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Isaiah 40:11
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- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Shall gently lead those that are with young "The nursing ewes shall he gently lead" - A beautiful image, expressing, with the utmost propriety as well as elegance, the tender attention of the shepherd to his flock. That the greatest care in driving the cattle in regard to the dams and their young was necessary, appears clearly from Jacob's apology to his brother Esau, Gen 33:13 : "The flocks and the herds giving suck to their young are with me; and if they should be overdriven, all the flock will die." Which is set in a still stronger light by the following remark of Sir John Chardin: "Their flocks," says he, speaking of those who now live in the east after the patriarchal manner, "feed down the places of their encampments so quick, by the great numbers that they have, that they are obliged to remove them too often, which is very destructive to their flocks, on account of the young ones, who have not strength enough to follow." Harmer's Observ. i., p. 126.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The prophet dwells upon this, the redeeming side not the judicial, as he proceeds to place the image of the good shepherd by the side of that of the Lord Jehovah. "He will feed His flock like a shepherd, take the lambs in His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are giving suck." The flock is His people, now dispersed in a foreign land. The love with which He tends this flock is shown, by way of example, in His conduct towards the טלאים (= טליים from טלי = טלה), the young lambs that have not long been born, and the עלות, those giving suck, lactantes (Vulg. fetae), not those that are sucking, sugentes (from עוּל med. Vav, to nourish). Such as cannot keep pace with the flock he takes in his arms, and carries in the bosom of his dress; and the mothers he does not overdrive, but ינהל (see at Psa 23:2), lets them go gently alone, because they require care (Gen 33:13). With this loving picture the prologue in Isa 40:1-11 is brought to a close. It stands at the head of the whole, like a divine inauguration of the prophet, and like the quintessence of what he is commanded to proclaim. Nevertheless it is also an integral part of the first address. For the questions which follow cannot possibly be the commencement of the prophecy, though it is not very clear how far they form a continuation. The connection is the following: The prophet shows both didactically and paraenetically what kind of God it is whose appearance to redeem His people has been prophetically announced in Isa 40:1-11. He is the incomparably exalted One. This incomparable exaltation makes the ignorance of the worshipers of idols the more apparent, but it serves to comfort Israel. And Israel needs such consolation in its present banishment, in which it is so hard for it to comprehend the ways of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
feed--including all a shepherd's care--"tend" (Eze 34:23; Psa 23:1; Heb 13:20; Pe1 2:25). carry--applicable to Messiah's restoration of Israel, as sheep scattered in all lands, and unable to move of themselves to their own land (Psa 80:1; Jer 23:3). As Israel was "carried from the womb" (that is, in its earliest days) (Isa 63:9, Isa 63:11-12; Psa 77:20), so it shall be in "old age" (that is, its latter days) (Isa 46:3-4). gently lead--as a thoughtful shepherd does the ewes "giving suck" (Margin) (Gen 33:13-14).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd,.... Christ has a flock, a flock of men, a distinct and peculiar people, and it is but one, and that a little one, and yet a beautiful one, though often a flock of slaughter; which is his by his Father's gift, and his own purchase, and appears manifest in the effectual calling, when he calls them by name; to these he stands in the relation of a shepherd, being so by his Father's designation and appointment, and his own consent; and a good shepherd he is, as is manifest by his laying down his life for the sheep; and a great one, being Jehovah's fellow, and the chief shepherd, under whom all others are; yea, he is the one, and only one; and a very careful, compassionate, and faithful one he is; who performs his whole office as a shepherd, not only by providing food for his flock, by leading them into green and good pastures, his church and ordinances; by appointing under shepherds to feed them with the doctrines of the Gospel, the wholesome words of the Lord Jesus; and by feeding them himself, with himself, the bread of life, and hidden manna, whose flesh is meat indeed, and whose blood is drink indeed; but also by protecting them from all their enemies, the roaring and devouring lion, Satan, and wolves in sheep's clothing, false teachers; and by taking such notice and account of them, as that none of them shall be lost; and by doing all that is expressed Eze 34:16, seeking that which was lost; bringing back that which was driven away; binding up that which was broken; and strengthening and healing the sick, as well as watching over them night and day, lest any hurt them: he shall gather the lambs with his arm; the weaklings of the flock; the same with babes and sucklings, newly born souls, weak believers, mean and