Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 40

Introduction

Isaiah 40:0

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

(Parentheses indicate poetry)

* Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions. In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspiredreaders have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives. Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: Hebrew Grammatical Terms and Glossary.

READING CYCLE THREE (see Guide to Good Bible Reading)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. Isaiah lived in the 8th century B.C., yet Isaiah 40-66 fits into the historical setting of the return from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel and Joshua in Ezra 1-6, following the decree of Cyrus II in 538 B.C. (6th century B.C.).

B. The book of Isaiah is a unity (see introduction). God revealed His future plans to his faithful messenger. I reject the theory of two or three authors. I believe that the book was edited or compiled.

C. God had not forgotten His covenant promises, but He had established a new covenant by means of exile (cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34). This new covenant is ultimately defined in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

D. The historical return from Babylon does not exhaust this prophecy. The ultimate focus of chapters 40-66 is the first and second comings of Messiah.

Chapter 40 forms an introduction to the unique Messianic passages known as “the Servant Songs” (cf. Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; Isaiah 52:13-12).

E. As Isaiah 1-39 deals with Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, Isa. 40-66 speak to those who are returning to Judah and Jerusalem. The geography of the audience has changed!

F. Isaiah 1:1-11 serves as an introduction and summary of the entire section. A new day has come!

Verses 1-2

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isaiah 40:1-2 1”Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. 2”Speak kindly to Jerusalem; And call out to her, that her warfare has ended, That her iniquity has been removed, That she has received of the LORD'S hand Double for all her sins.”

Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort, O comfort” This term (BDB 636, KB 688, Piel IMPERATIVE, PLURAL) is used in chapters 1-39 only three times, but in chapters 40-66 fourteen times (most in Piel). It could be the title for this section of Isaiah. It denotes YHWH's compassionate care and concern (cf. Isaiah 12:1). The word seems to have developed from the heavy panting of horses. YHWH is grieved that He had to punish His people. The punishment is over. It is not certain if this is because

1. they repented (i.e., Ezekiel 18:0)

2. YHWH chose to act on their behalf even though they were incapable of true repentance (cf. Ezekiel 36:22-38).

A new day (i.e., new covenant, cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34) has dawned! It is based on YHWH's character, not His people's performance (cf. Romans 3:21-31; Galatians 3:0); His ability, not theirs; His eternal redemptive plan of which they are an integral part.

Now one more point on this opening paragraph. The VERBS are PLURAL. So who is YHWH addressing as His spokesperson?

1. multiple prophets (cf. Isaiah 52:8)

a. individual prophets

b. a “school” (i.e., followers) of Isaiah

2. angels of the heavenly court (i.e., the “Us” of Isaiah 6:8 and Isaiah 41:22-23)

3. the LXX adds, “speak, you priests, to the heart of Jerusalem”

Notice the interplay between the SINGULAR (“a voice” of Isaiah 40:3 and 6), and the PLURAL VERBS.

There are twelve IMPERATIVES in Isaiah 40:1-11. Isaiah 1:1-11 is characterized by IMPERATIVES, while Isaiah 40:12-17 are characterized by a series of questions which expect a “no” answer.

The doubling of the IMPERATIVE gives emphasis to the action. This was a common literary technique in this section of Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 51:9, Isaiah 51:17; Isaiah 52:1, Isaiah 52:11; Isaiah 57:14; Isaiah 62:10).

▣ “My people. . .your God” These are covenant terms (cf. Genesis 12:15, etc.). The post-exilic Jews wondered if YHWH was still their covenant God.

The title for deity here is Elohim (see Special Topic: Names for Deity) and is usually used for God as creator, provider, and sustainer of all life on this planet. YHWH (cf. Isaiah 40:2a) is the title normally associated with God as covenant maker (see Special Topic: “The Name” of YHWH), savior, and redeemer.

SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT

▣ “says” There are several VERBS (i.e., several different speakers) used in this chapter related to proclaiming God's new message.

