Isaías 40
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Isaías 40
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS Isaiah lived in the 8 th century B.C. (the enemy was Assyria), yet Isaiah 40-66 fits into the historical setting of the return from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel and Joshua recorded in Ezra 1-6, following the decree of Cyrus II in 538 B.C. (6 th century B.C.) to allow all exiled people groups to return home and rebuild their national temples, so that each people group could pray for the Persian Empire.. The book of Isaiah is a literary unity. 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 but that it is all inspired revelation through Isaiah. SPECIAL TOPIC: ISAIAH (authorship and unity) God had not forgotten His covenant promises, but He had established a new covenant by means of exile (cf. Jer. 31:31-34). His covenant people could not/did not keep His covenant (cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28; 30:15,19). This new covenant is ultimately defined in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT The historical return from Neo-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. Isa. 42:1-9; 49:1-7; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12). SPECIAL TOPIC: MESSIAH SPECIAL TOPIC: MESSIANIC ERA As Isaiah 1-39 deals with Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, Isaiah 40-66 speaks to those who are returning to Judah and Jerusalem under Cyrus II's decree and the leadership of Ezra, Nehemiah, Zerubbabel, and Joshua. The geography of the audience has changed! Isaiah1:1-11 serves as an introduction and summary of the entire section. A new day has come!
Isaías 40:1-2
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. Isa. 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 they repented (i.e. Ezekiel 18; see SPECIAL TOPIC: COMFORT and SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (OT)) YHWH chose to act on their behalf even though they were incapable of true repentance (cf. Ezek. 36:22-36), because of His larger redemptive plans which included Israel and a future Davidic King. A new day (i.e. new covenant, cf. Jer. 31:31-34) has dawned! It is based on YHWH's character, not His people's performance (cf. Rom. 3:21-31; Gal. 3; Eph. 2:8-9); His ability, not theirs; His eternal redemptive plan of which they are an integral part. See SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN Now one more point on this opening paragraph. The VERBS are PLURAL. So who is YHWH addressing as His spokesperson? multiple prophets (cf. Isa. 52:8) individual prophets a "school" (i.e. followers) of Isaiah angels of the heavenly court (i.e. the "Us" of Isaiah 6:8 and 41:22-23; see SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVENLY COUNCIL OF ANGELIC BEINGS) the LXX adds, "speak, you priests, to the heart of Jerusalem" Notice the interplay between the SINGULAR ("a voice" of Isa. 40:3 and 6), and the PLURAL VERBS. There are twelve IMPERATIVES in Isa. 40:1-11. Isa. 1:1-11 is characterized by IMPERATIVES, while Isa. 40:12-17 is 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. Isa. 51:9,17; 52:1,11; 57:14; 62:10). ▣ "My people. . .your God" These are covenant terms (cf. Genesis 12; 15; see SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT ). The post-exilic Jews wondered if YHWH was still their covenant God because there was no Davidic King (i.e. 2 Sam. 7; 1 Chr. 17). The title for deity here is Elohim (see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C.) and is usually used for God as creator, provider, and sustainer of all life on this planet. YHWH (cf. Isa. 40:2a) is the title normally associated with God as covenant maker, savior, and redeemer. See SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. ▣ "says" There are several VERBS (i.e. several different speakers) used in this chapter related to proclaiming God's new message. speak ‒ BDB 180, Piel IMPERATIVE, Isa. 40:2 call out ‒ BDB 894, Qal IMPERATIVE, Isa. 40:2,6 calling ‒ BDB 894, Qal ACTIVE IMPERATIVE, Isa. 40:3 lift up your voice ‒ BDB 926, Hiphil IMPERATIVE, Isa. 40:9 say ‒ BDB 55, Qal IMPERATIVE, Isa. 40:9 This functions as a second call of Isaiah (cf. chapter 6). The "they will not hear. . ." of Isa. 6:9-13 is now changed to "speak to them." 40:2 NASB, REB "kindly" NKJV, Peshitta "comfort" NRSV, JPSOA "tenderly" NJB, LXX "to the heart" This is לבב, BDB 523, a "love word" from the root "heart" (לב, BDB 524, KB 