low in their own eyes, the smoking flax, and bruised reed, the day of small things, the poor of the flock; these he gathers with his arm of power, and by the ministry of the Gospel, both to himself, his person, righteousness, grace and fulness, and to his church, to partake of the word and ordinances of it, and to nearer communion with him in them; he gathers them up into his arms in a way of protection, when liable to fall into the hands of powerful enemies, and to be hurt by them, and in order to carry them, they not being able to go of themselves, as it follows: and carry them in his bosom; which is expressive of very great affection to them, such being greatly loved as are put into the bosom, as Obed by Naomi, the poor man's ewe lamb, and a wife of youth; as also of great nearness to him, being in his bosom must lie near his heart, and are indeed upon it; likewise it denotes the most intimate communion with him, and a being privy to his secrets, as Christ in the bosom of his Father is to his; as well as it implies an enjoyment of rest in him, and safety by him; for what can disturb or hurt such as are in the bosom of Christ? and shall gently lead those that are with young; who have the seed of grace in them, have spiritual principles wrought in their souls, Christ formed in their hearts, are full of desires for him and spiritual things, and carry a burden, that of their sins, under which they groan; these he leads out, and off of themselves to himself, his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, into green pastures, into his Father's presence, and at last to glory; and he leads them on "gently", gradually, step by step, to see their own vileness and sinfulness, to look, go to, lay hold on him, and retain him; he leads them into the truths of the Gospel, and the deep waters of the sanctuary, and proportionably to their strength as they are able to bear, either the doctrines of the Gospel, or the duties of religion, or afflictions and sufferings; see Gen 33:14.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
40:11 Isaiah used the familiar biblical metaphor of a shepherd to speak of God’s care for his people (see also 49:10; Ps 23:1; Jer 3:15; 23:4; Ezek 34:11-17; Matt 2:6; John 10:1-18).
Isaiah 40:11
Here Is Your God!
10Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him. 11He 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Jehovah Rohi - the Lord Is My Shepherd
By David Wilkerson5.1K50:01Names Of GodPSA 69:5PSA 119:175ISA 40:11JER 31:3MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of walking on a beach at night during a financial crisis. He expresses his need for God's presence, love, and assurance. As he walks, he feels the sudden presence of Jesus and is reminded of Psalm 23, where God is described as a shepherd. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining the truth and rest that we have received from God, as well as the need for restoration when we lose it. He also mentions a financial shortfall in their ministry and how they trust God despite not knowing the reason behind it.
Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
By C.H. Spurgeon1.6K51:21GEN 49:14PRO 20:4ISA 40:11ISA 42:1MAT 11:28MAT 12:20In this sermon, Reverend C.H. Spurgeon speaks about the comfort and hope that can be found in God's mercy and grace. He uses the metaphor of a bruised reed and smoking flax to describe those who may feel weak or useless in their faith. Spurgeon assures his listeners that God will not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax, but instead, He will provide deliverance and victory. He encourages those who may feel inadequate or worthless to trust in God's plan and promises, reminding them that even the smallest spark can have a significant impact.
God Carries His People
By Charles Leiter1.4K38:15DEU 1:19DEU 1:30ISA 40:11ISA 63:9ACT 9:4In this sermon, the preacher addresses a crowd of believers and warns them not to be shocked or fearful when faced with opposition and persecution. He reminds them that God has been with them in the past and will continue to be with them in the future. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and remembering the supernatural and miraculous things that God has done for them. He also highlights the image of God carrying and protecting His people, comparing it to a father carrying his son. The sermon concludes with a rebuke against those who would accuse God of bringing them to difficult situations out of hatred.
Christian Life According to John (Part 4)
By Denny Kenaston8601:01:35Christian LifePSA 23:1PSA 100:3ISA 40:11MAT 6:33JHN 10:3JHN 10:27In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenge Jesus faced in meeting the demands of thousands of people seeking his attention. Jesus recognized that he couldn't physically reach everyone, so he chose to lay down his life and die, with the belief that when he rose again, he would be able to reach all of humanity. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus is the good shepherd who leads and calls on believers to lay down their lives as he did. The sermon also touches on Jesus as the one who comes to the obedient, dwells with them, and is revealed by the spirit of truth. Lastly, the preacher mentions Jesus as the vine and believers as the branches, hinting at future topics to be discussed.
