Chapters 36 – 39 of the Book of Isaiah are a historical interlude dealing with the threat to Jerusalem from Sennacherib, king of Assyria. The events include the failure of diplomatic efforts to appease Assyria, Sennacherib’s disdain for the Holy One of Israel, Isaiah’s assurance to King Hezekiah, and Sennacherib’s failure and death.

But most notable is King Hezekiah’s prayer.

Isaiah 37: 15 – 20.

“O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God … Now therefore, O Lord, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord, You alone.”

Hezekiah had learned to turn to Adonai for help in times of trouble; no longer the “rebellious child” of Isaiah 30: 1. Adonai’s gracious response was to chase the Assyrians away from Jerusalem. This was a direct response to the prayer of the godly king.

So, let us proceed to Chapter 40.

This chapter commences the second major section the Book of Isaiah (chapters 40 – 55). Isaiah was writing around 700 BC, yet he describes events that will occur over 120 years later. This section speaks to the discouraged exiles in Babylon and culminates with superb predictions concerning Messiah (chapters 52 – 55).

Isaiah even manages to name Cyrus of Persia (chapter 45) as the powerful leader who will facilitate the end of Judah’s captivity. Thus, Cyrus is described as Adonai’s “shepherd” and His “anointed.” This demonstrates Adonai’s uniqueness as a ruler and the only One able to provide liberation and restoration.

We get an introduction to the threat to Judah posed by Babylon in Chapter 39 when Hezekiah foolishly shows his “house of treasures” (i.e., silver, gold, spices and precious oils) to the Babylonian envoys: “There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them.”

Isaiah 39: 5 – 7.

“Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,” says the Lord. And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

So, in chapter 40 we see comfort offered to a future generation of weary exiles. They had endured the humiliation of captivity, and they thought that Adonai had abandoned them. Isaiah presents the case that their captivity was not the result of the superiority of Babylonian gods but resulted from the disciplining rod of the Holy One of Israel. He foretold the exiles return and he encourages them in this and to commit their future in humility to Adonai.

We can look at the chapter in two parts. Verses 1 – 11 offer comfort to the people arising from Adonai’s pardon and peace. Verses 12 – 31 offer comfort by demonstrating Adonai’s attributes.

Chapter 40 Outline.

vv.1, 2. Adonai’s prophets should comfort the people in their exile.

vv. 3 – 5. Prepare the way of the Lord.

vv. 6 – 8. The transitory nature of human life.

vv. 9 – 11. The great news of Adonai’s presence.

vv. 12 – 14. The omnipotence and omniscience of Adonai.

vv. 15 – 17. The insignificance of the nations that surround Israel.

vv. 18 – 20. The futility of trying to portray the immensity of Adonai.

vv. 21 – 31. Adonai the Creator.

Chapter 40 verse 1.

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” says your God.

The term “My people” refers to the Judeans in Babylonian exile. This was written some 150 years before the Persian King Cyrus facilitated the return of the people to the land. This is an instruction to Adonai’s prophets to speak to His captive people in a foreign land.

Chapter 40 of Isaiah is read in the synagogues on the Shabbat following Tisha B’Av (the ninth day of the month of Av); a day marking the destruction of the first and second temples as well as other tragic events in Israel’s history. This Sabbath is called Shabbat Nachamu (the Sabbath of Comforting).

This opening verse of chapter 40 indicates Isaiah’s promise to the people that after exile; they will return to Adonai and experience reconciliation.

The term, “comfort”, is repeated for emphasis denoting an end to the people’s suffering. This mercy reverses the complaint of the exiles found in Lamentations 1: 2.

“(Jerusalem) weeps bitterly in the night, her tears are on her cheeks; among all her lovers she has none to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies.”

However, Adonai has not forgotten or abandoned Judah. He will extend His mercy; the covenantal relationship remains.

Exodus 6: 7.

“I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.”

Verse 2.

“Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”

We can take the term, “Jerusalem”, here to represent all the exiles.

The Lord will end this period of exile and return them to the land. The cruel slaughter and captivity at the hands of the Babylonians will end. The term, “warfare”, refers to the harsh servitude in Babylon from which they will be freed.

Israel is forgiven, “her iniquity is pardoned”. They will get their freedom back.

Isaiah 48: 20.

“Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! With a voice of singing, declare, proclaim this, utter it to the end of the earth: say, “The Lord has redeemed His servant Jacob!”

In verse 2, the phrase, “she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins”, possibly just means that she has received sufficient punishment and can be returned to the land.

Verse 3.

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

The terms, “wilderness” and “desert”, may refer both to the exile in a foreign land and to the spiritual state of the people. Adonai’s prophets are to “prepare the way”; to be the voice in the wilderness calling on the people to ready themselves for the coming of the Lord.

The analogy, of course, is based on the approach of a magnificent leader from a distant land. The people who lived in the area of his intended route would do everything possible to prepare the road for his arrival.

In this verse, the “highway”, represents the hearts of the people of the exile who must be prepared for Adonai’s glory to be revealed on earth. The exiles must learn their lesson and be morally and spiritually prepared for their return to the land.

Of course, John the Baptist fulfilled the role of forerunner for the Lord’s first advent. And Elijah will perform the same function for His second.

Malachi 3: 1.

“Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me, and the Lord whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant in whom you delight. “Behold He is coming”, says the Lord of hosts.”

Verse 4.

“Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth …”

If we accept that these apparently topographic changes are symbolic, the phrase, “every mountain and hill”, may represent the proud and arrogant men who need to be humbled. The phrase “every valley” may represent the people of low degree who need to be raised up from their position of degradation and oppression.

All unevenness and roughness of character must be made “smooth”. This idea represents the need of those who must change their ways and their thinking.

This possible analogy does not, of course, mean that we will not see immense topographical changes by divine actions elsewhere.

Zechariah 14: 1 – 4.

“Behold the day of the Lord is coming … and in that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south.”

Verse 5.

“The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

The “glory of the Lord” is revealed in stages. Isaiah initially talks of the return of the captives from exile.

Isaiah 44: 23.

“Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout you lower parts of the earth; break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and glorified Himself in Israel.”

Thereafter, the majesty and splendour of Adonai would be displayed in the first advent of the Lord Yeshua.

Isaiah 4: 2. (“Fruit”, here, refers to spiritual fruit)

“In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious; and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing for those of Israel who have escaped.”

Luke 2: 30 – 32. The words of Simeon in the temple.

“… my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”

Hereafter we will see the revelation of the Lord in the glorious messianic kingdom.

Isaiah 60: 2, 3.

“For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

The Saviour King will dwell in the presence of His people for all eternity.

Habakkuk 2: 14.

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”

Revelation 21: 3.

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”

Verses 6 and 7.

“The voice said, “Cry out!” And he said, “What shall I cry?”

“All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass.”

The prophet is to proclaim about the transitory nature of human life. All that makes it attractive – kindness, goodness, its mercy from Adonai, its glory, it’s comeliness – no matter how good, is here today and gone tomorrow. People fade away like the plants under the hot sun fanned by the east wind.

Job 14: 1, 2.

“Man who is born of woman is of a few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower and fades away; he flees like a shadow and does not continue.”

James 1: 9, 10.

“Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower in the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.”

The phrase in Chapter 40 verse 7, “the breath of God”, pictures Adonai’s wrath in particular on the wicked. As the summer wind blows on the grass and destroys it, so Adonai will deal with the wicked.

All people are like the grass, even the great among us.

Isaiah 40: 24.

“Scarcely shall they be planted, scarcely shall they be sown, scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, when He will also blow on them and they will wither, and the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.”

Verse 8.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Now we see the prophet’s purpose. He seeks to compare the transitory nature of human life with the word of Adonai which “stands forever”. This verse is offering full assurance of the reliability, stability and eternal nature of the word of Adonai.

