Isaiah 40:9

KJV

¶ O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift [it] up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

KJV (with Strong's)

O Zion {H6726}, that bringest good tidings {H1319}, get thee up {H5927} into the high {H1364} mountain {H2022}; O Jerusalem {H3389}, that bringest good tidings {H1319}, lift up {H7311} thy voice {H6963} with strength {H3581}; lift it up {H7311}, be not afraid {H3372}; say {H559} unto the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, Behold your God {H430}!

Complete Jewish Bible

You who bring good news to Tziyon, get yourself up on a high mountain; you who bring good news to Yerushalayim, cry out at the top of your voice! Don't be afraid to shout out loud! Say to the cities of Y'hudah, "Here is your God!

Berean Standard Bible

Go up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news. Raise your voice loudly, O Jerusalem, herald of good news. Lift it up, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”

American Standard Version

O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up on a high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold, your God!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 40:9 serves as a clarion call to Zion and Jerusalem, personified as heralds of good tidings, to courageously ascend a prominent position and loudly proclaim to all the cities of Judah the imminent and powerful return of their God. This verse marks a profound shift in Isaiah's prophecy, moving from messages of judgment to a glorious announcement of divine comfort, restoration, and the tangible presence of the Lord among His people after a period of perceived absence and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands at the threshold of the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a distinct section of Isaiah's prophecy that dramatically shifts tone from the pronouncements of judgment and impending exile found in chapters 1-39. Chapter 40 itself opens with a direct command for comfort and consolation to God's people ([Isaiah 40:1](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1 - Comfort for God's People")), followed by the famous prophecy of a voice preparing the way for the Lord ([Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Cries in the Wilderness")). Verse 9 then builds upon this preparatory work, commissioning Zion and Jerusalem to actively participate in announcing the Lord's glorious arrival, setting the stage for the majestic description of God's power and tenderness that follows in the rest of the chapter ([Isaiah 40:10-31](/isaiah/40-10 "Isaiah 40:10-31 - The Majesty of God")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 40-55 are primarily addressed to the exiles in Babylon, a people who had endured decades of displacement, despair, and a sense of abandonment by God. Jerusalem lay in ruins, and the Davidic monarchy was overthrown. In this context, the command to "bring good tidings" was revolutionary, offering hope in a time of profound hopelessness. The imagery of ascending a "high mountain" for proclamation reflects ancient Near Eastern practices where important announcements or victories were often declared from elevated positions to ensure maximum audibility and visibility across a wide area, signifying the public and undeniable nature of the message. The "cities of Judah" represent the broader population, still reeling from the aftermath of the destruction and yearning for a sign of divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 40:9 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Proclamation of Good Tidings**, highlighting God's initiative to bring comfort and restoration, turning His people from passive recipients of judgment to active heralds of His grace. Secondly, it underscores the necessity of **Boldness and Fearlessness** in delivering God's message, a crucial attribute for a people who had every reason to be timid and disheartened in their circumstances. This command to "be not afraid" is a recurring motif throughout the "Book of Comfort," reinforcing God's protective presence ([Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, for I Am With You")). Finally, the climactic declaration, **"Behold your God!"**, is the ultimate message, signifying the return of God's active presence, sovereignty, and faithfulness to His covenant promises, assuring His people that He is not distant but intimately involved in their deliverance and future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bringest good tidings (Hebrew, _bâsar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)." It encompasses the act of being a messenger, preaching, publishing, or showing forth good news. In this context, it denotes the joyous and vital task of proclaiming a message of comfort and hope, contrasting sharply with the previous messages of impending doom. The inherent cheerfulness of the word underscores the nature of the news being delivered—a message of relief and restoration.
* **high (Hebrew, _gâbôahh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be elevated," this word describes something "elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant." While it can carry negative connotations of haughtiness, here it refers to a physical elevation—a "high mountain"—from which a message can be effectively broadcast. It implies prominence and visibility, ensuring the message reaches far and wide, reflecting the importance and authority of the proclamation.
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." In this context, it is used in the imperative negative: "be not afraid." It directly addresses the natural human tendency towards fear in the face of daunting circumstances or powerful opposition. The command to not fear is a divine assurance, empowering the heralds to deliver their message with unwavering conviction, trusting in the power of the One who sends them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings,"**: This opening apostrophe personifies Zion and Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of Judah, as heralds or messengers. The repetition of "that bringest good tidings" emphasizes their assigned role and the joyful nature of their message. The command to "get thee up into the high mountain" is a literal and symbolic instruction to ascend a prominent vantage point, signifying the public, visible, and authoritative nature of the proclamation.
* **"lift up thy voice with strength; lift [it] up, be not afraid;"**: These are powerful imperatives. "Lift up thy voice with strength" demands a loud, clear, and unhesitant declaration, implying that the message is too important to be whispered or delivered timidly. The subsequent command, "lift [it] up, be not afraid," reinforces the need for boldness and courage, directly addressing any potential fear or hesitation that might arise from the dire circumstances or the magnitude of the message. It is a divine empowerment against fear.
* **"say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!"**: This is the climax and core content of the "good tidings." The message is not just for Jerusalem but for all the outlying "cities of Judah," signifying a universal message of hope for the entire nation. "Behold your God!" is a profound declaration. It announces God's imminent return, His active presence, and His sovereign power, reassuring a people who felt abandoned that their God is indeed present, powerful, and faithful to His covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 40:9 is rich in **Personification**, as Zion and Jerusalem, typically geographical locations or populations, are given the human agency of "bringing good tidings" and "lifting up their voice." This device makes the message more immediate and relatable, transforming abstract entities into active participants in God's redemptive plan. **Repetition** is prominently used with the phrase "that bringest good tidings" and the command "lift up," which serves to emphasize the central theme of proclamation and the urgency of the message. The verse is also dominated by **Imperative Mood** verbs ("get thee up," "lift up," "be not afraid," "say"), creating a sense of divine command and urgency, compelling the audience to act decisively. Finally, **Symbolism** is evident in the "high mountain," representing a place of authority and wide dissemination for the message, and the "voice," which symbolizes the power and clarity of the divine word. The ultimate symbolic declaration, "Behold your God!", encapsulates the very essence of God's manifest presence and sovereign power, a beacon of hope for a despairing nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 40:9 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of divine revelation and the role of God's people as heralds of His truth. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even in the midst of judgment and exile, by promising His return and active presence. The "good tidings" are not merely a human report but a divine announcement of restoration, comfort, and the ultimate triumph of God's sovereignty. This prophetic call to fearless proclamation foreshadows the ongoing mission of God's people throughout history to declare His truth, culminating in the ultimate good news of salvation.

