Isaiah 40:22

[It is] he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof [are] as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

It is he that sitteth {H3427} upon the circle {H2329} of the earth {H776}, and the inhabitants {H3427} thereof are as grasshoppers {H2284}; that stretcheth out {H5186} the heavens {H8064} as a curtain {H1852}, and spreadeth them out {H4969} as a tent {H168} to dwell in {H3427}:

He who sits above the circle of the earth - for whom its inhabitants appear like grasshoppers - stretches out the heavens like a curtain, spreads them out like a tent to live in.

He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

It is he that sitteth above the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in;

Commentary

Context

Isaiah 40 marks a significant shift in the book of Isaiah, moving from prophecies of judgment to messages of comfort and hope for Israel. This chapter begins the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66), addressing the nation during or in anticipation of their Babylonian exile. The prophet's aim is to reassure a dispirited people that God's power and faithfulness are unwavering, even when their circumstances seem bleak. Verse 22 is part of a powerful passage (Isaiah 40:12-31) that magnifies God's incomparable greatness and transcendence, contrasting His majesty with the weakness of idols and the transient nature of human rulers, thereby providing a firm foundation for trust and hope.

Key Themes

  • God's Transcendence and Sovereignty: The declaration that "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth" emphasizes God's elevated position above all creation. He is enthroned as the supreme ruler, surveying His entire domain with ease. This imagery powerfully conveys His ultimate authority and control over the cosmos and all its inhabitants.
  • Human Insignificance (from God's Perspective): The phrase "and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers" starkly contrasts humanity's smallness and fragility with God's immense power. This isn't meant to demean humanity but to provide perspective: before an infinite and eternal God, human might and wisdom are fleeting and limited. It underscores the need for humility and dependence on the Creator.
  • God as the Ultimate Creator and Sustainer: The vivid imagery of God "stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in" highlights His effortless creation and continuous maintenance of the universe. Just as one might unfurl a fabric, God effortlessly orchestrates the vast expanse of the heavens, providing a dwelling place for creation. This speaks to His boundless power and meticulous design, reminiscent of God as the ultimate Creator in Genesis 1:1.
  • Divine Wisdom and Knowledge: This verse implicitly points to God's profound understanding of the universe. He not only created it but also comprehends its every detail, from the grand cosmic structures to the smallest of its inhabitants.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "circle of the earth" translates the Hebrew word chug (Χ—Χ•ΦΌΧ’). While it can mean "circle," "sphere," or "vault," in ancient cosmology, it often referred to the horizon or the firmament enclosing the earth. From a divine perspective, it conveys a sense of the earth's curvature or circuit, not necessarily a flat disc, suggesting God's comprehensive view and control over the entire globe. The term "grasshoppers" (Hebrew: chagab) vividly portrays the extreme smallness and ephemerality of human life in comparison to God's eternal nature and immense scale.

Significance and Application

Isaiah 40:22 offers profound comfort and a call to worship. For a people facing exile and uncertainty, this verse reassures them that their God is not limited by earthly powers or geographical boundaries. He is the sovereign Lord of all creation, and His plans will prevail. For us today, this verse:

  • Cultivates Humility: It reminds us of our place in the universe and the vastness of God, encouraging us to approach Him with reverence and awe.
  • Fosters Trust: If God can effortlessly manage the entire cosmos, stretching out the heavens and holding the earth in His gaze, He is certainly capable of managing our individual lives, our problems, and the complexities of the world. This truth provides a strong foundation for trusting in the Lord with all our heart.
  • Inspires Worship: The sheer majesty and power of God described here should lead us to profound adoration and praise for the One who is truly incomparable, echoing the sentiment of Isaiah 40:25.
  • Offers Comfort in Adversity: When human efforts fail or circumstances overwhelm, remembering God's immense power and sovereignty can bring peace, knowing that He is in control and His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled, offering strength and renewal for those who wait on Him.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 8:27 (9 votes)

    When he prepared the heavens, I [was] there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

  • Psalms 104:2 (8 votes)

    Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

  • Isaiah 42:5 (7 votes)

    ΒΆ Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

  • Isaiah 66:1 (6 votes)

    ΒΆ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?

  • Jeremiah 10:12 (5 votes)

    He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

  • Job 9:8 (4 votes)

    Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

  • Isaiah 40:15 (4 votes)

    Behold, the nations [are] as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.