Matthew 5: 17, 18. The words of the Lord Yeshua.

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

The permanence of Adonai’s word guarantees against any deviation from the divine plan.

Isaiah 55: 11.

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

Verse 9.

“O Zion, you who bring good tidings, get up into the high mountain: O Jerusalem, you who bring good tidings, lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!””

The use of the term, “Zion”, may simply be an endearing term for Jerusalem or indicate those of Judah who have remained faithful to the Lord.

Isaiah summons Zion to join the heavenly heralds in proclaiming to the cities of Judah the coming of the victorious Lord to shepherd His people. The “good tidings” is that Adonai is coming to rescue His enslaved people. Like a messenger on a mountain top, they are to be seen and heard by all. They are to proclaim loudly the good news of Adonai’s presence.

The restoration of Israel to the land is to include the resumption of Adonai’s presence after many decades of absence.

Ezekiel 43: 1 – 6. Ezekiel’s vision of the future temple.

“… behold the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory … and the glory of the Lord came into the temple … the glory of God filled the temple.”

Verse 10.

“Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.”

The exiles had seen the wrath of Adonai but now they would see His nurturing side. The term “reward” here describes the spoils of victory, namely His delivered people.

Isaiah 62: 11.

“Indeed the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the world: “Say to the daughters of Zion, surely your salvation is coming; behold, His reward is with Him and His work before Him.”

Revelation 22: 7, 12.

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this Book … My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to His work …”

The Lord’s “strong arm” figuratively brings His mighty acts of judgment and deliverance.

Isaiah 51: 5.

“My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, and My arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands will wait upon Me, and on My arm they will trust.”

Isaiah 52: 10. Isaiah’s vision.

“The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.”

We know that at His second coming, the Lord Yeshua returns with power to defeat His enemies and to gather the dispersed of Israel to the land.

Matthew 24: 31.

“And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

Verse 11.

“He will feed the flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.”

Here we have the true picture of the Holy One of Israel: greatness connected with gentleness; power linked with affection; love and mercy joined with omnipotence and wisdom.

In the ancient Middle East, the idea of a king was often symbolised by a shepherd.

Micah 5: 4.

“And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; and they shall abide, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth.”

Jeremiah 31: 10.

“… He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep as a shepherd does his flock.”

The same arm that powerfully scattered Israel all over the earth in judgment will overcome Israel’s oppression and tenderly feed and keep His flock.

Micah 2: 12.

“… I will surely assemble all of you O Jacob; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together like sheep in the fold, like a flock in the midst of their pasture …”

Verse 12.

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?”

The implied answer to these questions is, of course, “no person or god”. Only the Creator can achieve such feats; He who is the source of eternal strength. The prophet here provides a dramatic image of the might of Adonai.

Proverbs 30: 4.

“Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name?”

The prophet here is emphasising the omnipotence and omniscience of Adonai; the very One who will bring comfort, pardon and peace to His people as described in verses 1 – 11. Adonai alone has the power to create the physical universe and to place the earth in proper balance.

Verse 13.

“Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counsellor taught Him?”

The answer again, of course, is that no-one could “direct the Spirit of the Lord”. All His works of creation or providence are performed without any outside help.

We may see this verse here as an attack on the Babylonian deity, Marduk, who needed the help of other gods to “create” the world.

Adonai’s wisdom is incomparable.

Romans 11: 33.

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

Job 21: 22.

“Can anyone teach God knowledge, since He judges those on high?”

Verse 14.

“With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding?”

In verse 12, Isaiah had emphasised the power and might of Adonai. Here the focus is on His wisdom and righteousness.

Job 36: 22, 23. Elihu proclaims the goodness of Adonai.

“Behold, God is exalted by His power; who teaches Him? Who has assigned Him His way, or who has said, “You have done wrong?”