516, cf. Gen. 34:3; 50:21; Jdg. 19:3; Ruth 2:13; 2 Sam. 19:7; 2 Chr. 30:22; 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 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: ANTHROPOMORPHIC LANGUAGE USED TO DESCRIBE DEITY. Jerusalem is personified as the object of YHWH's love and care (i.e. His people, His temple). SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART NASB, NKJV "warfare" "has served her term" "suffered long enough" "period of service" "term of service" "term of bondage is served" "humiliation" The NOUN (BDB 838, here FEMININE but usually MASCULINE) can mean war warfare (Dan. 10:1) service of Levites (i.e. Num. 4:3,23,30,35,39,43) hard service (cf. Job 7:1; 14:14; Isa. 40:2) Israel was to be a "kingdom of priests" (cf. Exod. 19:5-6), but their rebellion turned "service" to God into the "hard service" of enduring God's judgment (Assyrian and Babylonian exiles). ▣ "her iniquity has been removed" This means "penalty of iniquity has been accepted as paid off" (BDB 953, KB 1280, Niphal PERFECT, cf. Lev. 1:4; NASB marginal note; TEV). This was accomplished by the work of Jesus (cf. Isa. 53:5,6,11). ▣ "of the Lord's hand" YHWH gave Israel a deserved full and complete judgment. The invasion and exile was not the power of Assyria (i.e. Isa. 8:7; 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 promised judgment of Lev. 26 and Deut. 28 into reality. The word "hand" is a Semitic idiom for agency. See SPECIAL TOPIC: HAND ▣ "Double for all her sins" This is not mathematical but poetical for a full and complete amount (cf. Jer. 16:18; 17:18; Rev. 18:6; for positive sense see Isa. 61:7; Zech. 9:12). YHWH's mercy came after a complete judgment (i.e. Lev. 26:40-45). This same imagery of "a double payment" for Israel's sin is continued in John's Revelation (i.e. Rev. 18:6). I have become a Partial Preterist and believe that both the Olivet Discourse of Jesus (i.e. Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 17; 21) and the book of Revelation denote the Jewish War with Rome (A.D. 66-70). The title "Babylon" refers to Jerusalem, as does "the great harlot." The beast on which she rides is Rome. Please consult my new exegetical, verse-by-verse commentary, Revelation (2024). It is free online at www.freebiblecommentary.org.
Isaías 40:3-8
40:3 "Clear the way" This VERB (BDB 815, KB 937, Piel IMPERATIVE) basically means "turn," but here it is used in a specialized sense of "clear the path of objects" (cf. Isa. 40:3; 42:16; 49:11; 57:14; 62:10; Mal. 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. Isa. 11:16; 26:7; 35:8; 40:3; 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. Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4-6). This section is reflected in Zech. 14:10, where leveling of the physical terrain to Jerusalem is used as imagery for access to God (cf. Mal. 3:1; 4:5,6). It could be characterized as "prepare the road" for a royal visit. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PATH, THE WAY ▣ "the Lord" This is a reference to YHWH. See SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. ▣ "in the wilderness" Ezekiel saw God's glory leaving the temple in Jerusalem and moving east (cf. Ezek. 10:18-19; 11:22-23; 43:1-3) because of Israel's idolatry (cf. Ezek. 8). God went with the exiles and this verse refers to His returning to Judah and Jerusalem. 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. Isa. 40:9-11). This is an extension and description of making a highway in the wilderness. It is imagery for people easily and freely coming to God. God has provided a new way (i.e. the new covenant, cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36). This new way is depicted as the new exodus here from physical exile imagery for the end-time recreation For a good list of YHWH's actions toward His people, see note at Isa. 32:20. 40:5 "the glory of the Lord" The glory of the Lord is another link to Isaiah 6 (i.e. Isa. 40:3). Chapter 40 is functioning as a second call to Isaiah. See note at Isa. 40:25. This is an allusion to "the cloud of glory" which appeared in the exodus and wilderness wanderings as a symbol of YHWH's personal presence. The rabbis called it the Shekinah, from the Hebrew term "to dwell" (see SPECIAL TOPIC: SHEKINAH). The returning Jews needed the reassurance of God's continuing personal presence (i.e. Immanuel, Isa. 7:14; cf. Exod. 13:21-22; 14:19). A new exodus has come! SPECIAL TOPIC: GLORY (kabod, OT). ▣ "all flesh will see it together" "Flesh" (BDB 142) means human persons (cf. Isa. 40:7). This is the universal element so common in Isaiah. The good news for Israel has become good news for all people (i.e. Isa. 2:2-4; 12:4-5; 25:6-9; 42:6-12; 45:22-23; 49:6; 51:4-5; 52:10; 60:1-3; 66:23). SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN ▣ "the mouth of the Lord has spoken" This is the Hebrew idiom for the power of the spoken word of YHWH (cf. Isa. 40:8; Gen. 