Isaiah 40:2

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

Speak {H1696} ye comfortably {H3820} to Jerusalem {H3389}, and cry {H7121} unto her, that her warfare {H6635} is accomplished {H4390}, that her iniquity {H5771} is pardoned {H7521}: for she hath received {H3947} of the LORD'S {H3068} hand {H3027} double {H3718} for all her sins {H2403}.

"Tell Yerushalayim to take heart; proclaim to her that she has completed her time of service, that her guilt has been paid off, that she has received at the hand of ADONAI double for all her sins."

“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.”

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she hath received of Jehovah’s hand double for all her sins.

Context of Isaiah 40:2

Isaiah chapter 40 marks a pivotal turning point in the book of Isaiah, shifting from prophecies of judgment and warning (chapters 1-39) to messages of comfort, hope, and restoration (chapters 40-66). This verse serves as the opening declaration of this new section, often referred to as the "Book of Comfort." Following a period of severe national discipline, particularly the impending Babylonian exile, God's instruction to His prophets is to "speak comfortably" to Jerusalem, signaling that the time of punishment is drawing to a close and a season of divine favor is about to begin. It's a message delivered to a people who have endured significant suffering and are in desperate need of solace.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Consolation and Comfort: The command to "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem" (Hebrew: dalberu al leb, literally "speak to her heart") emphasizes God's deep compassion and desire to soothe His people. It highlights His tender mercy after a period of necessary discipline.
  • The End of Punishment: The phrase "her warfare is accomplished" indicates that the period of decreed hardship and suffering—the "military service" or appointed time of tribulation—is now complete. This brings immense relief and the promise of cessation from divine judgment.
  • Complete Pardon and Forgiveness: "Her iniquity is pardoned" declares God's full forgiveness. The Hebrew word nirtsah suggests that the sin has been paid for, accepted, or fully propitiated, making way for reconciliation. It signifies that the debt of sin has been fully addressed, allowing for a fresh start.
  • Full Recompense Received: The challenging phrase, "for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins," has been interpreted in various ways. It does not typically mean double punishment, especially in this context of comfort. Instead, it can signify:
    • That Jerusalem has fully and completely experienced the measure of punishment due, or even more than expected, thus satisfying divine justice.
    • That God, in His abundant grace, will give back to His people "double" in blessings and restoration compared to the suffering they endured, as seen in Job 42:10 or Zechariah 9:12. This emphasizes God's generosity and His ultimate desire for restoration beyond mere justice.
    • The completeness or sufficiency of the judgment received, signifying that the account is settled.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "comfortably," dalberu al leb (דַּבְּרוּ עַל־לֵב), literally means "speak to the heart." This is a powerful image of intimate, empathetic, and profound consolation, going beyond mere words to touch the core of one's being. The word for "warfare," tzava (צָבָא), can refer to military service, hard service, or a set time for a difficult task. Here, it distinctly implies the appointed period of hardship and punishment that Jerusalem had to endure. "Pardoned" comes from nirtsah (נִרְצָה), meaning "accepted," "propitiated," or "pleasing," signifying that the penalty has been paid and God's anger has been appeased, leading to favor.

Practical Application and Reflection

Isaiah 40:2 offers profound hope for all who have experienced periods of discipline, suffering, or hardship. It assures us that God's judgment is not endless, and His ultimate desire is to bring comfort and restoration. For believers, this verse foreshadows the ultimate pardon and reconciliation offered through Christ's sacrifice, where our "iniquity is pardoned" not by our suffering, but by His complete work on the cross (Romans 5:8). It reminds us that even in the midst of trials, there is an appointed end, and God's faithfulness will lead to a season of comfort and abundant blessing. It encourages us to receive God's comfort and to extend that same comfort to others who are suffering.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 9:12

    ¶ Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare [that] I will render double unto thee;

  • Isaiah 61:7

    For your shame [ye shall have] double; and [for] confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

  • Hosea 2:14

    ¶ Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.

  • Jeremiah 33:8

    And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.

  • Jeremiah 33:9

    And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.

  • Revelation 18:6

    Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

  • Isaiah 43:25

    I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

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