies of the devil, who wants to drive them into despair and convince them that God has forsaken them. Instead, he urges them to turn to God wholeheartedly and find the richness of Jesus in their trials.
Christliche Busse Um Israel (With German Translation)
By Art Katz2.1K1:28:45GermanISA 40:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not holding back and speaking out against sin and transgressions. He connects the Holocaust to the judgment of God promised in Scripture, particularly in Deuteronomy and Leviticus. The preacher calls for repentance and a willingness to go through a spiritual death and resurrection, surrendering one's own desires and serving God's purpose alone. He urges the audience to be radical in their faith and to lift their voices like a trumpet, proclaiming the truth to Israel, Jacob, and all nations.
Dvd 21 the Time of Jacobs Trouble
By Art Katz1.9K1:18:55ISA 35:3ISA 40:1This sermon delves into the prophetic insight regarding the restoration and salvation of Israel, emphasizing the need for a prepared people to speak prophetic and divine words of hope and strength to the despairing Jews in the wilderness. It highlights the necessity for a tested and authentic prophetic ministry that can bring forth events through spoken words, leading to the ultimate return and joy of the ransomed of the Lord.
Ger-17 True Repentance for the German
By Art Katz1.7K1:25:57GermanJOB 42:7PRO 29:25ISA 40:1ISA 54:17ISA 58:1ACT 17:30ROM 3:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a church that truly loves and cares for its members' souls. They argue that such a church will not shy away from speaking the truth, even if it is not appreciated or understood. The speaker specifically addresses the Jewish community, urging them to acknowledge their sins and transgressions, including the Holocaust, as a judgment from God. They call for authentic repentance and a willingness to surrender one's own interests for God's purpose. The sermon concludes with an invitation for individuals to come forward and demonstrate their repentance by kneeling at the platform.
The Unfailing Word
By Chuck Smith1.5K49:04Word Of GodISA 40:1In this sermon, Pastor Brian reads from Isaiah 40, emphasizing the message of comfort and hope for God's people. He highlights the idea that Jerusalem's warfare is accomplished and her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of one crying in the wilderness is mentioned, calling for the preparation of the way of the Lord. The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together. The sermon also emphasizes the temporary nature of human existence compared to the eternal nature of God's word. The nations are described as insignificant in comparison to God, and the futility of idol worship is highlighted. The sermon concludes with a reminder to trust in God and not to compare Him to anything or anyone else.
Isaiah Chapter 40
By Stephen Kaung1.5K42:59IsaiahISA 40:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah chapter 40, specifically verses 1-5. The passage begins with God comforting His people and declaring that their time of suffering is over and their sins are forgiven. The preacher emphasizes that even though we may feel discouraged and overwhelmed by our problems, we should remember that God is everlasting and His understanding is limitless. The exhortation is to wait upon the Lord, as those who do will renew their strength, soar like eagles, run without getting tired, and walk without growing weary. The sermon highlights God's desire to comfort His people and reminds listeners of the importance of trusting in Him and His promises.
Waiting on God
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.4K19:11WaitingISA 1:18ISA 40:1ISA 40:30ISA 53:5ISA 61:1HEB 9:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth, even if it is not what people want to hear. He mentions the biblical truth that it is appointed for man to die and face judgment, but acknowledges that people often avoid this reality. The preacher marvels at the creation of the visible world and ponders the wonder of the invisible world. He encourages the audience to lift their eyes and behold the greatness of God's power and majesty. The sermon concludes with a warning to be careful about preaching only what people want to hear and to not shy away from telling the truth.
(October 1986) 05 - the Flesh Profits Nothing
By Ray Lowe1.3K1:13:11FleshISA 40:1In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Isaiah chapter 40, specifically focusing on the first eight verses. He emphasizes the need for comfort and speaks about God's forgiveness and redemption. The preacher then discusses the contrast between the weakness of human flesh and the greatness and power of God. He highlights the importance of recognizing that material things and the glory of the flesh will pass away, but the word of God and the things of God will endure forever. The sermon concludes with a call for young people to rise up and sell out to Jesus, bringing revival to the land.
