Isaiah 40:10

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong [hand], and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

Behold, the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} will come {H935} with strong {H2389} hand, and his arm {H2220} shall rule {H4910} for him: behold, his reward {H7939} is with him, and his work {H6468} before {H6440} him.

Here comes Adonai ELOHIM with power, and his arm will rule for him. Look! His reward is with him, and his recompense is before him.

Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.

Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him: Behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.

Commentary

Isaiah 40:10 stands as a powerful declaration of God's imminent and sovereign intervention, following the comforting promises introduced in the earlier verses of this pivotal chapter. It paints a vivid picture of the Lord's return, not as a gentle whisper, but with overwhelming strength and authority.

Context

Chapter 40 of Isaiah marks a significant turning point in the book, shifting from prophecies of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations to messages of hope, comfort, and restoration for Israel after their period of exile. The preceding verses (e.g., Isaiah 40:1) call for comfort for God's people, promising an end to their warfare and pardon for their iniquity. This verse, therefore, describes the glorious manner in which the Lord Himself will bring about this promised deliverance and new era.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Power: The phrases "strong hand" and "his arm shall rule for him" powerfully emphasize God's absolute authority and irresistible might. He is not merely observing; He is actively intervening with decisive power. The Hebrew word for "strong" here, chozeq, denotes robust strength and firmness.
  • God's Personal Presence: "The Lord GOD will come" highlights that it is God Himself, Adonai Yahweh, the sovereign covenant-keeping God, who is taking action. His presence guarantees the fulfillment of His promises.
  • Justice and Recompense: "His reward is with him, and his work before him" speaks to divine justice. God brings with Him the just recompense for all actions – blessing for the faithful and judgment for the rebellious. This concept is echoed in other prophecies concerning the Lord's return, such as in Revelation 22:12 where Jesus declares, "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." The Hebrew term for "reward," sakar, encompasses both recompense and the outcome of one's deeds.
  • Fulfillment of Purpose: "His work before him" suggests that God's actions are purposeful and lead to a specific outcome. He comes prepared to execute His divine plan and establish His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Lord GOD" in the KJV often translates the Hebrew combination Adonai Yahweh. Adonai signifies "Master" or "Lord," emphasizing His absolute authority, while Yahweh (the covenant name of God) points to His personal, relational, and unchanging nature. The imagery of "strong hand" (chozeq yad) and "arm" (zeroa) are classic biblical metaphors for God's immense power and ability to act decisively, as seen in the deliverance from Egypt (Deuteronomy 6:21).

Practical Application

For believers, Isaiah 40:10 offers profound comfort and reassurance. It reminds us that:

  • God is in Control: In times of uncertainty or distress, we can rest in the knowledge that the Lord God reigns with absolute authority and power.
  • God is Just: His coming includes both reward for righteousness and accountability for sin. This provides hope for those who suffer injustice and a call to repentance for all.
  • God Fulfills His Promises: Just as He promised comfort and restoration to Israel, He will fulfill all His promises to His people, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This verse encourages patient endurance and active faith, knowing that God's ultimate plan is unfolding.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 22:12

    And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

  • Isaiah 62:11

    Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

  • Revelation 17:14

    ¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

  • Matthew 28:18

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

  • Isaiah 49:4

    Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: [yet] surely my judgment [is] with the LORD, and my work with my God.

  • Isaiah 9:6

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

  • Isaiah 9:7

    Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.