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,26 and Isa. 55:11). What He wills, will be! 40:6 "Call out" See note at Isa. 40:1. "he answered" NKJV, Peshitta "he said" NRSV, NJB, LXX "I said" TEV, REB, DSS "I asked" "another asks" Notice that two voices are involved. The UBS Text Project, p. 99, gives "he said" a "C" rating (considerable doubt). Following DSS, LXX it may be an angel or the Spirit speaking to Isaiah or Isaiah himself speaking (NRSV, NJB, LXX). ▣ "All flesh is grass" This recurrent imagery refers to the frailty and transitoriness of human corporal existence compared to the eternality of God (cf. Gen. 6:3; Job 10:4; 14:1-2; Ps. 78:39; 90:5-6; 103:15-18; 1 Pet.1:24-25). To whom is the voice speaking? all humans 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!! ▣ NASB, NKJV "loveliness" NRSV, TEV "constancy" NJB, Peshitta "beauty" "goodness" "glory of man" 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) 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 (i.e. 2 Sam. 7; 1 Chr. 17)! However, the problem was not God's word, but God's sinful people! The curses of Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28 had been carried out as promised. 40:7 NASB, NKJV, NRSV, NJB, JPSOA, LXX, Peshitta "the breath" "blast" "word" This Hebrew term ruah (BDB 924) can mean "wind," "breath," or "spirit." SPECIAL TOPIC: BREATH, WIND, SPIRIT 40:8 "the word of our God stands forever" God's promises are sure, even amidst divine discipline (cf. Ps. 103:17-18; Isa. 55:8-11; 59:21; Jer. 29:10; Matt. 5:17-20; 24:35). This statement is the confident faith hope/assurance of every believer. This phrase (BDB 182 CONSTRUCT BDB 43) is parallel to the breath of the Lord in v. 7. For "forever," see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF "FOREVER", II. SPECIAL TOPIC: INSPIRATION SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BIBLE (its uniqueness and inspiration)
Isaías 40:9-11
40:9 "a high mountain, 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? God's prophets God's Levitical teachers the herald of the new age (i.e. John the Baptist) Does this refer to return from Babylonian exile (i.e. Isa. 52:7-9; 62:10-12) Maccabean victories the first coming of Jesus (Isa. 62:11 quoted in Matt. 21:5) the second coming of Jesus (Isa. 40:10; 62:11, alluded to in Rev. 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, Isa. 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. YHWH) comes, not as an invader but as a compassionate Shepherd. He comes to save, protect, and provide. The Shepherd of Israel (Psalm 23) returns to His land/people whom He abandoned because of their rebellion in Ezekiel 8-10! SPECIAL TOPIC: MORIAH, SALEM, JEBUS, JERUSALEM, ZION SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY ARE END-TIME EVENTS SO CONTROVERSIAL? SPECIAL TOPIC: THIS AGE AND THE AGE TO COME ▣ "good news" This is the VERB בשׁר (BDB 142, KB 163; Piel PARTICIPLE) which means "bear glad tidings." Here it denotes the merciful message of YHWH's redemption and acceptance (cf. Isa. 40:9 [twice]; 41:27; 52:7 [twice]; 61:1; Nahum 1:15). Paul quotes Isa. 52:7 in Rom. 10:15 and relates it to Christ (Rom. 10:16 quotes Isa. 53:1). The gospel of Jesus Christ is characterized as "good news" in the NT. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE GOSPEL ▣ "do not fear" This VERB (BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERFECT) is JUSSIVE in meaning, referring to Jerusalem (i.e. YHWH's people). Sin causes fear! How often God says "fear not" to His people! (cf. Isa. 41:10,13.14; 43:1,5; 44:2,8 [different words]; 51:7,12; 54:4,14). SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR (OT) ▣ "Say to the cities of Judah" Judah's cities are personified. 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 (i.e. Immanuel, Isa. 7:14)! The wait is over (cf. Isa. 25:9; 26:8; 33:2; 40:31; 49:23; 51:5; 60:9)! 