Christ in 04 in Isaiah
By Jim Flanigan85049:20ISA 40:11ISA 41:10ISA 42:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the ministry of the Lord Jesus as a shepherd. He refers to Isaiah 40:11, which describes the shepherd's role in gathering and caring for the flock. The speaker also draws parallels between the shepherd's ministry and the High Priest's ministry, both of which involve carrying burdens for the people of God. Additionally, the speaker encourages the audience to not long for an easier time or place of service, but to recognize that the Lord Jesus ministered in various locations and circumstances. The sermon emphasizes the comforting and strengthening nature of God's ministry to His people.
Deeper Knowledge
By Doc Greenway64830:56KnowledgeISA 40:11MAT 6:33JHN 10:11ROM 8:171CO 2:9PHP 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a channel for God's sympathy and compassion towards others. He shares the story of Colonel Clark, the founder of Pacific Garden Mission, who was able to captivate a large audience of down-and-out men because they knew he loved and sympathized with them. The speaker also mentions the power of tears in conveying empathy and connecting with others. He then discusses the significance of obedience in spiritual knowledge, using examples from the Navy and referencing Jesus' words about happiness coming from knowing and doing God's commands.
Isaiah 40 - Comfort My People
By Mariano Di Gangi62322:26ComfortISA 40:1ISA 40:11In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from the book of Isaiah, specifically chapter 40, verse 1. The passage emphasizes the message from God to comfort His people. The preacher highlights that the true and living God of the Bible is not silent, but actively communicates with His creation through nature and scripture. The passage also reminds us of the temporary nature of human existence, contrasting it with the eternal nature of God's word. The sermon concludes by emphasizing God's role as a shepherd, caring for and leading His people.
Peace! Be Still!
By J.C. Ryle0Trust in His PowerFamiliarity with ChristPSA 107:7ISA 40:11MAT 11:28MAT 28:20MRK 4:39JHN 1:14PHP 4:13COL 1:17HEB 4:15REV 1:8J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of studying the Gospels to deepen our understanding of Christ, urging believers to become more familiar with Jesus Himself rather than just the doctrines of Christianity. He illustrates that following Christ does not exempt us from earthly troubles, as even His disciples faced fear and anxiety during a storm. Ryle reassures that Christ, being both fully God and fully man, is able to sympathize with our struggles and provide peace amidst life's storms. He highlights the power of Jesus to calm our fears and the tender patience He shows towards believers, encouraging us to trust in His ability to guide us through trials. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a more profound relationship with Christ, urging both the unconverted and believers to seek Him earnestly.
Revivals That Stay
By E.M. Bounds0ISA 40:11JHN 6:52ACT 7:26GAL 5:222TI 2:24JAS 1:20JAS 4:21PE 3:8JUD 1:3The preacher delves into the meaning of 'machomai,' which signifies intense conflict, whether physical or non-physical, often leading to bitter disputes. This word is used in the Bible to describe arguments, fights, and quarrels among individuals. The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace, avoiding unnecessary quarrels, and approaching disagreements with a gentle and respectful attitude, as exemplified by biblical figures like Moses and James. Various commentators and writers caution against engaging in heated controversies, highlighting the need for love, kindness, and a spirit of reconciliation in discussions about faith and truth.
John 10:7-13. Christ Explains the Parable of the Good Shepherd.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0ISA 40:11EZK 34:12JHN 10:7Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the profound significance of Jesus as the good shepherd, emphasizing that He is the gate to God and the only way to salvation through His sacrificial atonement. While there are other shepherds like Christ's ministers, Jesus stands out as the one who offers abundant life both naturally and spiritually by laying down His life for His sheep. The Pharisees, depicted as hirelings in the parable, lacked love for the sheep and failed to protect them, contrasting with Jesus who cares deeply for each lamb in His flock, seeking out the scattered and weak to bring them back to Himself.
