What is the context of Isaiah 40?

Isaiah 40 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Isaiah, marking a significant transition in the prophetic narrative. To fully grasp its context, we must understand the broader scope of the Book of Isaiah, its historical setting, and the theological themes it addresses.

The Book of Isaiah is traditionally divided into three main sections: chapters 1-39, chapters 40-55, and chapters 56-66. Chapters 1-39 are often referred to as "First Isaiah" or "Proto-Isaiah" and primarily contain prophecies of judgment against Judah and the surrounding nations. These chapters are set against the backdrop of the Assyrian threat in the 8th century BCE. In stark contrast, chapters 40-55, often called "Second Isaiah" or "Deutero-Isaiah," shift focus to a message of comfort and hope for the exiled Israelites in Babylon during the 6th century BCE. Chapters 56-66, known as "Third Isaiah" or "Trito-Isaiah," address the post-exilic period, dealing with the return to Jerusalem and the challenges of rebuilding the community.

Isaiah 40 serves as the opening chapter of the second section and introduces a profound change in tone and message. The historical context here is crucial: the Israelites are in Babylonian exile, having experienced the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BCE. This period of exile was a time of deep despair and questioning for the Jewish people. They grappled with feelings of abandonment by God and the loss of their homeland and identity.

Against this backdrop, Isaiah 40 begins with a powerful proclamation of comfort and hope. The chapter opens with the words, "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins" (Isaiah 40:1-2, NIV). This message is a direct and compassionate response to the suffering and desolation experienced by the exiled community.

The theme of comfort is central to Isaiah 40 and is expressed through several key elements:

1. God's Sovereignty and Power: The chapter emphasizes the greatness and majesty of God. Verses 12-26 highlight God's incomparable power as the Creator of the universe. For instance, verse 12 states, "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?" This portrayal of God's omnipotence serves to reassure the exiled Israelites that their God is not limited by their circumstances. Despite their current plight, God remains sovereign and capable of delivering them.

2. The Promise of Restoration: Isaiah 40 also contains a promise of deliverance and restoration. Verses 3-5 famously declare, "A voice of one calling: 'In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.'" This imagery of a highway in the desert symbolizes the return of the exiles to their homeland, facilitated by God's intervention. The leveling of valleys and mountains signifies the removal of obstacles and the establishment of a clear path for their journey.

3. The Endurance of God's Word: Another significant theme in Isaiah 40 is the enduring nature of God's word. Verses 6-8 contrast the fleeting nature of human life with the permanence of God's promises: "All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." This assurance underscores that, despite the transitory nature of human experiences and empires, God's word and promises remain steadfast and trustworthy.

4. God's Care for His People: The chapter also portrays God as a compassionate shepherd who cares for His people. Verse 11 tenderly describes, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." This imagery of God as a shepherd conveys His intimate concern and nurturing care for the exiled community, providing them with comfort and reassurance.

5. Human Frailty and Divine Strength: Isaiah 40 concludes with a powerful reminder of human frailty and the source of true strength. Verses 28-31 declare, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." This passage emphasizes that while human strength is limited and prone to failure, those who place their hope in God will find renewed strength and endurance.

In summary, Isaiah 40 is a chapter of profound comfort and hope, addressing the exiled Israelites' deep sense of despair and offering them a vision of God's power, faithfulness, and compassion. It reassures them that their suffering is not the end of the story and that God is actively working to bring about their restoration. The chapter's themes of God's sovereignty, the promise of deliverance, the endurance of God's word, His care for His people, and the source of true strength are timeless messages that continue to resonate with readers today.