40:10 "the Lord God" Literally this is "Adonai YHWH," which is literally translated "My Lord, Lord" (see Ps. 110:1, where both titles are used). "Lord" is the Hebrew word adon, which denotes master, owner, husband, lord. SPECIAL TOPIC: Lord (adon and kurios) ▣ "With His arm ruling for Him" This is a Semitic anthropomorphic imagery for divine action and power. From Isa. 9:6-7; 11:1-5; and Micah 5:2-5a, we know this refers to the agency of the Messiah (cf. Psalm 110). SPECIAL TOPIC: PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS OF HUMAN LANGUAGE SPECIAL TOPIC: MESSIAH ▣ "His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him" This exact phrase is also found in Isa. 62:11 and alluded to in Rev. 22:12. Verse 10 is speaking of the personal presence of Deity (41:10a). Immanuel has come (cf. Isa. 7:14)! 40:11 "Like a shepherd" YHWH, the mighty (cf. Isa. 40:10), is also a Shepherd (cf. Psalm 23; 80:1; Jer. 23:1-6; 31:10; Ezek. 34:11-16). Notice that also in Ezek. 34:23-24, YHWH appoints His Messiah to represent Himself! Jesus is the "good Shepherd" (cf. John 10). He is the "wounded" shepherd of Zechariah 11-12 and Isa. 52:13-53:12.
Isaías 40:12-17
40:12-17 Verses 9-11 describe the message of YHWH's personal presence as Savior, while verses 12-17 describe Him (Elohim) as Creator. measured the waters (i.e. creator, controller, and organizer of water, fresh and salt), Isa. 40:12 designed the atmosphere of this planet, Isa. 40:12 ordered the dry land ("calculated the dust" and "weighed the mountains. . .hill" [Hebrew parallelism]"), Isa. 40:12 directed the Spirit as agent, without counsel, Isa. 40:13-14 in comparison with Elohim's creative power and intellect, humans are nothing (cf. Isa. 40:6-8, this is similar to Job 38-41), Isa. 40:15-17 SPECIAL TOPIC: WATERS/SEA SPECIAL TOPIC: CIRCLE OF THE EARTH SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C. 40:12 "Who has measured the waters" All of the verbs of Isa. 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. Notice the parallelism. measured ‒ BDB 551, KB 547] marked off ‒ BDB 1067, KB 1733 calculated ‒ BDB 465, KB 463 weighed ‒ BDB 1053, KB 1642 These are all symbolic actions of the Creator. The creation account of Genesis 1 is also imagery of God's control, ordering and maintaining the universe. I hope you will look at my exegetical verse-by-verse commentary on Gen. 1-11 online. Two new good books are John H. Walton, The Lost World of Genesis One and Genesis 1 As Ancient Cosmology. ▣ "span" For human body parts used to measure see SPECIAL TOPIC: CUBIT. ▣ "by the measure" NKJV, NRSV, Peshitta "in a measure" "in a bushel" "in a cup" "to the nearest bushel" "in a handful" "with a measure" The term (BDB 1026 I) is found only here and in Ps. 80:6. Its basic meaning is "one third," but it does not specify of what unit of measurement. Most scholars assume it refers to a third of an ephah. SPECIAL TOPIC: ANE WEIGHTS AND VOLUMES 40:13-14 The "who" of these verses may link back to the PLURALS of Isa. 40:1-3. If so, they relate to the heavenly council. These angelic servants can be seen in the "Us" passages of Genesis 1:26; 3:22; 11:7 1 Kings 22:19-23 Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6,7 Daniel 7:10,26 SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVENLY COUNCIL OF ANGELIC BEINGS 40:13 "Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord" Verses 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 personal presence. SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE. 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. SPECIAL TOPIC: JUDGE, JUDGMENT, AND JUSTICE (טפת) IN ISAIAH SPECIAL TOPIC: JUSTICE SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PATH, THE WAY ▣ This verse in essence is asserting monotheism. SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM. 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. Jer. 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. Isa. 17:13; 29:5,7). SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN 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 Kgs. 8:63. 40:17 Notice the threefold characterization of organized human society (like Gen. 10-11). as nothing ‒ BDB 34 II less than nothing ‒ BDB 67 II meaningless ‒ BDB 1062 ▣ "meaningless" "worthless" NRSV, NJB "emptiness" LXX, Peshitta, JPSOA, REB "nothing" "absolutely nothing" This word, תהו (BDB 1062), is used of the formless earth in Gen. 1:2 (cf. Isa. 34:11; 45:18; Jer. 4:23). It is also used of the non-existence of idols (1 Sam. 12:21; Isa. 41:29; 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 (i.e. Ps. 8).
