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Commentary on Isaiah 40 verses 9–11
It was promised (Isa 40:5) that the glory of the Lord shall be revealed; that is it with the hopes of which God's people must be comforted. Now here we are told,
I. How it shall be revealed, Isa 40:9. 1. It shall be revealed to Zion and Jerusalem; notice shall be given of it to the remnant that are left in Zion and Jerusalem, the poor of the land, who were vine-dressers and husbandmen; it shall be told them that their brethren shall return to them. This shall be told also to the captives who belonged to Zion and Jerusalem, and retained their affection for them. Zion is said to dwell with the daughter of Babylon (Zac 2:7); and there she receives notice of Cyrus's gracious proclamation; and so the margin reads it, O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, etc., meaning the persons who were employed in publishing that proclamation; let them do it with a good will, let them make the country ring of it, and let them tell it to the sons of Zion in their own language, saying to them, Behold your God. 2. It shall be published by Zion and Jerusalem (so the text reads it); those that remain there, or that have already returned, when they find the deliverance proceeding towards perfection, let them proclaim it in the most public places, whence they may be best heard by all the cities of Judah; let them proclaim it as loudly as they can: let them lift up their voice with strength, and not be afraid of overstraining themselves; let them not be afraid lest the enemy should hear it and quarrel with them, or lest it should not prove true, or not such good tidings as at first it appeared; let them say to the cities of Judah, and all the inhabitants of the country, Behold your God. When God is going on with the salvation of his people, let them industriously spread the news among their friends, let them tell them that it is God that has done it; whoever were the instruments, God was the author; it is their God, a God in covenant with them, and he does it as theirs, and they will reap the benefit and comfort of it. "Behold him, take notice of his hand in it, and look above second causes; behold, the God you have long looked for has come at last (Isa 25:9): This is our God, we have waited for him." This may refer to the invitation which was sent forth from Jerusalem to the cities of Judah, as soon as they had set up an altar, immediately upon their return out of captivity, to come and join with them in their sacrifices, Ezr 3:2-4. "When the worship of God is set up again, send notice of it to all your brethren, that they may share with you in the comfort of it." But this was to have its full accomplishment in the apostles' public and undaunted preaching of the gospel to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. The voice crying in the wilderness gave notice that he was coming; but now notice is given that he has come. Behold the Lamb of God; take a full view of your Redeemer. Behold your King, behold your God.
II. What that glory is which shall be revealed. "Your God will come, will show himself,"
1."With the power and greatness of a prince (Isa 40:10): He will come with strong hand, too strong to be obstructed, though it may be opposed. His strong hand shall subdue his people to himself, and shall restrain and conquer his and their enemies. He will come who is strong enough to break through all the difficulties that lie in his way." Our Lord Jesus was full of power, a mighty Saviour. Some read, it, He will come against the mighty one, and overpower him, overcome him. Satan is the strong man armed; but our Lord Jesus is stronger than he, and he shall make it to appear that he is so, for, (1.) He shall reign in defiance of all opposition: His arm shall rule, shall overrule for him, for the fulfilling of his counsels, to his own glory; for he is his own end. (2.) He shall recompense to all according to their works, as a righteous Judge: His reward is with him; he brings along with him, as a returning prince, punishments for the rebels and preferments for his loyal subjects. (3.) He shall proceed and accomplish his purpose: His work is before him, that is, he knows perfectly well what he has to do, which way to go about it, and how to compass it. He himself knows what he will do.