A Sermon Occasioned by the Death of Mr. Aaron Spurrier, Baptist Minister.
By John Gill0DeathEternal LifeISA 40:11JER 31:3MAT 9:38LUK 23:431CO 15:262CO 5:1PHP 1:231TH 4:14HEB 2:15JAS 4:14John Gill reflects on the life and death of Mr. Aaron Spurrier, emphasizing the apostle Paul's desire to depart and be with Christ as a profound truth for believers. He highlights the transient nature of life and the ultimate joy of being united with Christ after death, which Mr. Spurrier longed for as he completed his earthly ministry. Gill encourages the congregation to recognize the providence of God in Spurrier's passing and to find comfort in the hope of eternal life. He reminds them that while they mourn their loss, they should also celebrate the legacy of faith and service left behind by their pastor. The sermon serves as a call to remain steadfast in their faith and to seek God's guidance in the face of loss.
Precious Promises for Aged Saints
By James Smith0NUM 23:19DEU 33:25PSA 71:9ISA 26:4ISA 40:11ISA 46:3ISA 66:13JHN 10:282CO 4:16James Smith preaches about the comforting promise of God's everlasting care for the aged believer, assuring them of His unchanging love, support, and protection until their hair is white with age. The sermon emphasizes the imagery of God as a tender parent carrying His children through the challenges of old age, providing strength, comfort, and deliverance. The righteous are compared to flourishing palm trees, growing in grace and bearing fruit even in old age, reflecting the beauty and maturity of their Christian virtues. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's everlasting arms, which offer protection, affection, strength, and endurance, ensuring that nothing can separate them from His love.
Epistle 60
By George Fox0Spiritual GrowthDivine GuidancePSA 23:2PSA 130:7SNG 2:14ISA 40:11MAT 5:6JHN 10:11ROM 15:132CO 4:16EPH 3:16PHP 4:19George Fox emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing the pure essence of God within us, which guides us towards spiritual growth and obedience to His will. He encourages believers to delight in the truth that reveals the deceit of their hearts and to trust in God's constant presence and provision, likening Him to a shepherd who protects and nourishes His flock. Fox assures that those who seek the Lord will experience joy and abundance, moving from a state of want to one of plentiful redemption and divine guidance. He concludes with a blessing for the preservation and empowerment of the faithful in God's might.
Letter 186.
By James Bourne0PSA 25:14PSA 34:18PSA 62:8PRO 28:13ISA 27:5ISA 40:11ISA 55:6LUK 5:32JAS 4:8James Bourne delivers a heartfelt message to W. B., emphasizing that God is actively working in his soul and urging him to pray for discernment to respond to God's reproof. Bourne advises W. B. to humbly acknowledge his guilt before the compassionate Savior, who calls sinners to repentance. He warns that God will not release W. B. until all conflicts are resolved, urging him to grasp onto Christ's strength for reconciliation. Bourne encourages W. B. to seek earnestly, reminding him that God's judgments are deep but there is always a way out for those who tremble before Him.
The Incarnation Part 7 - "The Angel"
By Charles Alexander0GEN 3:15PSA 121:4ISA 40:11LUK 2:9JHN 16:22JHN 20:20ROM 6:8HEB 12:21PE 5:4Charles Alexander preaches on the profound significance of the angelic announcement of the Lord's birth to the shepherds, emphasizing the divine inspiration of the Word that continually reveals fresh insights. He delves into the symbolism of the shepherds being chosen to receive the message, representing the Chief Shepherd, Jesus, who was born that night. The sermon highlights the humility and exaltation of Christ, born in a manger for the salvation of all people, bringing great joy and eternal hope to humanity.
The Sheep
By Harriet N. Cook0GEN 4:21SA 16:111KI 8:63JOB 1:3PSA 23:1ISA 40:11ISA 53:6LUK 15:4JHN 10:4JHN 10:11Harriet N. Cook preaches about the significance of sheep and lambs in the Bible, highlighting how they are frequently mentioned and the beautiful descriptions given about them. She discusses various biblical figures like Abel, Job, Solomon, Rachel, and David who were shepherds or had interactions with sheep. Cook emphasizes the relationship between shepherds and their sheep, drawing parallels to how Christ is our shepherd and we are His sheep who should follow His voice. She also touches on the dangers that sheep face, the need for protection, and the tendency of sheep to stray, relating it to how we, as humans, often stray away from Jesus, our good shepherd.