1. speak - BDB 180, Piel IMPERATIVE, Isaiah 40:2

2. call out - BDB 894, Qal IMPERATIVE, Isaiah 40:2, Isaiah 40:6

3. calling - BDB 894, Qal ACTIVE IMPERATIVE, Isaiah 40:3

4. lift up your voice - BDB 926, Hiphil IMPERATIVE, Isaiah 40:9

5. say - BDB 55, Qal IMPERATIVE, Isaiah 40:9

This functions as a second call of Isaiah (cf. chapter 6). The “they will not hear. . .” is now changed to “speak to them.”

Isaiah 40:2 “kindly” This is לבב, a “love word” from the root “heart” (לב, BDB 523, KB 516, cf. Genesis 34:3; Genesis 50:21; Judges 19:3; Ruth 2:13; Hosea 2:14). The Bible uses close, intimate, human relationships to describe God's love and relationship with humanity. This is a form of accommodation to human language.

NASB, NKJV“warfare” NRSV“has served her term” TEV“suffered long enough” NJB“period of service” JPSOA“term of service” REB“term of bondage is served”

The NOUN (BDB 838, here FEMININE but usually MASCULINE) can mean

1. war

2. warfare (Daniel 10:1)

3. service of Levites (i.e., Numbers 4:3, Numbers 4:23, Numbers 4:30, Numbers 4:35, Numbers 4:39, Numbers 4:43)

4. hard service (cf. Job 7:1; Job 14:14; Isaiah 40:2)

Israel was to be a “kingdom of priests” (cf. Exodus 19:5-6), but their rebellion turned “service” to God into the “hard service” of enduring God's judgment (Assyrian and Babylonian exiles).

▣ “iniquity has been removed” This means “penalty of iniquity has been accepted as paid off (BDB 953, Niphal PERFECT, cf. Leviticus 1:4; NASB marginal note; TEV).

▣ “of the LORD'S hand” YHWH gave Israel a full and complete judgment. The invasion and exile was not the power of Assyria (i.e., Isaiah 8:7; Isaiah 10:5) nor Babylon but from YHWH. The ancient eastern worldview was that when countries went to war, their gods fought and the most powerful one won, but this is not reality. Israel was defeated and exiled because of her sin against YHWH. He brought the judgment.

The word “hand” is a Semitic idiom for agency.

SPECIAL TOPIC: HAND (ILLUSTRATED FROM EZEKIEL)

▣ “Double for all her sins” This is not mathematical but poetical for a full and complete amount (cf. Jeremiah 16:18; Revelation 18:6; for positive sense see Isaiah 61:7; Zechariah 9:12). Mercy came after a complete judgment (i.e., Leviticus 26:40-45).

Verses 3-8

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isaiah 40:3-8 3A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. 4Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley; 5Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” 6A 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. 7The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah 40:3 “Clear the way” This VERB (BDB 815, Piel IMPERATIVE) basically means “turn,” but here it is used in a specialized sense of “clear the path of objects” (cf. Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 42:16; Isaiah 49:11; Isaiah 57:14; Isaiah 62:10; Malachi 3:1).

The concept of “a highway of holiness” on which God's people (returning exiles) came to Him (i.e., to His temple) is recurrent in Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 11:16; Isaiah 26:7; Isaiah 35:8; Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 42:16).

In this context it is YHWH Himself who is returning to His people. They are to prepare the way, which denotes a spiritual/physical preparation.

This verse was John the Baptist's self-designation (cf. Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4-6). This section is reflected in Zechariah 14:10, where leveling of the physical terrain to Jerusalem is used as a metaphor for access to God (cf. Malachi 3:1; Malachi 4:5, Malachi 4:6). It could be characterized as “prepare the road” (note parallel line).

▣ “the LORD” This is a reference to YHWH. See Special Topic below.

SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY

▣ “in the wilderness” Ezekiel saw God's glory leaving the Temple in Jerusalem and moving east (cf. Ezekiel 10:18-19; Ezekiel 11:22-23; Ezekiel 43:1-3). God went with the exiles and this verse refers to His returning to Judah and Jerusalem.