Verse 15.

“Behold, the nations are a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales; look He lifts up the isles as a very little thing.”

The power of Adonai is incomparably greater than the greatest nation (notably Babylon). The “small dust on the scales” would not register any weight at all; totally insignificant.

The exiles should know that the wicked nations have no power whatsoever to thwart the purposes of Adonai.

Psalm 2: 1 – 4.

“Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision.”

Verses 16 and 17.

“And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor its beast sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.”

Since the surrounding nations which had oppressed Israel were insignificant in comparison to the Lord’s greatness and power, they could not prevent His purposes being accomplished. The deliverance of Israel is certain.

All the forests of Lebanon and all its animals could not provide an adequate burnt offering to match the majesty of the Holy One of Israel.

Daniel 4: 35.

“All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing. He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?”

Psalm 62: 9.

“Surely men of low degree are a vapour, men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed on the scale, they are altogether lighter than vapour.”

Verse 18.

“To whom then would you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him?”

Isaiah is mocking those who put their trust in idols. Of course, Adonai is incomparable. It is foolishness to try to portray the immensity of Adonai; His power, wisdom and resources are astronomical.

Psalm 113: 4 – 6.

“The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?”

1 Samuel 2: 2. His might and holiness.

“No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.”

Micah 7: 18. His faithfulness and mercy.

“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage. He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy.”

Verse 19.

“The workman moulds an image, the goldsmith overspreads it with gold, and the silversmith casts silver chains.”

Such man-made articles may look impressive especially when covered in gold. But it is a complete nonsense to compare them with the Holy One of Israel, no matter how ornate or durable they may be.

Isaiah 46: 6, 7.

“They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; they prostrate themselves; yes, they worship. They bear it on the shoulder; they carry it and set it up in its place, and it stands. From its place it shall not move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer nor save him out of his trouble.”

Verse 19 mentions “silver chains”. These were often used to support the idol and stop it toppling over. We may recall (1 Samuel 5: 3, 4), the collapse of the statue to Dagon because it was placed next to the Ark of the Covenant. When it fell on its face, the head and the hands broke off.

More on the foolishness of moulded images.

Habakkuk 2: 18, 19.

“What profit is the image, that its maker should carve it, the moulded image, a teacher of lies, that the maker of its mould should trust in it, to make mute idols? Woe to him who says to wood. “Awake!”, to silent stone “Arise! It shall teach!” Behold it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet in it there is no breath at all.”

Verse 20.

“Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution chooses a tree that will not rot; he seeks for himself a skilful workman to prepare a carved image that will not totter.”

The rich man makes his idol of gold, and the poor man uses wood. Both are in direct violation of the first and second Commandments. But both these abominations are futile. Nothing matches the greatness of the Creator of the universe.

Acts 17: 29. Paul speaking in Athens.

“Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.”

Jeremiah 10: 3 – 5.

“For the customs of the people are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with an axe. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple. They are upright, like a palm tree, and they cannot speak; they must be carried, because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor can they do any good.”

Verse 21.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?”

Those who worship idols have no excuse. Isaiah poses four rhetorical questions confirming that they are about to be told something they should always have known. Isaiah has an attitude of incredulity at the foolishness of choosing the worship of idols over the true worship of Adonai.

Romans 1: 20 – 22. Paul makes the same point.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools …”

Verse 22.

“It 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.”

The phrase “the circle of the earth”, may refer to the horizon or the apparent hemisphere of the earth’s atmosphere.

Adonai is not to be confused with His creation. Worship the Creator not His creation. Creation is the work of the Holy One of Israel; only He deserves praise.

Psalm 19: 1.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Jeremiah 10: 12.

“He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.”

Acts 14: 17.

“… He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”

Hebrews 1: 3. Creation is maintained continually.

“(The Lord Yeshua) who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power …”

Verses 23 and 24.

“He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless. Scarcely shall they be planted, scarcely shall they be sown, scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, when He will also blow on them, and they will wither, and the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.”