An Answer to That Common Objection Against the Quakers &C.
By Isaac Penington0ISA 40:11MAT 13:291TH 2:4REV 13:2REV 17:13Isaac Penington preaches about the dangers of setting up forms and appearances in worship that betray the sincerity of the heart, hindering the true life and power of godliness. He warns against the spirit that bewitches from the power of the Spirit of Christ, leading to a hardened heart and persecution of those who testify against empty forms. Penington urges England, including the king, parliament, and nation, to consider their ways and return to a government in righteousness that suppresses evil and encourages the good, lest they provoke the Lord's wrath. He emphasizes the importance of restoring true church-power, which is only the power of the Spirit of Christ, to prevent further error and sorrow.
The Excellency of the Divine Loving Kindness.
By Horatius Bonar0Divine LoveHuman TrustPSA 36:7PSA 91:1ISA 40:11LAM 3:22MAT 11:28JHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:4HEB 4:161JN 4:8Horatius Bonar emphasizes the excellence of God's loving-kindness, illustrating how it is genuine, deep, and invaluable, surpassing all earthly treasures. He explains that this divine love is the foundation for human trust, inviting sinners to find refuge under God's protective wings. Bonar highlights the common misconceptions and distance that humanity has from God, urging a return to the understanding of God's true character as a loving and gracious protector. He reassures that through the cross of Christ, God's love is revealed, removing all reasons for distrust. Ultimately, Bonar calls on all to seek shelter in God's loving-kindness, especially those aware of their need for salvation.
The Infinite Tenderness of Jesus!
By C.H. Spurgeon0Compassion of the Good ShepherdTenderness of ChristISA 40:11MAT 18:12JHN 10:11C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the infinite tenderness of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who carries the lambs in His bosom, showcasing His deep compassion for the weak and feeble members of His flock. He highlights that Jesus' tender heart is moved by the sighs and struggles of His followers, reminding us that they are precious to Him, having been purchased with His blood. Spurgeon illustrates the closeness and safety found in Jesus' embrace, where believers experience perfect rest and comfort, and he calls for a greater awareness of this divine affection.
The Lord My Shepherd
By David Wilkerson0RestorationGod's PresenceEXO 29:45PSA 23:1ISA 40:11MAT 11:28David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound comfort found in Psalm 23, particularly the phrase 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.' He explains that this means we lack nothing because God leads, guides, and nourishes us. Wilkerson highlights the active and compassionate nature of Jehovah Rohi, who is not a passive shepherd but one who intimately knows our struggles and seeks to restore us. He reassures us of God's abiding presence, especially in our times of trouble, promising healing and rest. Ultimately, the sermon reflects on the shekinah glory of God, which signifies His permanent presence in our lives.
Although Human Nature Itself Is Drawn to Special Kindness
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 16:31ISA 40:11MAT 25:40GAL 6:21TI 5:1St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of showing special kindness and consideration towards the elderly and children within the community. He highlights the need for the Rule to provide for their weaknesses, ensuring they are not subjected to the same strictness as others, especially concerning food. Instead, he encourages a compassionate approach, allowing them to eat before regular hours to meet their specific needs and vulnerabilities.
Mr. James Mudie, Montrose (3)
By Andrew Bonar0Spiritual GrowthCommunity in FaithPSA 77:19ISA 40:11LUK 3:7ACT 20:352TH 3:5Andrew Bonar reflects on the importance of spiritual growth and community in his letters to Mr. James Mudie, expressing a longing for deeper communion with God and the joy of serving Him. He encourages his brother to share messages of hope and guidance with their congregation, emphasizing the need for faith and the blessings of giving. Bonar also highlights the ongoing revival in Ferryden, urging the faithful to remain steadfast and to seek the Lord's direction in their lives.