History of Revival (1740-1851), 3
By Ian Murray1.2K49:23GEN 6:3PSA 95:7ISA 40:1ISA 55:6MAT 7:72PE 3:9REV 3:20In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a powerful scene that took place in 1843 in Virginia. An old man, despite physical exhaustion, delivers a sermon that deeply moves the congregation. The sermon is based on the evening text, "the harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." The speaker emphasizes the urgency of preparing one's soul for death and appeals to sinners to give their hearts to God. The transcript also mentions the impact of sacramental seasons and the personal experience of being moved by a sermon on Revelation 3:20.
Behold 04-Your God!
By Neil Dougal1.2K48:56ISA 40:1JER 31:31MAL 4:6MAT 1:23MRK 1:3PHP 4:71JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the enduring power of the Bible despite the challenges it faces. He mentions how dynasties rise and fall, storms of hate surround it, and attempts are made to explain it away, but the Bible remains steadfast. The preacher also discusses the importance of the deity of Jesus and the cleansing power of his blood. He encourages the audience to fortify their minds and hearts with the peace of God. The sermon concludes with a call to comfort and prepare the way for the Lord, as described in the book of Isaiah.
Spurious Believers #2
By Ernest C. Reisinger7761:02:08ISA 40:1MAT 6:33LUK 8:4LUK 8:12In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of Jesus as the light of the world. He then reads from Luke 8:4-15, which contains the parable of the sower. The parable describes different types of soil where the seed falls, representing different responses to the word of God. The preacher highlights the need for honesty in sharing the gospel and suggests that many churches have not been honest with people about the true cost of following Christ. He concludes by mentioning another difference between the real and the spiritual, without providing further details.
Isaiah 40 - the Everlasting Word
By Mariano Di Gangi22327:25Word Of GodISA 40:1In this sermon, Carl Henry highlights the paradox of our modern world, where we have access to vast amounts of knowledge but remain ignorant of God's will and word. He questions how we receive the Word of God and compares different types of hearts to different types of soil. He emphasizes the importance of responding to the Word with a receptive heart. The sermon also references the prophet Isaiah and the message of comfort and preparation for the coming of the Lord.
A Prepared Heart
By Phil Beach Jr.3139:24HeartThe Role of the Holy SpiritPreparation of the HeartISA 40:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of a prepared heart for receiving the Holy Spirit, highlighting that true comfort and spiritual fulfillment come through repentance and humility before God. He explains that comfort cannot be found apart from God's direct dealings in our lives, and that preparation through repentance is essential for experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Beach Jr. warns against superficial practices that lack genuine transformation and encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. He draws from Isaiah and the ministry of John the Baptist to illustrate the importance of preparing the way for the Lord in our hearts. Ultimately, he calls for a continual state of repentance to maintain a heart that is receptive to God's presence and power.
Two Kinds of Sorrow
By A.B. Simpson0RepentanceSorrowISA 40:12CO 7:10A.B. Simpson explores the contrasting natures of worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, emphasizing that while worldly sorrow leads to despair and death, godly sorrow brings repentance and salvation. He illustrates how the sorrow of the world is comfortless, wasted, and filled with vain regrets, ultimately leading to a cycle of despair. In contrast, godly sorrow is transformative, leading to a deeper relationship with God, sanctification, and a heartfelt desire for purity. Simpson encourages believers to embrace true repentance, which is marked by a change of heart and a longing for conformity to God's will. He concludes with the hope that through godly sorrow, believers can recover from their failures and experience the grace of God.
Righteousness
By Thomas Bradbury0PSA 85:13PSA 145:17ISA 40:1ZEC 13:7ROM 10:17EPH 1:13HEB 4:101PE 2:211JN 1:9Thomas Bradbury preaches on the righteousness that goes before God, leading His people in the way of His steps. The Psalmist's declaration in Psalms 85:13 reflects the Church's confidence in God's grace and the acknowledgment of His works in His people. The forgiveness of iniquities, the covering of sins, and the turning away of God's wrath are all manifestations of God's mercy and grace towards His chosen ones. The righteousness of Christ, seen in His obedience and sacrificial death, provides the perfect righteousness demanded by God for His people to enter His kingdom and enjoy communion with Him.