Verses 6 – 8 looked at the transitory nature of human life. These verses (23 and 24) demonstrate the insignificance of entire nations and their rulers before the might of the living God: verse 17 “all nations before Him are as nothing.”

Psalm 107: 40.

“He pours contempt on princes, and causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way…”

Daniel 2: 21. Adonai disposes of leaders according to His will.

“… He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

1 Corinthians 1: 26 – 29. The sovereignty of Adonai.

“… not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty, and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

Verses 25 and 26.

“To whom then will you liken Me, and to whom shall I be equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; not one is missing.”

Adonai poses the rhetorical question indicating that Israel was foolish to compare the Almighty with the gods of their Babylonian captors. Verse 18 indicated this. The incomparability of Adonai is fundamental to all scripture.

The Babylonians may think of the heavenly bodies as gods; but Adonai created, named and cares for each one of the objects of His handiwork.

People should “lift up” their eyes and take responsibility to discern the greatness of the Creator and his work. To suppress such discernment will be considered as guilt.

Isaiah 45: 18.

“… the Lord who created the heavens, who is God, who formed the earth and made it, who has established it, who did not create it in vain, who formed it to be inhabited …”

Psalm 147: 4.

“He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.”

When Israel sees the stars, they should see evidence of Adonai’s creation. As numerous as the stars and planets are, He has made and knows every one of them. Not one star goes off astray; but are held in place by the force with which He has endowed the universe to keep them in their orbit and place.

Romans 1: 18, 19.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.”

Verse 27.

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God?”

These thoughts of the people in exile do not question the omniscience of Adonai, but rather His goodwill toward them. They may feel that they have a “just claim” because Adonai had promised to make them a blessing to all nations, and this seemed incompatible with their present predicament.

They may feel far from that experience of being a blessing to all nations in exile in Babylonian captivity. They may think that Adonai had forgotten them or was ignorant of their condition. But the prophet knows that this is not so.

Isaiah 54: 7, 8.

““For a mere moment I have forsaken you, but with great mercies I will gather you. With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer.””

Verse 28.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.”

As in verse 21, Isaiah uses rhetorical questions for emphasis.

This is the prophet’s answer to the doubters. Adonai is fully aware of their situation. In light of who Adonai is, how could His people in exile have thought that He had forgotten them or was ignorant of their situation.

Isaiah explains that Adonai is not only “everlasting” (transcendent over time) but also “the Creator of the ends of the earth” (transcendent over space). He is truly omnipotent.

It is also true that Adonai “neither faints nor is weary”. He is not weak to act on their behalf. Fatigue is never an obstacle to Adonai in caring for His people.

Because His “understanding is unsearchable” to the human mind, His wisdom is not fully comprehensible to us. We cannot hope to fully understand how He will work out His purposes. We can never be sure how He will choose to fulfil His promise to His people, only that He will surely do so.

Romans 11: 33.

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

Verses 29 and 30.

“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall utterly fall.”

Strength is a gift from Adonai.

Among humans, even the young and the strongest become tired and fall, but the Holy One of Israel never does. Human strength even at its finest, cannot compare with the power of Adonai.

Psalm 147: 5, 6.

“Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.”

Verse 31.

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

The phrase “to wait on the Lord” does not mean to sit in passive resignation, but rather it entails confident expectation and active hope in the Lord.

Psalm 40: 1, 2.

“I waited patiently on the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.”

In this verse 31, we see the spiritual transformation that faith brings to a person. The Lord gives power to those who trust Him, allowing them to “mount up”, “run and not be weary”, and “walk and not faint.”

The strength of the people nourished by Adonai can be compared to the strength of an eagle.

Psalm 103: 5.

“Bless the Lord … who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

The Lord expects His people to be patient but always looking to His coming in glory to fulfil His promise of deliverance.

Hebrews 12: 1 – 3.

“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”