The Good Shepherd
By Thomas Watson0PSA 51:10ISA 40:11JHN 10:11PHP 2:15HEB 12:251PE 2:21Thomas Watson preaches about Jesus as the good Shepherd, emphasizing His intimate knowledge of His sheep and the unique characteristics of His flock. He describes the sheep as innocent, meek, clean, useful, contented, and timorous, contrasting them with the wicked who are like goats. Watson highlights how Christ, as the Shepherd, is appointed, knows, marks, seeks, leads, governs, relieves, feeds, watches, has compassion, and prays for His sheep, showing His unmatched love and care. He explains how Christ excels other shepherds in glory, cleansing, teaching, praying, comforting, dying, blessing, guiding, governing, and securing His sheep, ultimately leading them to eternal life in paradise.
Eighth Day: He Maketh Me to Lie Down in Green Pastures.
By J. Wilbur Chapman0PSA 5:3PSA 23:2PSA 119:105ISA 40:11MAT 4:4JHN 10:27J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the Christian life having two elements: the contemplative and the active, both richly provided for by God. He emphasizes the importance of finding refreshment and satisfaction in God's provision, likening it to green pastures in a parched land, symbolizing the Scriptures of truth. Chapman highlights the necessity of feeding on the word of God for nourishment, satisfaction, and peace, contrasting it with the world's distractions and emphasizing the need to hear God's voice for true restfulness. He suggests starting the day in quietness, alone with God, to secure a foundation of Bible-study and prayer for a spiritually fulfilling day.
The Secret of Guidance
By F.B. Meyer0Trusting God's WillDivine GuidanceNUM 9:15PSA 32:8PRO 3:6ISA 40:11ISA 58:11LUK 11:34JHN 5:30JHN 7:17JHN 8:12JAS 1:5F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of divine guidance in the life of a believer, illustrating that true peace and power come from being in the center of God's will. He encourages Christians to seek God's direction through prayer, pure motives, and surrendering their will, while also relying on the wisdom found in Scripture. Meyer highlights biblical examples of individuals who followed God's guidance, such as Abraham and the Israelites, and reassures that God will provide for those who trust Him. He stresses the importance of waiting for God's timing and recognizing His guidance through circumstances. Ultimately, Meyer calls believers to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to God's leading, ensuring they are ready to follow His path.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Shall gently lead those that are with young "The nursing ewes shall he gently lead" - A beautiful image, expressing, with the utmost propriety as well as elegance, the tender attention of the shepherd to his flock. That the greatest care in driving the cattle in regard to the dams and their young was necessary, appears clearly from Jacob's apology to his brother Esau, Gen 33:13 : "The flocks and the herds giving suck to their young are with me; and if they should be overdriven, all the flock will die." Which is set in a still stronger light by the following remark of Sir John Chardin: "Their flocks," says he, speaking of those who now live in the east after the patriarchal manner, "feed down the places of their encampments so quick, by the great numbers that they have, that they are obliged to remove them too often, which is very destructive to their flocks, on account of the young ones, who have not strength enough to follow." Harmer's Observ. i., p. 126.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The prophet dwells upon this, the redeeming side not the judicial, as he proceeds to place the image of the good shepherd by the side of that of the Lord Jehovah. "He will feed His flock like a shepherd, take the lambs in His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are giving suck." The flock is His people, now dispersed in a foreign land. The love with which He tends this flock is shown, by way of example, in His conduct towards the טלאים (= טליים from טלי = טלה), the young lambs that have not long been born, and the עלות, those giving suck, lactantes (Vulg. fetae), not those that are sucking, sugentes (from עוּל med. Vav, to nourish). Such as cannot keep pace with the flock he takes in his arms, and carries in the bosom of his dress; and the mothers he does not overdrive, but ינהל (see at Psa 23:2), lets them go gently alone, because they require care (Gen 33:13). With this loving picture the prologue in Isa 40:1-11 is brought to a close. It stands at the head of the whole, like a divine inauguration of the prophet, and like the quintessence of what he is commanded to proclaim. Nevertheless it is also an integral part of the first address. For the questions which follow cannot possibly be the commencement of the prophecy, though it is not very clear how far they form a continuation. The connection is the following: The prophet shows both didactically and paraenetically what kind of God it is whose appearance to redeem His people has been prophetically announced in Isa 40:1-11. He is the incomparably exalted One. This incomparable exaltation makes the ignorance of the worshipers of idols the more apparent, but it serves to comfort Israel. And Israel needs such consolation in its present banishment, in which it is so hard for it to comprehend the ways of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