Isaiah 40:4 This context refers to a preparation by God's people for His return to Jerusalem. He will be accompanied by the returning exiles. He will protect, provide, and care for them (cf. Isaiah 40:9-11). This is an extension and description of making a highway in the wilderness. It is metaphorical for people easily and freely coming to God. God has provided a new way (i.e., the new covenant, cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34). This new way is depicted as the new exodus

1. here from physical exile

2. metaphorically for the end-time

Isaiah 40:5 “the glory of the LORD” The glory of the Lord is another link to Isaiah 6:0 (i.e., Isaiah 40:3). Chapter 40 is functioning as a second call to Isaiah. See note at Isaiah 40:25.

This is an allusion to “the cloud of glory” which appeared in the exodus and wilderness wanderings as a symbol of God's personal presence. The rabbis called it the Shekinah, from the Hebrew term “to dwell.” The returning Jews needed the reassurance of God's continuing personal presence (cf. Exodus 13:21-22; Exodus 14:19). A new exodus has come!

For “glory” see Special Topic: Glory.

▣ “all flesh will see it together” “Flesh” (BDB 142) means human persons (cf. Isaiah 40:7). This is the universal element (i.e., Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 51:4-5; Isaiah 52:10) which is so characteristic of Isaiah.

▣ “the mouth of the LORD has spoken” This is the Hebrew idiom for the power of the spoken word of YHWH (cf. Isaiah 40:8; Genesis 1:3, Genesis 1:6, Genesis 1:9, Genesis 1:11, Genesis 1:14, Genesis 1:20, Genesis 1:26 and Isaiah 55:11).

Isaiah 40:6 “Call out” See note at Isaiah 40:1.

NASB“he answered” NKJV“he said” NRSV, NJB“I said” TEV“I ask” REB, LXX, DSS“I asked”

Notice that two voices are involved. Following DSS, LXX it seems to be an angel/spirit speaking to Isaiah.

▣ “All flesh is grass” This recurrent metaphor refers to the frailty and transitoriness of human corporal existence compared to the eternality of God (cf. Genesis 6:3; Job 10:4; Job 14:1-2; Psalms 78:39; Psalms 90:5-6; Psalms 103:15-18; 1 Peter 1:24-25).

To whom is the voice speaking?

1. all humans

2. world powers

It seems to be God's message to human governments. They may be temporarily powerful, but in time and in reality (i.e., in light of God's power) they are not!!

▣ “loveliness” This is translated from the Hebrew word hesed (cf. BDB 338, I, #4). This term is often used of God's covenant love and loyalty.

SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVINGKINDNESS (HESED)

Isaiah 40:7-8 All of the VERBS are PERFECT (i.e., completed action) except the concluding statement, “the word of our God stands forever” (IMPERFECT).

This was the truth that the returning exiles needed. It seemed that God's word of care and protection had failed! However, the problem was not God's word, but God's sinful people!

Isaiah 40:7 “breath” This Hebrew term ruah (BDB 924) can mean “wind,” “breath,” or “spirit.”

SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE

Isaiah 40:8 “the word of our God stands forever” God's promises are sure, even amidst divine discipline (cf. Psalms 103:17-18; Isaiah 55:8-11; Isaiah 59:21; Jeremiah 29:10; Matthew 5:17-20; Matthew 24:35). This statement is the confident faith hope/assurance of every believer.

Verses 9-11

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isaiah 40:9-11 9Get yourself 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!” 10Behold, the Lord GOD will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him. 11Like 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.

Isaiah 40:9 “O Zion. . .O Jerusalem” Both of these terms refer to Jerusalem. The Temple was built on Mt. Moriah but the term “Zion” (another hill in the city where David built his palace) is an idiom for the whole city.

Who do these personifications refer to?

