This is a Bible study on Isaiah 40:1-31.

7 pages.

Isaiah 40:1-31 - Trust in God’s Word

Read Isa. 40:1-31.

Introduction⤒🔗

Isaiah hears the voice of a herald, a voice that gives the command, “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and announce to her that her affliction has come to an end, that her iniquity has been pardoned.”

Then Isaiah hears the voice again, this time it commands, “Prepare the way for the LORD! In the desert make level a highway for our God! The glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind—[all those who are flesh]—shall see it together.”

There follows a silence. Then a third time Isaiah hears the same voice. The voice commands, “Proclaim the good news you have just heard!”

Then Isaiah hears another voice respond to the first, asking, “Why should I proclaim it? All men [made of flesh]—are like grass; and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. ⁷The grass withers, the flower fades; because the breath of the LORD blows upon it.”

To paraphrase that second voice, he is inquiring of the first voice, “You say that all flesh together shall see the glory of the LORD. But I tell you that all flesh is like the grass: it withers away before the scorching wind of the LORD. In the light of the hard realities of this present world, I find it hard to accept what you are saying.” (Note: The Hebrew interrogative, המָ, usually translated, “what,” also has the meaning, “why,” which is the preferable meaning in this present passage.)

Like that second voice, we, too, when confronted by the hard realities of this present world, find it difficult to accept God’s Word. But listen to how the first voice responds to the objection raised by the second voice. That first voice fully acknowledges the hard realities of this present world: Yes, indeed, it asserts, “the grass withers, the flower fades” (vs. 8a). But then that voice goes on to remind us of the all-powerful and ever dependable Word of God: “but the word of our God stands forever” (vs. 8b).

There are two ways to approach life. There is that of the Sadducees, who could not and would not look beyond the hard realities of this world, note Matthew 22:23, “the Sadducees say there is no resurrection.” Jesus responded to them by declaring, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matt. 22:29). Then there is Abraham, who did not discount the hard realities of this world, but looked beyond them to the God who is able to fulfill His promises,

[Despite all the obstacles standing] against hope, [Abraham] believed with hope, so that he might become a father of many nations, just as it had been spoken [to him], So shall your offspring be. ¹⁹And without becoming weak in faith, he acknowledged that his own body was now as good as dead, (he being about a hundred years old), and [he acknowledged] the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. ²⁰Nevertheless, looking to the promise of God, he did not waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, [thereby] giving glory to God, ²¹being fully persuaded that what [God] had promised, he was also able to fulfill. Rom. 4:18-21

The reply of that first voice in answer to the objections of the second, the reply of Jesus to the Sadducees, and the example of Abraham, are all the same: Despite the hard realities of this present world, we can and we should depend upon God’s Word. Let us trust in God’s Word, especially at those times when we feel the pressures of this world brought to bear against us that would cause us to doubt that divine Word.

Trust in God’s Word, When It Speaks about Forgiveness←⤒🔗

The LORD issues the earnest command that His people be comforted: “Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.” Tender words of comfort are to be addressed to Jerusalem: “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.”

The content of this message of comfort is now proclaimed. Jerusalem’s “affliction has come to an end;” her time of affliction, hardship and knowing the alienation from God are finished. Here is the answer to the Psalmist’s question: “Will the Lord reject us forever? Will he never show his favor again? ⁸Has his lovingkindness vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? ⁹Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” (Psl. 77:7-9) These would be the sentiments of God’s people when they were consigned by the LORD to defeat and captivity because of their sins; but Isaiah 40:2a now proclaims that that period of alienation is over!

Isaiah goes on to proclaim, “her iniquity has been pardoned;” the debt has been paid, full compensation for sin would be provided by the Messiah Himself at Calvary. Note 1 John 4:10, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins;” “the propitiation” is the sacrifice that satisfies divine justice and appeases divine wrath. Note, too, Galatians 3:13, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.’” Isaiah asserts that Jerusalem, (the city representing all of God’s people), “has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.” (The “double” may refer to the counterpart, the payment, for sin, and that provided in great abundance; note Romans 5:20b, “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.”) The LORD Himself has provided sufficient payment for our sins: “[Christ] has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Heb. 9:26b); and now “from [Christ’s] fullness we all received, grace upon grace” (Jn. 1:16).