2."With the pity and tenderness of a shepherd," Isa 40:11. God is the Shepherd of Israel (Psa 80:1); Christ is the good Shepherd, Joh 10:11. The same that rules with the strong hand of a prince leads and feeds with the kind hand of a shepherd. (1.) He takes care of all his flock, the little flock: He shall feed his flock like a shepherd. His word is food for his flock to feed on; his ordinances are fields for them to feed in; his ministers are under-shepherds that are appointed to attend them. (2.) He takes particular care of those that most need his care, the lambs that are weak, and cannot help themselves, and are unaccustomed to hardship, and those that are with young, that are therefore heavy, and, if any harm be done them, are in danger of casting their young. He particularly takes care for a succession, that it may not fail or be cut off. The good Shepherd has tender care for children that are towardly and hopeful, for young converts, that are setting out in the way to heaven, for weak believers, and those that are of a sorrowful spirit. These are the lambs of his flock, that shall be sure to want nothing that their case requires. [1.] He will gather them in the arms of his power; his strength shall be made perfect in their weakness, Co2 12:9. He will gather them in when they wander, gather them up when they fall, gather them together when they are dispersed, and gather them home to himself at last; and all this with his own arm, out of which none shall be able to pluck them, Joh 10:28. [2.] He will carry them in the bosom of his love and cherish them there. When they tire or are weary, are sick and faint, when they meet with foul ways, he will carry them on, and take care they are not left behind. [3.] He will gently lead them. By his word he requires no more service, and by his providence he inflicts no more trouble, than he will fit them for; for he considers their frame.
We must … be zealous in doing good, for all things are from him. [Isaiah] warns us, “Behold, the Lord comes, and his reward is before his face, to pay each person according to his work.” He therefore urges us who believe in him with all our heart not to be lazy or careless in any good work. Let our glorying and our confidence be in him. Let us be subject to his will.
(V. 9 and following) Ascend to the high mountain, you who bring good news to Zion; lift up your voice with strength, you who bring good news to Jerusalem. Lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, 'Here is your God!' See, the Lord God comes with might, and His arm rules for Him. See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him. He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads the nursing ewes. LXX: Go up on a high mountain, you who bring good tidings to Zion; lift up your voice with strength, you who bring good tidings to Jerusalem. Lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the cities of Judah, 'Behold your God! 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. He will feed His 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.' The choir of the Apostles is commanded to ascend to the preaching of all flesh, which is going to see the salvation of God, and to dwell in high places, about to speak about great things. Moreover, the Hebrew and other interpreters put it in the feminine gender, so that they say, 'you who preach the gospel to Zion and you who preach the gospel to Jerusalem.' This word is ambiguous according to the Greeks, so that we can understand it as either the one who announces or the one to whom the announcement is made. Therefore, whether the word of God and the saving word of the Lord are announced to Zion and Jerusalem: for the law went forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Isaiah II, 3); or whether it is announced to them through the Apostles, they ought to ascend to the heights and pass over the mountains. And in a wondrous way, even though Zion itself is a mountain, as Scripture says: Mount Zion, in which you have dwelt (Psalm LXXIII, 3): it is commanded to ascend another, higher mountain, from which the prince of Tyre was wounded. And because the teachings of the Apostles were going to be greatly opposed, and they were going to be led before governors and tribunals, it is joined, exalt, do not be afraid: say to the cities of Judea, namely the synagogues and the people of the Jews, of whom the Lord spoke: I have come only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24). And the Apostle Paul says: It was necessary for the word of God to be proclaimed to you first (Acts 13:46). But what is it that they are commanded to say? Behold your God, whom you have always awaited: Behold the Lord God shall come in strength, whom you have despised coming in humility. And his strength shall rule, who first took the form of a servant, being obedient to the Father even unto death (Philippines III). Behold his reward is with him, and his work before him (Isaiah XL, and LXII). According to what he himself says in the Gospel: For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father and he shall render to every man according to his works (Matthew XVI, 17). As a shepherd, he will feed his flock. This one who will come later in majesty, first takes on the form of a shepherd, and he says about himself: I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and they know me, and I lay down my life for my sheep (John 10:14, 15). About this, the Father speaks in Zechariah: I will strike the shepherd; and the sheep will be scattered (Zechariah 13:7). In his arm, he says, he will gather the lambs; not bulls, and rams, and goats, and large sheep, of whom through Ezekiel (Chapter 34) he threatens that they should feed on milk and be covered with wool, and crush the weak flock, but rather the still tender lambs, and those new to Christ's infancy, who have recently been reborn in baptism, of whom the Lord himself spoke to Peter: Feed my lambs (John 21:15). And in the same Ezekiel it is written: I will raise up for them a single shepherd, and he will feed them, my servant David; he will be their shepherd, and I the Lord will be their God, and David will be their prince in their midst. I the Lord have spoken, and I will establish a covenant of peace with David (Ezekiel 34:23-25). It should be considered that after many generations, David, in contrast to the greedy and unworthy shepherds, says that our Lord, who is of the lineage of David, will rise up, gather the lambs, and nurture