Isaías 40:18-20
40:18-20 This section deals with the folly of idolatry similar to Isa. 44:9-20 and 46:1-7. 40:18 "To whom then will you liken God" This is the expression (cf. Isa. 40:25; 46:5; Exod. 8:10; 15:11; 1 Sam. 2:2; Mic. 7:18) of the Jews' major theological affirmation about the uniqueness of Israel's God, which we call monotheism (cf. Deut. 6:4-5). SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM ▣ "Or what likeness will you compare with Him" This question goes back to YHWH revealing Himself to Moses and Israel on Mt. Sinai. He demanded that He not be visualized with any form. He is the ever present, invisible God of creation (cf. Exod. 20:4; Lev. 26:1; Deut. 4:15-19). 40:19 "fashions" NKJV, NRSV, NJB, NET "casts" "set" "fits" "forging" LXX, Peshitta "made" This VERB (BDB 864, KB 1057, Qal PARTICIPLE) is used twice and refers to smelting metal into a specific form (cf. Isa. 41:7; 46:6). The NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 1000, prefers "forging" rather than the common translation "casting," because of the Hebrew synonymous parallelism, 40:20 "a tree" This word (BDB 781) is used of a type of wood out of which idols are made (cf. Isa. 44:19; 45:20; Hosea 4:12). It may have been an especially hard wood but in time it would decay!
Isaías 40:21-26
40:21-26 This strophe is theologically related to Isa. 40:12-17. They both describe God as Creator, all else is small and insignificant 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 those who believe and obey. What a God! Who is like Him? 40:21 "Do you not know" This series of questions, like Isa. 40:28, is meant to remind the seed of Abraham of YHWH's previous revelations to them. ▣ "from the foundations of the earth" In context this is another allusion to creation (i.e. parallel "from the beginning"). Interestingly, a similar phrase is repeated five times in the NT referring to YHWH's actions before creation. Matt. 25:34 ‒ "inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundations of the world" John 17:24 ‒ "for You did love Me before the foundations of the world" Eph. 1:4 ‒ "He chose us in Him before the foundations of the world" 1 Pet. 1:19-20 ‒ He was foreknown before the foundation of the world" Rev. 13:8 (possible object) "everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world" "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. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BEGINNING (physical and spiritual) SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN 40:22 "It is He who sits above the circle of the earth. . .curtain. . .tent" This is a common ancient Middle Eastern concept (cf. Isa. 42:5; Job 9:8; Ps. 104:2; Jer. 10:12; 51:15; Zech. 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 imagery for the vault of the heaven (i.e. the atmosphere of this planet) above the earth. It is phenomenological language (i.e. the way things appear to the five senses). The term translated "curtain" (BDB 201) is used in this sense only here. The word means "to crush" (cf. Isa. 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 the context other Hebrew roots cognate languages but #1 has priority! SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN SPECIAL TOPIC: CIRCLE OF THE EARTH 40:25 "the Holy One" See full note at Isa. 6:3 (see Isaiah 1-39, online free 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. Isa. 6:9-11) and this second call, where he is told to "speak kindly" to her. She will listen now! SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HOLY ONE 40:26 "Lift up your eyes. . .see" These are both Qal IMPERATIVES. Notice the parallel lines of Isa. 40:26 a,b. ▣ "And see who has created these stars. . .He calls all by name. . .not one of them is missing" This verse is very significant in light of Babylonian astral worship. Israel's God is depicted as the only creator, sustainer, and manipulator of the heavenly bodies (cf. Gen. 1:16; Ps. 8:3; Jer. 31:35). The term "created" (BDB135, KB153, Qal PERFECT) is used in Genesis 1 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. Isa. 40:26,28; 41:20; 42:5; 43:1,7,15; 45:7 [twice],8,12,18 [twice]; 48:7; 54:16 [twice]; 57:19; 65:17,18 [twice]). SPECIAL TOPIC: Lord of Hosts ▣ "Not one of them is missing" This is a Hebrew idiom which means "not one of them fails to report to muster." YHWH controls the stars, planets, and comets. They are not gods. As the plagues of the Exodus depreciate the Egyptian gods, so too, this context and Genesis 1 depreciate the astral deities of the ANE.