1. God's prophets

2. God's Levitical teachers

3. the herald of the new age (i.e., John the Baptist)

Does this refer to

1. return from Babylonian exile (i.e., Isaiah 52:7-9; Isaiah 62:10-12)

2. Maccabean victories

3. the first coming of Jesus (Isaiah 62:11 quoted in Matthew 21:5)

4. the second coming of Jesus (Isaiah 40:10; Isaiah 62:11, alluded to in Revelation 22:12)

There is a fluidity between (1) God's promise of restoration to Israel and (2) the new age in Christ. Here is where the mega-narrative must include the NT. Jesus fulfills these hopes, but the two comings of Christ (Savior, later King) causes a twofold fulfillment. These prophecies of the eschaton are still future. They were surely not fulfilled in the return of Zerubbabel and Joshua in 539 B.C. and not in the lifetime of Jesus of Nazareth.

Just one more thought, the paragraph, Isaiah 40:9-11, is the proclamation of a “watchman” to a city of an approaching group/person/army. However, notice the powerful one (i.e., God) comes, not as an invader but as a compassionate Shepherd. He comes to save, protect, and provide. The Shepherd of Israel (Psalms 23:0) returns to His land/people whom He abandoned in Ezekiel 8-10!

SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY ARE THE END-TIME EVENTS SO CONTROVERSIAL?

▣ “good news” This is the VERB בשׁר (BDB 142, Piel PARTICIPLE) which means “bear glad tidings.” Here it denotes the merciful message of YHWH's redemption and acceptance (cf. Isaiah 40:9 [twice]; Isaiah 41:27; Isaiah 52:7 [twice]; Nahum 1:15). Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7 in Romans 10:15 and relates it to Christ (Romans 10:16 quotes Isaiah 53:1). The gospel of Jesus Christ is characterized as “good news” in the NT.

▣ “do not fear” This VERB (BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERFECT) is JUSSIVE in meaning, referring to Jerusalem (i.e., God's people). Sin causes fear! How often God says this to His people! (cf. Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 41:13. Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 43:5; Isaiah 44:2, Isaiah 44:8 [different words]; Isaiah 51:7, Isaiah 51:12; Isaiah 54:4, Isaiah 54:14).

▣ “Say to the cities of Judah” Those who hold to a later, post-exilic writer instead of Isaiah have trouble explaining this reference because all of the cities were destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar II in 586 B.C.

▣ “Here is your God” God is with His people! The wait is over (cf. Isaiah 25:9; Isaiah 26:8; Isaiah 33:2; Isaiah 40:31; Isaiah 49:23; Isaiah 51:5; Isaiah 60:9)!

Isaiah 40:10 “the Lord GOD” Literally this is “Adonai YHWH,” which is literally translated “Lord, LORD” cf. Psalms 110:1). “Lord” is the Hebrew word adon, which denotes master, owner, husband, lord.

▣ “With His arm ruling for Him” This is a Semitic anthropomorphic idiom (see Special Topic: God Described As Human [anthropomorphism]) for divine action and power. From Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-5; and Micah 5:2-5a, we know this refers to the agency of the Messiah (cf. Psalms 110:0).

SPECIAL TOPIC: MESSIAH

▣ “His reward is with Him

And His recompense before Him” This exact phrase is also found in Isaiah 62:11 and alluded to in Revelation 22:12.

Verse Isaiah 40:10 is speaking of the personal presence of Deity (Isaiah 41:10a). Emmanuel has come (cf. Isaiah 7:14)!

Isaiah 40:11 “Like a shepherd” YHWH, the mighty (cf. Isaiah 40:10), is also a Shepherd (cf. Psalms 23:0; Psalms 80:1; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:11-16). Notice that also in Ezekiel 34:23-24, YHWH appoints His Messiah to represent Himself! Jesus is the “good Shepherd” (cf. John 10:0). He is the “wounded” shepherd of Zechariah 11-12 and Isaiah 52:13-12.

Verses 12-17

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isaiah 40:12-17 12Who 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? 13Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him? 14With 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? 15Behold, 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. 16Even Lebanon is not enough to burn, Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering. 17All the nations are as nothing before Him, They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.

Isaiah 40:12-17 As verses Isaiah 40:9-11 describe the message of YHWH's personal presence as Savior, verses Isaiah 40:12-17 describe Him as Creator.