them in his bosom, and he himself will carry the lambs or sheep on his shoulder. As we read in the Gospel, that he carried the wandering sheep and the one remaining from the usual flock on his shoulders to the sheepfold (Luke 15). We can say that the pregnant ewes are the Apostles and the Apostolic men and all the doctors of the Church, who give birth to the salvation of many, and they say with the Apostle: My little children, whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you (Galatians 4:19). The Hebrews assert, and there is no doubt among them about this matter, that the Holy Spirit is called in their language by the feminine gender, that is, the Shekinah. And that which is said in the sixty-seventh psalm: The Lord will give the word to the preachers with great power: they understand it thus: The Lord will give the word to the preachers with great power (Ps. 122:3): namely, to those souls who have received the Holy Spirit. Also this: As the eyes of a handmaid are in the hands of her mistress, so the soul is in the hands of the Holy Spirit, both a handmaid and a mistress. But also in the Gospel written according to the Hebrews, which the Nazarenes read, the Lord speaks: Now my mother took me up, the Holy Spirit. But no one should be scandalized by the fact that in the Hebrew language the Spirit is referred to as feminine, while in our language it is referred to as masculine, and in Greek it is referred to as neutral. For in divinity there is no gender. And therefore, in the three principal languages in which the title of the Lord's Passion is written, it is referred to in three genders, so that we may understand that there is no gender that is different.
For our Lord Jesus Christ showed himself to us having divine strength, and his arm with authority, that is, with power and dominion.
These words are a glimpse of the second coming of the Savior. It is then that he will give the laborers their reward. “He will reward each according to his works,” according to the word of the apostle. “For the Day,” he says, “will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.” This is the proclamation that the Lord has ordained to the holy apostles to make in their turn. “Go,” he has said, “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ” One can therefore see that the oracles of the prophet are thus in agreement with the words of the Gospel.
“Behold, his reward is with him,” that is, Behold, the works of each person are conspicuous before God, and he judges according to what each of us has done, by granting a reward to the good and by abandoning the evil to punishment.
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SUMMARY
Isaiah 40:10 stands as a profound declaration of the Lord GOD's imminent and sovereign intervention, portraying His return not as a gentle presence but as a powerful, decisive, and authoritative King. This verse assures God's people that He will personally execute His divine plan, bringing with Him both just recompense for all and the full realization of His redemptive purposes. It encapsulates the transition from judgment to comfort, emphasizing God's irresistible might and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Isaiah 40:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine power and purpose. The most prominent is Metaphor, particularly in the use of "strong hand" and "arm" to represent God's irresistible power and active intervention. These physical attributes are used to describe the intangible might of the Almighty, making His power relatable and vivid. Personification is also present as the "arm" is described as ruling "for him," attributing an active, governing role to a part of the body, further emphasizing God's direct and personal exercise of authority. The verse also utilizes Parallelism, especially in the latter half: "his reward [is] with him, and his work before him." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the idea of divine justice and the visible manifestation of God's righteous dealings. Finally, the repeated use of "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinnēh) at the beginning of the first and third clauses functions as Anaphora and an emphatic interjection, drawing the reader's attention to the profound significance and certainty of the Lord GOD's coming and the accompanying realities.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 40:10 is a cornerstone prophecy that speaks to the very nature of God—His sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness. It presents a divine King who is not distant or passive but actively engaged in the affairs of His creation, coming to establish His righteous rule. The imagery of His "strong hand" and ruling "arm" connects to a consistent biblical theme of God as the ultimate deliverer and judge, whose power is unmatched and whose will is irresistible. This verse provides assurance that God's promises of comfort and restoration, introduced in Isaiah 40:1-2, will be fulfilled by His own mighty hand, bringing an end to suffering and establishing a new era of justice and peace. The "reward" and "work" signify that His coming is inherently linked to accountability and the full manifestation of His divine plan, ensuring that all will receive their due according to His perfect justice and unwavering commitment to His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 40:10 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to faith for believers across all generations. In a world often marked by chaos, injustice, and uncertainty, this verse serves as a steadfast reminder that the Lord GOD is not merely a distant observer but an active, sovereign ruler who will ultimately set all things right. It encourages us to trust in His absolute power and unyielding commitment to His promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Knowing that He comes with "reward" and "work" before Him instills both hope for ultimate justice and a sober recognition of accountability. This should motivate us to live lives that align with His righteous character, pursuing justice, showing mercy, and faithfully serving Him, knowing that our "work" done in His name will not be in vain. It calls us to patiently endure, actively hope, and eagerly anticipate the full manifestation of His kingdom, finding peace in His unwavering control over all things.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "strong hand" and "his arm shall rule for him" signify about God?
