ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Isaiah 40

Isa. 40:1–55:13 Encouragement for God’s Exiles: “The Glory of the Lord Shall Be Revealed.” These visionary chapters are addressed to the exiles in Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 b.c. (see 39:5–7). Isaiah assures the exiles of God’s care for them. These chapters also address Isaiah’s times by giving long-term hope of the Messiah’s coming.

Isa. 40:1–31 The Lord provides a comforting promise of hope for his brokenhearted people.

Isa. 40:1 my people . . . your God. Though their unbelief has brought them low, God still identifies with his people.

Isa. 40:2 Speak tenderly. God aims to win their hearts back.

Isa. 40:4 This poetic language reflects the rough terrain as one approaches Jerusalem from the east. It also describes personal repentance and social reformation, remaking the world as a place fit for the coming King.

Isa. 40:5 The glory is revealed (or seen) as God leads his people (see Ex. 16:7). all flesh shall see it. It will not be a private viewing for the remnant only, but out in front of the whole world (see Isa. 52:7–10). From this promise of God’s presence flow all of God’s gracious promises, and from this divine purpose flows the whole of history. for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. The fulfillment of this comforting promise depends not on favorable historical trends but only on the promise of God (see 55:10–11).

Isa. 40:9 cities of Judah. The Jewish exiles will return to the Promised Land, for that is where the divine Messiah is to be born (see 48:20; Mic. 5:2).

Isa. 40:15–17 a drop from a bucket. Israel may think she could never overcome all the nations of mankind, but they are as nothing to God.

Isa. 40:18–20 God alone is God. Isaiah sarcastically describes the process of making an idol.

Isa. 40:25–26 The Jewish exiles in Babylon were surrounded by pagan religions, many of which worshiped astrological phenomena. By contrast, the Holy One of Israel has no equal in his power (v. 12), wisdom (vv. 13–14), immensity (vv. 15–17), sovereignty (vv. 22–23), and authority (v. 25). Thus only Israel’s God is worthy of worship, for he created, controls, and preserves what the pagans foolishly worship. not one is missing. About 5,000 stars were visible at night in ancient Israel. Today, however, astronomers estimate that there are more than 400 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy, and that there are 125 billion galaxies in the universe. The total number of stars is estimated at 1x1022 or 10 billion trillions. Moreover, the God who created all of these, the Holy One of Israel, even calls them all by name and ensures that “not one is missing.” Such a God will surely never forget even one of his people.

Isa. 40:27 Jacob . . . Israel. God is true to his covenant, despite his people’s unbelief (see Gen. 35:9–15).

Isa. 40:30–31 Even youths. Human strength fails, even at its best. Only God can provide the strength needed for life’s challenges.