The Holy Spirit the Comforter
By Roy Hession0Comfort in ChristThe Holy SpiritISA 40:1JHN 16:14ROM 4:25ROM 7:10ROM 7:24EPH 1:20Roy Hession emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter for those who repent, transitioning from conviction of sin to the assurance of Christ's sufficiency. He illustrates how the Spirit comforts the contrite by revealing the finished work of Christ, encouraging believers to rest in His grace rather than striving for self-improvement. Hession highlights that the Holy Spirit's ministry is to lead us away from despair and towards the peace found in Jesus, who is clear of judgment. The Comforter not only addresses our sin but also provides for all our needs, empowering us for service through a renewed vision of Christ. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit invites us to come to Jesus, where we find true rest and strength.
In Relation to the Race as It Is
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Cross of ChristThe Face of GodGEN 3:22PSA 4:6PSA 31:16PSA 89:15ISA 35:1ISA 40:1MAT 27:46LUK 23:46HEB 13:5REV 22:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the face of God throughout human history, illustrating how the expulsion from Eden marked a separation from God's presence. He connects this theme to the Cross of Christ, where Jesus experienced ultimate desolation, crying out in forsakenness, yet through His sacrifice, believers are granted access to God's face once more. The sermon highlights the wilderness as a symbol of spiritual desolation, contrasting it with the joy of being in the light of God's countenance, which is restored through faith in Christ. Ultimately, Sparks reassures that through Jesus, believers can experience an open heaven and never face total forsakenness again.
Bible Survey - Isaiah
By Peter Hammond0ISA 1:18ISA 7:14ISA 40:1ISA 44:8ISA 61:1Peter Hammond preaches on the profound parallels between the structure of the Book of Isaiah and the Bible itself, with 66 chapters mirroring the 66 books of the Bible, divided into two main sections like the Old and New Testaments. The first section of Isaiah reflects the message of the Old Testament, focusing on sin, repentance, and the coming King, while the second section mirrors the New Testament, emphasizing comfort, salvation, and the Servant of the Lord who dies for the sins of His people.
Trained to Comfort
By Charles E. Cowman0ISA 40:1ROM 12:152CO 1:3GAL 6:21TH 5:11Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of comforting others as a response to God's comfort. He emphasizes that our own experiences of affliction and comfort are meant to equip us to bring comfort to those around us. Through our trials and wounds, God trains us to be compassionate and empathetic towards others who are suffering, allowing us to share our stories of comfort and hope with them.
The Gospel of the Holy Spirit's Love
By Horatius Bonar0The TrinityThe Love of the Holy SpiritPSA 139:17ISA 40:1JER 29:11MAT 28:19LUK 11:13JHN 4:24ROM 8:26EPH 1:131JN 4:8REV 22:17Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound love of the Holy Spirit, asserting that His love is equal to that of the Father and the Son, and is essential for understanding the fullness of God's grace. He argues that the Holy Spirit's love is not only personal but also active in the lives of believers, guiding, comforting, and empowering them in their spiritual journey. Bonar warns against misconceptions that portray the Spirit as distant or austere, urging believers to trust in His loving nature for growth in faith and joy. He highlights the Spirit's role in the Church and the necessity of recognizing His love to experience true peace and spiritual vitality. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, who is a living personality, not just an influence, and whose love is foundational to the Christian faith.
2 Corinthians Chapter 8 Two Kinds of Sorrow
By A.B. Simpson0RepentanceSorrowISA 40:12CO 7:10A.B. Simpson explores the contrasting natures of worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, emphasizing that while worldly sorrow leads to despair and death, godly sorrow brings repentance and salvation. He illustrates how the sorrow of the world is comfortless, wasted, and filled with regrets, ultimately leading to a cycle of despair. In contrast, godly sorrow is transformative, leading to a deeper relationship with God, sanctification, and a heartfelt desire for purity. Simpson encourages believers to embrace true repentance, which is marked by a change of heart and a longing for conformity to God's will. He concludes with the hope that through godly sorrow, believers can recover from their failures and experience God's grace abundantly.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Comfort ye, comfort ye - "The whole of this prophecy," says Kimchi, "belongs to the days of the Messiah."