These words of Isaiah 40:1-2 were spoken in anticipation of the hard reality of the Babylonian Captivity that was about to come as the consequence and punishment for the sins of the people, note 2 Chronicles 36:15-17,20a,

The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. ¹⁶But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. ¹⁷He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians, who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither young man nor young woman, old man or aged. God handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar... ^20aHe carried into exile to Babylon the remnant who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons.

Yet even in the face of that hard reality, and looking beyond that hard reality to the redemption the LORD would provide, the prophet Isaiah addresses to the repentant people of God this sure word from the LORD their God: “Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. ²Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and announce to her that her affliction has come to an end, that her iniquity has been pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins” (Isa. 40:1-2).

The initial fulfillment of these words would come in the form of the deliverance from Babylon and the restoration to the land of Canaan—and restoration to the LORD Himself:

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing: ²³This is what Cyrus king of Persia says, The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up. 2 Chron. 36:22-23

As the Psalmist testifies,

When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. ²Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, The LORD has done great things for them. ³The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.Psl. 126:1-3

The ultimate fulfillment of these words would be accomplished only by the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary:

...God was by Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf, Be reconciled to God. ²¹[Christ Jesus] who knew no sin [God] made to be sin on our behalf; so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor. 5:19-21

There may be times when we are confronted with the hard reality of the awfulness of our sins and the gravity of our guilt: “What I did was so bad. What I did was so defiant towards God. I’ve been piling up my sins for so long. Just look at my sins: the great number of them, the magnitude of their offensiveness to God.”

Especially at such a time, but, indeed, at all times, let us trust in God’s Word, when it speaks to us about forgiveness:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn. 1:9

Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD. Even though your sins are [as dark] as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Even though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isa. 1:18

Trust in God’s Word, When It Speaks about the Future Glory←⤒🔗

The herald now issues the command, God’s people are to “Prepare the way for the LORD! In the desert make level a highway for our God!” (vs. 3) All obstacles shall be removed and the highway shall be made ready for the coming of the great King: “Let every valley be raised up, let every mountain and hill be made low; let the rough ground be made level, and let the rugged places become a plain!” (vs. 4) When all has been made ready, then “The glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind—[all those who are flesh]—shall see it together” (vs. 5).

Verse ten indicates that on that glorious day the LORD will bestow His reward of grace upon those who have loved Him and faithfully served Him: “Look! The Lord GOD is coming with power, and his arm will rule for him. Look! [He brings] his reward with him, and his recompense accompanies him.” Verse eleven goes on to indicate that on that day the redeemed will experience the intimacy of the LORD’s tender care, which is compared to that of a loving shepherd for his precious sheep:” He will tend his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom; he will gently lead the nursing ewes.”

These words of promise are spoken within the context of the hard reality of man’s own frailty, as the second voice points out to the herald in verses 6-7, “Why should I proclaim it? [After all], all men [made of flesh]—are like grass; and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. ⁷The grass withers, the flower fades; because the breath of the LORD blows upon it. Surely, the people are like grass.”

In response to the herald’s promise that “the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind—[all those who are flesh]—shall see it together,” the second voice reminds us that “all men—[made of flesh]—are like grass.” Note: The Hebrew text literally reads, “all flesh are like grass.” To bring this out we have in parentheses inserted the explanatory phrase, “[made of flesh].” The Hebrew word בָּשׂרָ (“flesh”) is used to convey the frailty and transitory nature of man’s earthly existence. In Palestine in the spring, the fresh new grass appears, but within a few weeks it withers away before the hot desert winds, man’s own frailty is compared to that grass.

In verse eight the herald now responds to this second voice. The herald acknowledges the fact that “The grass withers, the flower fades;” he acknowledges the frailty of man. But he then goes on to declare, “the word of our God stands forever.” What the LORD promises will be fulfilled, because the LORD is able to do all that He says. His word is all-powerful:

⁶By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth...⁸Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him, ⁹for he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood firm. Psl. 33:6, 8-9

Indeed, the fulfillment and accomplishment of God’s word is guaranteed by the awesome power of God, as is further indicated in verses 21-26.

According to verses 21-23, the LORD is the Sovereign God.

'It is [the LORD] who is enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers' (vs. 22a). 'It is [the LORD] who stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent in which to live' (vs. 22b). 'It is [the LORD] who reduces rulers to nothing, and makes the judges of the world meaningless' (vs. 23).