Answer: These phrases are powerful metaphors emphasizing God's absolute and irresistible power, authority, and active intervention. The "strong hand" (Hebrew, châzâq yâd) denotes robust, firm, and decisive might, while the "arm" (Hebrew, zᵉrôwaʻ) is a common biblical symbol for strength and the ability to act. When it says His "arm shall rule for him," it means that God Himself, through His inherent power, will assert His dominion directly and effectively. It signifies that His rule is not delegated or weak, but personal, sovereign, and ultimately irresistible, bringing about His divine will. This imagery is consistent with God's mighty acts of deliverance, such as the Exodus from Egypt, which is frequently described as being accomplished by God's "strong hand and outstretched arm" (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:34).
What is the "reward" and "work" God brings with Him?
Answer: The "reward" (Hebrew, sâkâr) refers to recompense, payment, or compensation. It encompasses both the blessings and just outcomes for those who are faithful to Him, and the judgment or consequences for those who rebel against Him. It signifies divine justice, where every action receives its due. "His work" (Hebrew, pᵉʻullâh) refers to the outcome of His deeds or the full manifestation of His divine plan. When the verse states "his work before him," it means that God comes prepared to execute His purposes and reveal the results of His dealings with humanity. This includes the restoration of His people, the establishment of His kingdom, and the final judgment of all creation, as seen in passages like Revelation 22:12, where Christ declares, "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
How does this verse offer comfort to God's people?
Answer: For a people in exile, facing despair and questioning God's faithfulness, Isaiah 40:10 offers profound comfort by assuring them that God is not absent or powerless. It promises that the Lord GOD Himself will personally intervene with overwhelming strength and authority. This means that their suffering is not unnoticed, and their cries for deliverance will be answered by a God who is mighty enough to overcome any obstacle. The promise of "reward" and "work" also brings comfort, as it guarantees that justice will prevail, and God's ultimate plan for their restoration and blessing will be fully realized. It shifts their focus from their present distress to the certain hope of God's glorious and redemptive future, reminding them that their sovereign God is in control and will fulfill every promise, as He declares in Isaiah 43:1-2.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While initially comforting Israel with the promise of Yahweh's return from exile, this prophecy points forward to the two comings of the Messiah. In His first advent, Jesus, though not coming with visible "strong hand" or an earthly ruling "arm," nevertheless embodied the very presence of the Lord GOD. As John 1:14 declares, "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us," revealing the glory of God. His life, ministry, death, and resurrection were the "work" of God, bringing salvation and inaugurating His kingdom, though in a hidden, spiritual form. The "reward" He brought was reconciliation with God and eternal life for those who believe, purchased through His sacrifice.
The full, visible, and majestic fulfillment of Isaiah 40:10, however, awaits Christ's glorious second coming. It is then that "the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him." Matthew 25:31 prophesies, "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory." At this return, His "arm shall rule" in an undeniable, universal sense, as He establishes His eternal kingdom and exercises His full dominion over all creation, as depicted in Revelation 19:11-16. Furthermore, the promise that "his reward is with him, and his work before him" is directly echoed by Jesus Himself in Revelation 22:12: "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Thus, Isaiah 40:10 is a powerful Messianic prophecy, assuring us that the sovereign, just, and comforting presence of God, first promised to Israel, is ultimately and perfectly realized in Jesus Christ, who came to save and will come again to reign and judge.