1. measured the waters (i.e., controller and organizer of original water of chaos), Isaiah 40:12

2. designed the atmosphere of this planet, Isaiah 40:12

3. ordered the dry land (“calculated the dust” and “weighed the mountains. . .hill” [Hebrew parallelism]”), Isaiah 40:12

4. directed the Spirit as agent, without counsel, Isaiah 40:13-14

5. in comparison with God's creative power and intellect, humans are nothing (cf. Isaiah 40:6-8, this is similar to Job 38-41), Isaiah 40:15-17

Isaiah 40:12 “Who has measured the waters” All of the VERBS of Isaiah 40:12 are PERFECT (i.e., completed action). This is a series of questions which expect a “no” answer. It is similar to the book of Job 38-41, where God answered Job's questions by asserting His sovereignty and authority. Verse Isaiah 40:12 is very similar to Isaiah 41:26.

Notice the parallelism.

1. measured - BDB 551, KB 547]

2. marked off - BDB 1067, KB 1733

3. calculated - BDB 465, KB 463

4. weighed - BDB 1053, KB 1642

These are all metaphorical actions of the Creator. The creation account of Genesis 1:0 is also imagery of God's control, ordering and maintaining the universe. A new good book is John H. Walton, The Lost World of Genesis One.

Isaiah 40:13-14 The “who” of these verses may link back to the PLURALS of Isaiah 40:1-3. If so, they relate to the heavenly council. These angelic servants can be seen in

1. the “Us” passages of Genesis 1:0 and 6

2. 1 Kings 22:19-23

3. Job 1:6-12; Job 2:1-6, Job 2:7

4. Daniel 7:10, Daniel 7:26

Isaiah 40:13 “Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD” Verses Isaiah 40:13 and 14 are parallel. This is not a Trinitarian passage but an OT passage, much like Genesis 1:2, which speaks of “the Spirit” as God's presence (see Special Topic: Spirit in the Bible).

Isaiah 40:14 “And who taught Him in the path of justice” Notice the parallelism. “Path” is the OT background to the NT concept of “The Way,” which was used of the early church in Acts. This speaks of biblical faith as lifestyle fellowship with God.

For “justice” see Special Topic below. This verse in essence is asserting monotheism.

SPECIAL TOPIC: JUDGE, JUDGMENT, and JUSTICE (טפת) IN ISAIAH

▣ This verse in essence is asserting monotheism. See Special Topic below.

SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM

Isaiah 40:15-17 “the nations are like a drop from a bucket. . .a speck of dust on the scales. . .All nations are as nothing before Him” This is an emphasis on God's power (cf. Jeremiah 10:10), not on His lack of care or compassion for the nations. YHWH sent Jesus for the redemption of the whole human race. However, rebellious nations will be judged (cf. Isaiah 17:13; Isaiah 29:5, Isaiah 29:7).

SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH's ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN

Isaiah 40:16 The point of this verse is that even a place (i.e., Lebanon) which is heavily forested and full of wild animals would not provide an adequate sacrifice to the greatness of Israel's covenant God. For a similar extravagant attempt at an adequate sacrifice note 1 Kings 8:63.

Isaiah 40:17

NASB“meaningless” NKJV“worthless” NRSV, NJB“emptiness”

This word, תהו (BDB 1062), is used of the formless earth in Genesis 1:2 (cf. Isaiah 34:11; Isaiah 45:18; Jeremiah 4:23). It is also used of the non-existence of idols (1 Samuel 12:21; Isaiah 41:29; Isaiah 44:9).

Isaiah uses it in this same chapter for the nothingness of human rulers (i.e., Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and all enemies of God's people). Human organization and power are incomparable to YHWH's power and plan.

Verses 18-20

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isaiah 40:18-20 18To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him? 19 As for the idol, a craftsman casts it, A goldsmith plates it with gold, And a silversmith fashions chains of silver. 20 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.

Isaiah 40:18-20 This section deals with the folly of idolatry similar to Isaiah 44:9-20 and Isaiah 46:1-7.

▣ “To whom then will you liken God” This is the expression (cf. Isaiah 40:25; Isaiah 46:5; Exodus 8:10; Exodus 15:11; 1 Samuel 2:2; Micah 7:18) of the Jews' major theological affirmation which we call monotheism (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4-5). See Special Topic: Monotheism.