Verses 24-26 reveal the LORD to be the Incomparable Creator. The LORD Himself challenges the whole world to produce someone who is equal to Him, the One who is “the Holy One:” the One who is separate, distinct, and high above all of His creation (vs. 25). The LORD commands us to gaze upon the starry heavens and consider, “Who has created [all] these?” We are to consider how great and awesome their Creator is: each night He brings out the stars just like a shepherd leads forth his flock (vs. 26).

The accomplishment of God’s promise contained in verse five is guaranteed by God’s own awesome divine power, and the initial fulfillment of that promise is seen in the resurrection of Jesus. In Ephesians 1:19-21 the Apostle Paul speaks of “the immeasurable greatness of [God’s] power,” and then proceeds to declare that God employed His divine power in Jesus Christ’s resurrection, “raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹far above every rule and authority and power and dominion and every title that can be given, not only in this [present] age, but also in the coming age.” The final resurrection, at which time the promise of Isaiah 40:5 shall be fulfilled, is directly linked to Christ’s resurrection:

But now [the fact is] Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep [in death]... ²²Just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. ²³But each in his own turn: the first fruits, [which is] Christ; then those who belong to Christ when he appears [in glory]. 1 Cor. 15:20,22-23

Let us trust in God’s Word, when it speaks about the future glory.

Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. ²¹By the power that enables him to bring everything into submission to himself, he will transform the body belonging to the present state of our humiliation, so that it may be conformed to his glorified body. Phil. 3:20-21

Trust in God’s Word, When It Speaks about His Care for Us←⤒🔗

According to verse twenty-seven, in light of the awesome greatness of the LORD—as evidenced by the heavens He has created and that He controls (vs. 26)—the Christian should never feel that his “way [or, his lot] is hidden from the LORD;” i.e. that it is unknown to the LORD what befalls His children. Consider the assuring testimony the Lord Jesus provides in Matthew 10:30, “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Nor should he fear that his “cause,” (i.e. his covenantal rights) is disregarded by his God. If the LORD cares for His creatures, how much more does He care for His blood-bought children in Christ? Consider the assurance the Lord Jesus offers in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

According to verse twenty-eight, the Christian should never feel that the LORD is unable to care for him. The questions, “Do you not know? Have you not heard?” imply that the things about to be revealed are facts that should be common knowledge and well known to the people of God. These great truths include the fact that the LORD, “the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint, neither does he become weary;” He Himself is the Source of all power, He is by no means deficient in power or energy and, hence, unable to minister to His people.

These great truths, which should be common knowledge to the people of God, also include the fact that “no one can fathom his understanding;” He is the God of all wisdom, the depths of His understanding are beyond human comprehension. The LORD may not do what we think He should do when we think He should do it; but this should not be taken as an indication that He is incompetent. To the contrary, the truth is that His purposes and His methods for accomplishing those divine purposes are far beyond the purposes and methods we would employ if we were in charge.

Far from being impotent or incompetent or unconcerned, the LORD is willing and able to provide grace to His weary people:

He gives strength to the weary; and he imparts power to the one who has no might. ³⁰Even youths grow tired and become weary; and young men stumble and fall. ³¹But those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength—they will soar with wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not become faint. Isa. 40:29-31

Three images are employed in these verses: the eagle ascending to the heights of the heavens and effortlessly soaring through the sky; the spiritual “long distance runner” who is enabled to finish the race; and the man who sets out on a long journey and is enabled to reach his final destination. According to verse thirty-one, the key to receiving this spiritual strength and refreshment is for the Christian to wait upon the LORD. They who wait upon the LORD cease to resemble man in his frailty (vs. 30) and come to resemble their God in His strength (vs. 6b-7), by having that divine strength imparted to them by grace.

Let us trust in God’s Word, when it speaks about His care for us:

...humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, (so that he may exalt you at the appointed time), ⁷by casting all your cares upon him, because he cares for you.1 Pet. 5:6-7

Conclusion←⤒🔗

Like that second voice heard by Isaiah, we, too, when confronted by the hard realities of this present world, find it difficult at times to accept God’s Word.

But the reply of that first voice, the reply of Jesus to the Sadducees, and the example of Abraham, all bear the same testimony: Despite the hard realities of this present world, we can and we should trust in God’s Word: “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God stands forever” (Isa. 40:8).