* [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace!")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.")
* [Isaiah 40:10](/isaiah/40-10 "Isaiah 40:10 - Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 40:9 issues a timeless mandate for believers today: to be bold and fearless heralds of God's truth in a world desperately in need of hope. Just as Zion and Jerusalem were commissioned to declare God's imminent return and presence to a disheartened Judah, so too are we called to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. This involves not merely sharing information, but embodying a message of comfort, sovereignty, and active divine presence. Our proclamation must be strong, clear, and unhindered by fear of opposition, ridicule, or the seemingly overwhelming challenges of our age. The core of our message remains "Behold your God!"—a call to recognize His active reign, His redemptive work, and His ultimate victory. This verse encourages us to live as confident witnesses, knowing that the God we proclaim is sovereign, faithful, and actively at work in the world and in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or witness do you need to "lift up your voice with strength" and "be not afraid"?**
* **What "good tidings" of God's character and work are you uniquely positioned to proclaim to those around you?**
* **How does the declaration "Behold your God!" challenge or comfort you in your current circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more boldly and clearly communicate the truth of God's presence and power to your community?**

### FAQ
**Who is "Zion" and "Jerusalem" in this context, and why are they commanded to bring good tidings?**

Answer: In Isaiah 40:9, "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are used interchangeably and personified. They represent not just the physical city and its mountain, but symbolically, the people of God, the remnant, and the spiritual heart of the nation of Judah. They are commanded to bring good tidings because they are the recipients of God's comfort and restoration, and as such, they are uniquely positioned and responsible to share this message of hope and God's imminent return with the wider community, specifically "the cities of Judah." This commission transforms them from a suffering people into active participants in God's redemptive plan, becoming messengers of His grace to others.

**What are these "good tidings" that Zion and Jerusalem are to proclaim?**

Answer: The "good tidings" (Hebrew: *bâsar*) are primarily the announcement of God's return to His people and His active presence among them after the Babylonian exile. The climactic phrase, "Behold your God!", encapsulates this message. It signifies that God, who may have seemed distant or absent during their period of judgment and exile, is now coming with power and comfort to restore His people. This includes promises of liberation from captivity, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the re-establishment of God's covenant relationship with Israel. It's a message of divine intervention, sovereignty, and faithfulness, offering profound hope and assurance to a despairing nation.

**Why is it important to "lift up thy voice with strength" and "be not afraid" when proclaiming these tidings?**

Answer: The commands to "lift up thy voice with strength" and "be not afraid" emphasize the urgency, clarity, and courage required for this divine proclamation. In the context of post-exilic Judah, the people were likely disheartened, fearful, and perhaps even skeptical. A message of such magnitude—the return of God Himself—needed to be delivered with conviction and boldness to cut through the prevailing despair and unbelief. It implies that the message is powerful and true, not to be whispered in doubt, but declared openly and confidently. The command to "be not afraid" is a direct antidote to the fear and intimidation that might prevent the heralds from fulfilling their mission, assuring them of God's backing and protection as they declare His truth. This call for fearless proclamation resonates throughout Scripture, empowering God's messengers to speak His word without compromise, regardless of opposition ([Acts 4:29](/acts/4-29 "Acts 4:29 - Boldness in Proclaiming God's Word")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "good tidings" that Zion is commanded to proclaim are fully realized in the Gospel of Jesus, who is the very embodiment of "Behold your God!" While Isaiah's immediate context pointed to God's return to His people after exile, this prophecy reaches its zenith in the incarnation, where God Himself literally "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus' ministry began with the declaration of the "good news of the kingdom of God" ([Mark 1:14-15](/mark/1-14 "Mark 1:14-15 - Jesus Proclaims the Gospel")), echoing the ancient call to proclaim glad tidings. He is Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), the ultimate manifestation of God's presence among humanity. The commission to "lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid" is perfectly fulfilled in the Great Commission, where Christ empowers His disciples to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel to all nations, assuring them of His abiding presence "to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, the ancient call to announce "Behold your God!" culminates in the joyous proclamation of Jesus Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God, bringing ultimate comfort, salvation, and the tangible presence of the divine to all who believe ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 52:7

¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Isaiah 52:8

Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

Isaiah 25:9

¶ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Ephesians 6:19

¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Luke 24:47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.