Isaiah 40:19

NASB“fashions” NKJV, NRSV, NJB“casts” TEV“set” REB“fits” JPSOA“forging”

This VERB (BDB 864,, KB 1057) is used twice and refers to smelting metal into a specific form (cf. Isaiah 41:7; Isaiah 46:6). The NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 1000 prefers “forging” rather than the common translation “casting,” because of the Hebrew synonymous parallelism (see Special Topic: Hebrew Poetry).

Isaiah 40:20 “a tree” This word (BDB 781) is used of a type of wood out of which idols are made (cf. Isaiah 44:19; Isaiah 45:20; Hosea 4:12). It may have been an especially hard wood but in time it will decay!

Verses 21-26

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isaiah 40:21-26 21Do 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? 22It 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. 23He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. 24Scarcely 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 storm carries them away like stubble. 25To whom then will you liken Me That I would be his equal?” says the Holy One. 26Lift 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.

Isaiah 40:21-26 This strophe is theologically related to Isaiah 40:12-17. They both describe God as Creator, all else is small and significant in comparison. He is the only reality, the only truth, the only living One! Idols have no existence and humans have existence only by His will! But amazingly He wills to know us, forgive us, and fellowship with us! What a God, who is like Him?

Isaiah 40:21 “Do you not know” This series of questions, like Isaiah 40:28, is meant to remind the Jews of God's previous revelations to them.

▣ “from the foundations of the earth” In context this is another allusion to creation. Interestingly, a similar phrase is repeated five times in the NT referring to YHWH's actions before creation.

Isaiah 40:1. Matthew 25:34 - “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundations of the world”

Isaiah 40:2. John 17:24 - “for You did love Me before the foundations of the world”

Isaiah 40:3. Ephesians 1:4 - “He chose us in Him before the foundations of the world”

4. 1 Peter 1:19-20 - He was foreknown before the foundation of the world”

Isaiah 40:5. Revelation 13:8 (possible object)

a. “everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world”

b. “the Lamb who has been slain before the foundation of the world”

God was active before, in, and after physical creation. He was active in Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Israel, and Christ for the redemption of all humans (see Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan)!

Isaiah 40:22 “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth. . .curtain. . .tent” This is a common ancient Middle Eastern concept (cf. Isaiah 42:5; Job 9:8; Psalms 104:2; Jeremiah 10:12; Jeremiah 51:15; Zechariah 12:1). In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, heaven is described as a “skin.” In the Rig Veda heaven is described as “stretched out like a hide.” This is simply a metaphorical way of speaking of the vault of the heaven (i.e., the atmosphere of this planet) above the earth. It is the language of metaphor.

The term “curtain” (BDB 201) is used in this sense only here. The word means “to crush” (cf. Isaiah 40:15, “fine dust”). Apparently it can also refer to something “thin” (KB 229, i.e., the dome that covers the earth). Remember interpreters look at

1. the context

2. the Semitic root

3. cognate languages

but #1 has priority!

Isaiah 40:25 “the Holy One” See full note at Isaiah 6:3 (Isa.1-39, online at www.freebiblecommentary.org). This title is another purposeful connection between the first call of Isaiah, where he is told Israel will not listen until destruction (cf. Isaiah 6:9-11) and this second call, where he is told to “speak kindly” to her. She will listen now!

Isaiah 40:26 “Lift up your eyes. . .see” These are both Qal IMPERATIVES. Notice the parallel lines of Isaiah 40:26 a,b.

▣ “And see who has created these stars. . .He calls them all by name. . .Not one of them is missing” It is very significant in light of Babylonian astral worship that God is depicted as the only creator, sustainer, and manipulator of the heavenly bodies (cf. Genesis 1:16; Psalms 8:3; Jeremiah 31:35).