Discussion Questions←⤒🔗

What announcement is to be made to the LORD’s people? See Isa. 40:2a. The “affliction” is a reference to the Babylonian Captivity, to which the covenant people would be consigned because of their sins (cf. Isa. 39:6-7)—what would be their state of heart and mind during that awful ordeal? See Psl. 77:7-9. As a Christian, have you ever experienced an overwhelming sense of alienation from God due to your sin? What earnest command does the LORD issue? See Isa. 40:1. What enables this restoration? See Isa. 40:2b. The “double” seems to refer to the counterpart, the payment, for sin, and that provided in great abundance, note Rom. 5:20b; also, 1 Jn. 1:7b. Are you experiencing this wonderful blessing that is only available through faith in Christ?

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. ²Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and announce to her that her affliction has come to an end, that her iniquity has been pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. Isa. 40:1-2

Will the Lord reject us forever? Will he never show his favor again? ⁸Has his lovingkindness vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? ⁹Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion? Psl. 77:7-9

But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more. Rom. 5:20b

...the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.1 Jn. 1:7b

Isaiah hears the voice of a herald; what does the herald announce? See Isa. 40:5. What does the herald command? See Isa. 40:6a. How does a second voice respond to the herald? See Isa. 40:6b. Why is this second voice dubious about the herald’s announcement? See Isa. 40:6c-7. What assurance does the herald now provide? See Isa. 40:8. Are there times when you are hesitant to believe the Word of God when faced with what appears to be insurmountable obstacles to the fulfillment of that divine word, such as the “obstacle” the decomposition of the body seems to pose to the final resurrection? At such times, what does the LORD say to you? See Jer. 32:27; note, too, Phil. 3:20-21,

The glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind—[literally, all those who are flesh] shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has declared this. ⁶A voice commands, Proclaim [these things]! Then came the response, Why should I proclaim it? [After all], all men—[made of flesh]—are like grass; and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. ⁷The grass withers, the flower fades; because the breath of the LORD blows upon it. Surely, the people are like grass. ⁸[Yes], the grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God stands forever! Isa. 40:5-8

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me? Jer. 32:27

...our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. ²¹By the power that enables him to bring everything into submission to himself, he will transform the body belonging to the present state of our humiliation, so that it may be conformed to his glorified body. Phil. 3:20-21

How does the LORD describe His relationship to the nations of the world? See Isa. 40:15, 17. As Christians, what must we remember when we witness evil empires exerting their dominion over the world? Note Isa. 40:10, also Psl. 92:6-7; Rev. 11:15,

Behold; the nations are like a drop [of water splashing] from a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales. He weighs the islands as though they were fine dust... ¹⁷All the nations are as nothing before him, they are regarded by him as less than nothing and worthless. Isa. 40:15, 17

Look! The Lord GOD is coming with power, and his arm will rule for him. Look! [He brings] his reward with him, and his recompense accompanies him. Isa. 40:10

A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this: ⁷When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is so that they may be destroyed forever.Psl. 92:6-7

The seventh angel sounded [his trumpet], and there were loud voices in heaven, which said, 'The kingdom of the world has become [the kingdom] of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.' Rev. 11:15

The sounding of the “seventh trumpet” heralds the coming of the Lord on the day of judgment.

How does the LORD describe Himself in relation to His creation, especially the heavens, (which the Babylonians thought controlled men’s destinies)? See Isa. 40:26. The LORD is describing Himself as a shepherd who leads out the stars each night as a shepherd leads out his flock to pasture—with this figure in mind, as a Christian, take note of how the LORD cares for you as one of the sheep of His pasture, see Isa. 40:11; note, also, Psl. 23:1. Are you yielding your life to the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd?

Lift up your eyes to the heavens and observe. Who has created [all] these? Who brings out the starry host one by one? He calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isa. 40:26

He will tend his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom; he will gently lead the nursing ewes. Isa. 40:11

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psl. 23:1

What complaint, or concern, does Jacob (i.e. the covenant people) express in Isaiah 40:27? As a Christian, do you ever raise the same complaint? Have you ever become discouraged and spiritually weary? How does the LORD respond to this concern? See Isa. 40:28-29. What promises are made to those who “wait for the LORD,” (i.e. patiently rely upon Him)? See Isa. 40:31. Are you waiting upon the LORD and trusting in Him?

Why do you say, O Jacob, why do you assert, O Israel, My way is hidden from the LORD, and my cause is disregarded by my God? Isa. 40:27

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint, neither does he become weary. No one can fathom his understanding. ²⁹He gives strength to the weary; and he imparts power to the one who has no might.Isa. 40:28-29

...those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar with wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not become faint. Isa. 40:31