Isaías 40:27-31
40:27 "Israel" See SPECIAL TOPIC: ISRAEL (the name). ▣ "My way is hidden from the Lord, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God" The Israelites (i.e. "O Jacob. . .O Israel") felt that YHWH had abandoned them (cf. Isa. 49:14). YHWH had hid His face from them for a period (cf. Isa. 1:15; 8:17; 54:8; Romans 9-11). 40:28 Notice the titles for God. the Everlasting God ‒ Gen. 21:33 and note Exod. 15:18; Deut. 32:40; Ps. 90:2; Jer. 10:10; see SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam) the Lord ‒ YHWH (see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.) the Creator ‒ (this has been the thrust of chapter 40; see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C.) also called "the Holy One" in Isa. 40:25 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HOLY ONE) The God of promise is now again the God of presence! ▣ "Does not become weary or tired" This is a Hebrew imagery which means "He does not lose patience." He does not grow weary, as the ANE gods did There is a word play related to "tiredness," "weariness" in Isa. 40:28-31. Isa. 40:28 ‒ weary, BDB 419, KB 421 tired, BDB 388, KB 386 Isa. 40:30 ‒ weary, BDB 419, KB 421 tired, BDB 388, KB 386 Isa. 40:30 ‒ stumble, INFINITIVE and IMPERFECT VERB (BDB 505, KB 502) Isa. 40:31 ‒ tired, BDB 388, KB 386 weary, BDB 419, KB 421 YHWH brings strength and stability to those who wait on and trust in Him! The vitality of YHWH is transferred to His people (cf. Isa. 40:29-31). They are potent because He is potent! "inscrutable" NKJV, JPSOA, LXX "no searching His understanding" "unsearchable" "beyond fathoming" JPSOA, REB, Peshitta "cannot be fathomed" The Hebrew word (BDB 350) basically means to search out. Here it is negated (cf. Job 5:9; 9:10; 36:26; Ps. 145:3). Paul expresses the same truth in Rom. 11:33 and quotes Isa. 40:13-14. God is in control! His ways are sure and thought through (cf. Isa. 55:9-11). There are no surprises, no mistakes! He loves us, He is with us, He is for us (cf. Isa. 40:29-31)! 40:29 "He gives strength to the weary" YHWH comforts the very ones He judged (cf. Isa. 41:10; Ps. 107:9; Jer. 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 Matt. 11:28-30. 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. 40:31 "wait" This is a Hebrew word (BDB 875, KB 1082, Qal PARTICIPLE) that speaks of active anticipation. It is used of farmers waiting for a crop (cf. Isa. 5:4,7) robbers waiting in ambush (cf. Ps. 56:6; 119:95) God's people waiting for Him (cf. Isa. 8:17; 25:9; 30:18; 33:2) ▣ "Will gain new strength" This VERB (BDB 322, KB 321, Hiphil IMPERFECT) means to exchange ‒ Lev. 27:10 to change ‒ Gen. 31:7,41; 35:2 to cause to succeed ‒ Isa. 40:31 ▣ "like eagles" This term (BDB 676) could refer to several birds of prey, not just eagles. See UBS Fauna anda Flora of the Bible, pp. 82-88. The Jewish Study Bible (p. 864) says there was a popular belief that when eagles molted they gained new strength as if younger (cf. Ps. 103:5).