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
In this first address the prophet vindicates his call to be the preacher of the comfort of the approaching deliverance, and explains this comfort on the ground that Jehovah, who called him to this comforting proclamation, was the incomparably exalted Creator and Ruler of the world. The first part of this address (Isa 40:1-11) may be regarded as the prologue to the whole twenty-seven. The theme of the prophetic promise, and the irresistible certainty of its fulfilment, are here declared. Turning of the people of the captivity, whom Jehovah has neither forgotten nor rejected, the prophet commences thus in Isa 40:1 : "Comfort ye, comfort ye may people, saith your God." This is the divine command to the prophets. Nachămū (piel, literally, to cause to breathe again) is repeated, because of its urgency (anadiplosis, as in Isa 41:27; Isa 43:11, Isa 43:25, etc.). The word יאמר, which does not mean "will say" here (Hofmann, Stier), but "saith" (lxx, Jerome) - as, for example, in Sa1 24:14 - affirms that the command is a continuous one. The expression "saith your God" is peculiar to Isaiah, and common to both parts of the collection (Isa 1:11, Isa 1:18; Isa 33:10; Isa 40:1, Isa 40:25; Isa 41:21; Isa 66:9). The future in all these passages is expressive of that which is taking place or still continuing. And it is the same here. The divine command has not been issued once only, or merely to one prophet, but is being continually addressed to many prophets. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people," is the continual charge of the God of the exiles. who has not ceased to be their God even in the midst of wrath, to His messengers and heralds the prophets.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. The Babylonish captivity being predicted in the preceding chapter, for the comfort of God's people a deliverance is promised, expressed in such terms, as in the clearest and strongest manner to set forth the redemption and salvation by Jesus Christ, of which it was typical. Here begins the more evangelical and spiritual part of this prophecy, which reaches to and includes the whole Gospel dispensation, from the coming of John the Baptist to the second coming of Christ. It begins with comforts, and holds on and ends with them; which consolations, Kimchi observes, are what should be in the times of the Messiah; and the word "comfort" is repeated, he says, to confirm the thing. It is God that here speaks, who is the God of all comfort; the persons whom he would have comforted are his "people", whom he has chosen, with whom be has made a covenant in Christ, whom he has given to him, and he has redeemed by his blood, and whom he effectually calls by his grace; these are sometimes disconsolate, by reason of the corruptions of their nature, the temptations of Satan, the hidings of God's face, and the various afflictions they meet with; and it is the will of God they should be comforted, as appears by sending his Son to be the comforter of them, by giving his Spirit as another comforter, by appointing ordinances as breasts of consolation to them, by the promises he has made to them, and the confirmation of them by an oath, for their strong consolation; and particularly by the word of the Gospel, and the ministers of it, who are Barnabases, sons of consolation, who are sent with a comfortable message, and are encouraged in their work from the consideration of God being their God, who will be with them, assist them, and make their ministrations successful; and to these are these words addressed; which are repeated, not to suggest any backwardness in Gospel ministers, who are ready to go on such an errand, however reluctant they may be to carry bad tidings; but rather to signify the people's refusal to be comforted, and therefore must be spoken to again and again; and also to show the vehement and hearty desire of the Lord to have them comforted. The Targum is, "O ye prophets, prophesy comforts concerning my people.'' And the Septuagint and Arabic versions insert, "O ye priests", as if the words were directed to them. The preachers of the Gospel are meant, and are called unto; what the Lord would have said for the comfort of his people by them is expressed in the following verse.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here the commission and instructions given, not to this prophet only, but, with him, to all the Lord's prophets, nay, and to all Christ's ministers, to proclaim comfort to God's people. 