feed--including all a shepherd's care--"tend" (Eze 34:23; Psa 23:1; Heb 13:20; Pe1 2:25). carry--applicable to Messiah's restoration of Israel, as sheep scattered in all lands, and unable to move of themselves to their own land (Psa 80:1; Jer 23:3). As Israel was "carried from the womb" (that is, in its earliest days) (Isa 63:9, Isa 63:11-12; Psa 77:20), so it shall be in "old age" (that is, its latter days) (Isa 46:3-4). gently lead--as a thoughtful shepherd does the ewes "giving suck" (Margin) (Gen 33:13-14).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd,.... Christ has a flock, a flock of men, a distinct and peculiar people, and it is but one, and that a little one, and yet a beautiful one, though often a flock of slaughter; which is his by his Father's gift, and his own purchase, and appears manifest in the effectual calling, when he calls them by name; to these he stands in the relation of a shepherd, being so by his Father's designation and appointment, and his own consent; and a good shepherd he is, as is manifest by his laying down his life for the sheep; and a great one, being Jehovah's fellow, and the chief shepherd, under whom all others are; yea, he is the one, and only one; and a very careful, compassionate, and faithful one he is; who performs his whole office as a shepherd, not only by providing food for his flock, by leading them into green and good pastures, his church and ordinances; by appointing under shepherds to feed them with the doctrines of the Gospel, the wholesome words of the Lord Jesus; and by feeding them himself, with himself, the bread of life, and hidden manna, whose flesh is meat indeed, and whose blood is drink indeed; but also by protecting them from all their enemies, the roaring and devouring lion, Satan, and wolves in sheep's clothing, false teachers; and by taking such notice and account of them, as that none of them shall be lost; and by doing all that is expressed Eze 34:16, seeking that which was lost; bringing back that which was driven away; binding up that which was broken; and strengthening and healing the sick, as well as watching over them night and day, lest any hurt them: he shall gather the lambs with his arm; the weaklings of the flock; the same with babes and sucklings, newly born souls, weak believers, mean and low in their own eyes, the smoking flax, and bruised reed, the day of small things, the poor of the flock; these he gathers with his arm of power, and by the ministry of the Gospel, both to himself, his person, righteousness, grace and fulness, and to his church, to partake of the word and ordinances of it, and to nearer communion with him in them; he gathers them up into his arms in a way of protection, when liable to fall into the hands of powerful enemies, and to be hurt by them, and in order to carry them, they not being able to go of themselves, as it follows: and carry them in his bosom; which is expressive of very great affection to them, such being greatly loved as are put into the bosom, as Obed by Naomi, the poor man's ewe lamb, and a wife of youth; as also of great nearness to him, being in his bosom must lie near his heart, and are indeed upon it; likewise it denotes the most intimate communion with him, and a being privy to his secrets, as Christ in the bosom of his Father is to his; as well as it implies an enjoyment of rest in him, and safety by him; for what can disturb or hurt such as are in the bosom of Christ? and shall gently lead those that are with young; who have the seed of grace in them, have spiritual principles wrought in their souls, Christ formed in their hearts, are full of desires for him and spiritual things, and carry a burden, that of their sins, under which they groan; these he leads out, and off of themselves to himself, his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, into green pastures, into his Father's presence, and at last to glory; and he leads them on "gently", gradually, step by step, to see their own vileness and sinfulness, to look, go to, lay hold on him, and retain him; he leads them into the truths of the Gospel, and the deep waters of the sanctuary, and proportionably to their strength as they are able to bear, either the doctrines of the Gospel, or the duties of religion, or afflictions and sufferings; see Gen 33:14.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
40:11 Isaiah used the familiar biblical metaphor of a shepherd to speak of God’s care for his people (see also 49:10; Ps 23:1; Jer 3:15; 23:4; Ezek 34:11-17; Matt 2:6; John 10:1-18).