Isaiah 40:1-31

The Proclamation of Deliverance

1, 2. The theme of the prophecies following: the period of Zion’s trouble and affliction is over.

3-26. Celestial voices give the message of restoration to God’s people, who are encouraged by the thought of His infinite power.

27-31. Trust in Jehovah is, therefore, the source of true strength.

2. Warfare] RM ’time of service,’ i.e. enforced service and hardship: cp. Job 7:1. Double] i.e. double (ample) penalty (Jeremiah 17:18), in the sufferings of the exile.

3-5. A first voice enjoins preparation for the progress of the great King, who will bring back His people from exile.

3. Crieth, etc.] RV ’crieth, Prepare ye in the wilderness.’ The passage was understood by the Baptist as prophetic of his own mission (John 1:23), and is so taken by thé Evangelists (Matthew 3:3 and parallels).

4. This imagery is from the practice of Eastem monarchs, who thus made roads for the passage of their armies.

5. Shall see] shall see Jehovah’s glorious deeds for His people, and acknowledge Him.

6-8. The message of the second voice. Human things must decay: Israel’s oppressors are mortal, but Jehovah’s promiseissure.

6. He said] i.e. the prophet himself; then in the words following, in reply to his question, a message is put into his mouth. 7. Spirit] RV ’breath,’ or wind.

9-11. The third voice—the good tidings brought to Zion that Jehovah is approaching in triumph, bringing back His people.

9. Read, ’O thou that teilest good tidings to Zion.. O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem.’ ’Thou that teilest’is fem. in Heb. The prophet in spirit sees a maiden, or a company of women (Psalms 68:11) bringing the news.

10. His reward, etc.] The figure is that of a conqueror bringing the spoils of war. His work] RV ’recompense,’ his redeemed people regarded as the prize of war.

11. The v. indicates in a figure the tender care with which God will support His people on their journey home. Are with young] RV ’give suck.’

12-26. The prophet’s object is to show the power of Jehovah to deliver the people from captivity. He emphasises two thoughts: (a) the wonderful order and proportion in the universe show His infinite power and wisdom (Isaiah 40:12-17), and (b) no representation can be made of Him. How futile are the idols that men make! (Isaiah 40:18-20).

20. RV ’He that is too impoverished for such an oblation,’ etc.

24. Shall not] read the tenses as past (RV). The v. expresses the transitory character of earthly powers in the sight of Jehovah.

26. Faileth] is missing.

27. The foregoing argument is addressed to a people who had suffered so long, that they thought God had forgotten them, and were despondent.