1. This did not only warrant, but enjoin, this prophet himself to encourage the good people who lived in his own time, who could not but have very melancholy apprehensions of things when they saw Judah and Jerusalem by their daring impieties ripening apace for ruin, and God in his providence hastening ruin upon them. Let them be sure that, notwithstanding all this, God had mercy in store for them. 2. It was especially a direction to the prophets that should live in the time of captivity, when Jerusalem was in ruins; they must encourage the captives to hope for enlargement in due time. 3. Gospel ministers, being employed by the blessed Spirit as comforters, and as helpers of the joy of Christians, are here put in mind of their business. Here we have, I. Comfortable words directed to God's people in general, Isa 40:1. The prophets have instructions from their God (for he is the Lord God of the holy prophets, Rev 22:6) to comfort the people of God; and the charge is doubled, Comfort you, comfort you - not because the prophets are unwilling to do it (no, it is the most pleasant part of their work), but because sometimes the souls of God's people refuse to be comforted, and their comforters must repeat things again and again, ere they can fasten any thing upon them. Observe here, 1. There are a people in the world that are God's people. 2. It is the will of God that his people should be a comforted people, even in the worst of times. 3. It is the work and business of ministers to do what they can for the comfort of God's people. 4. Words of conviction, such as we had in the former part of this book, must be followed with words of comfort, such as we have here; for he that has torn will heal us. II. Comfortable words directed to Jerusalem in particular: "Speak to the heart of Jerusalem (Isa 40:2); speak that which will revive her heart, and be a cordial to her and to all that belong to her and wish her well. Do not whisper it, but cry unto her: cry aloud, to show saints their comforts as well as to show sinners their transgressions; make her hear it:" 1. "That the days of her trouble are numbered and finished: Her warfare is accomplished, the set time of her servitude; the campaign is now at an end, and she shall retire into quarters of refreshment." Human life is a warfare (Job 7:1); the Christian life much more. But the struggle will not last always; the warfare will be accomplished, and then the good soldiers shall not only enter into rest, but be sure of their pay. 2. "That the cause of her trouble is removed, and, when that is taken away, the effect will cease. Tell her that her iniquity is pardoned, God is reconciled to her, and she shall no longer be treated as one guilty before him." Nothing can be spoken more comfortably than this, Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. Troubles are then removed in love when sin is pardoned. 3. "That the end of her trouble is answered: She has received of the Lord double for the cure of all her sins, sufficient, and more than sufficient, to separate between her and her idols," the worship of which was the great sin for which God had a controversy with them, and from which he designed to reclaim them by their captivity in Babylon: and it had that effect upon them; it begat in them a rooted antipathy to idolatry, and was physic doubly strong for the purging out of that iniquity. Or it may be taken as the language of the divine compassion: His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel (Jdg 10:16), and, like a tender father, since he spoke against them he earnestly remembered them (Jer 31:20), and was ready to say that he had given them too much correction. They, being very penitent, acknowledged that God has punished them less than their iniquities deserved; but he, being very pitiful, owned, in a manner, that he had punished them more than they deserved. True penitents have indeed, in Christ and his sufferings, received of the Lord's hand double for all their sins; for the satisfaction Christ made by his death was of such an infinite value that it was more than double to the demerits of sin; for God spared not his own Son.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
40:1–66:24 The rest of Isaiah provides a message of comfort and a revelation of God’s character and his purposes for Israel. As 39:6-7 predicted, Judah would experience judgment and exile after the time of Isaiah. Throughout chs 40–66, Isaiah prophesied from the vantage point of the Exile having already become a reality. Therefore, the Babylonian exile provides the background for understanding these chapters. 40:1–55:13 This section announces the good news of God’s coming salvation. The Lord is coming to vindicate his own and to judge his enemies. Salvation would be accomplished through the arrival, suffering, and exaltation of the Lord’s servant—the Messiah, Jesus Christ. 40:1-31 This chapter introduces chs 40–66. In this section, comfort refers to the result of God’s merciful way of dealing with people in the age to come. It includes encouragement, strength, and acceptance. God wants to rescue his people (40:1-11) and is more than able to do so (40:12-26). The exiles needed to believe God’s promises and wait on him for their rescue (40:27-31; see also 30:15-18).