The term “created” in Isaiah 40:26 is the Hebrew term Bara. It is used in Genesis 1:0 of God creating. It is never used of anything or anyone except the creation of God. It occurs 20 times in Isaiah 40-66 (cf. Isaiah 40:26, Isaiah 40:28; Isaiah 41:20; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 43:7, Isaiah 43:15; Isaiah 45:7[twice],8,12,18[twice]; Isaiah 48:7; Isaiah 54:16[twice]; Isaiah 57:19; Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 65:18[twice]).

▣ “Not one of them is missing” This is a Hebrew idiom which means “not one of them fails to report to muster.” God controls the stars and planets. They are not gods.

Verses 27-31

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isaiah 40:27-31 27Why 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”? 28Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. 29He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. 30Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31Yet 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.

Isaiah 40:27 “My way is hidden from the LORD,

And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God” The Jews (i.e., “O Jacob. . .O Israel”) felt that YHWH had abandoned them (cf. Isaiah 49:14). YHWH had hid His face from them for a period (cf. Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 8:17; Isaiah 54:8; Romans 9-11).

Isaiah 40:28 Notice the titles for God.

1. the Everlasting God - Genesis 21:33 and note Exodus 15:18; Deuteronomy 32:40; Psalms 90:2; Jeremiah 10:10

2. the LORD - YHWH (see Special Topic: Names for Deity)

3. the Creator - (this has been the thrust of chapter 40)

4. also called “the Holy One” in Isaiah 40:25

The God of promise is now again the God of presence!

▣ “Does not become weary or tired” This is a Hebrew idiom which means “He does not lose patience.”

There is a word play related to “tiredness,” “weariness” in Isaiah 40:28-31.

Isaiah 40:1. Isaiah 40:28 - weary, BDB 419, KB 421

tired, BDB 388, KB 386

Isaiah 40:2. Isaiah 40:30 - weary, BDB 419, KB 421

tired, BDB 388, KB 386

Isaiah 40:3. Isaiah 40:30 - stumble, INFINITIVE and IMPERFECT VERB (BDB 505, KB 502)

Isaiah 40:4. Isaiah 40:31 - tired, BDB 388, KB 386

weary, BDB 419, KB 421

YHWH brings strength and stability to those who wait and trust! The vitality of YHWH is transferred to His people (cf. Isaiah 40:29-31). They are potent because He is potent!

NASB“inscrutable” NKJV“no searching His understanding” NRSV“unsearchable” NJB“beyond fathoming”

The Hebrew word (BDB 350) basically means to search out. Here it is negated (cf. Job 5:9; Job 9:10; Job 36:26; Psalms 145:3). Paul expresses the same truth in Romans 11:33 and quotes Isaiah 40:13-14.

God is in control! His ways are sure and thought through. There are no surprises, no mistakes! He loves us, He is with us, He is for us (cf. Isaiah 40:29-31)!

Isaiah 40:29 “He gives strength to the weary” YHWH comforts the very ones He judged (cf. Isaiah 41:10; Psalms 107:9; Jeremiah 31:25). This is very similar to Jesus' statement, “Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” in Matthew 11:28-30.

Isaiah 40:30 “vigorous young men” This refers to the young men chosen for military service.

▣ “stumble badly” This is a Qal INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE and a Niphal IMPERFECT of the same root (BDB 505, KB 502), which intensifies the concept.

Isaiah 40:31 “wait” This is a Hebrew word (BDB 875, KB 1082) that speaks of active anticipation. It is used of farmers waiting for a crop (cf. Isaiah 5:4, Isaiah 5:7). It is used of robbers waiting in ambush (cf. Psalms 56:6; Psalms 119:95). God's people wait for Him (cf. Isaiah 8:17; Isaiah 25:9; Isaiah 30:18; Isaiah 33:2).

▣ “Will gain new strength” This VERB (BDB 322, KB 321, Hiphil IMPERFECT) means

1. to exchange - Leviticus 27:10

2. to change - Genesis 31:7, Genesis 31:41; Genesis 35:2

3. to cause to succeed - Isaiah 40:31

▣ “like eagles” The Jewish Study Bible (p. 864) says there was a popular belief that when eagles molted they gained new strength (cf. Psalms 103:5).