Isaiah 40 - Comfort to the Chosen!

LINK: Isaiah 40

BACKGROUND

The Book of Isaiah has 66 chapters. The first 39 chapters are mostly about God's judgment. The last 27 chapters are mostly about comfort, restoration, and deliverance by God. It is so interesting that the Bible has 66 books. The Old Testament contains 39 books, and the New Testament contains 27. 

These remaining 27 chapters are divided into three parts of nine chapters each. These three parts center around three events:

1. Deliverance from the Babylonian Captivity prophesied in Isaiah 39:7 (Isaiah 40-48).
2. Rejection and restoration of the Suffering Servant - Jesus (Isaiah 49-57).
3. Restoration of Israel and the world with the coming of the Messiah Jesus (Isaiah 58-66).

The prophecies of Isaiah were written 100 years before Judah fell to Babylon.

Isaiah 40 marks the beginning of the transition. It is one of my favorite chapters in all of Scripture because it is filled with hope and comfort for the people of Israel. It speaks of the restoration after the exile. It calls Israel to have a right relationship with Him. Most importantly, it speaks of the greatness and majesty of our God!

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

The voice of peace (vv. 9–11). Now the nation itself comes out of the valley and climbs the mountaintop to declare God’s victory over the enemy. To “bring good tidings” means “to preach the Good News.” 

The good news in that day was the defeat of Babylon and the release of the captive Jews (52:7–9). 

The Good News today is the defeat of sin and Satan by Jesus Christ and the salvation of all who will trust in Him (61:1–3; Luke 4:18–19). God’s arm is a mighty arm for winning the battle (Isa. 40:10), but it is also a loving arm for carrying His weary lambs (v. 11). “We are coming home!” would certainly be good news to the devastated cities of Judah (1:7; 36:1; 37:26). (Warren Wiersbe, Be Comforted, p. 109)

REFLECTION

This chapter sends me into “awe orbit.” It is important to soak in it and write down all the things you learn about God from it! Enjoy and worship Him!

The phrases "I have chosen" and "do not fear" or similar wording are key phrases in the coming week's readings. Circle them every time you come across them.

APPLICATION

I cannot think of a better way to worship God than to listen to Isaiah 40:1-5 in the first movements of Handel's Messiah! The chorus at the very end sends me into the "awe orbit" I mentioned above. Enjoy! (And join me for Messiah Meditations this coming Christmas!)

PRAYER

Lord, we praise You that all may pass away but You and Your Words stand forever. We praise and worship You today as the everlasting God. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.