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Notes
A voice of one calling: In Malachi 3:1, this person (possibly the Elijah of Malachi 4:5) was God's messenger who prepared the way for God's coming. In the Gospels, people identified this announcer as John the Baptist (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23).
Prepare the way … make a straight highway: The announcer's message would speed up God's coming (see Isaiah 35:8). As God made a way for Israel through the Red Sea (Isaiah 43:16), a way would also be opened for the Lord (see 52:11–12).
There is now a shift from announcing the good news to expecting God's arrival. The good news (Isaiah 40:1–2) is based on God himself.
Isaiah described the Lord as coming on a highway through the desert (see Isaiah 35). However, the imagery is reversed here: In Isaiah 35, the people traveled to Zion, toward the Lord. Here, the Lord is coming toward his people (see also Isaiah 52:8, where both images are combined).
This section shares the good news of God's coming salvation. The Lord will support his people and judge His enemies. Salvation will occur through the arrival, suffering, and exaltation of the Lord's servant, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
This chapter introduces chapters 40–66. In this section, comfort means the result of God's merciful actions toward people in the future. It includes encouragement, strength, and acceptance.
God wants to rescue his people (Isaiah 40:1–11) and is fully capable of doing so (40:12–26). The exiles needed to trust God's promises and wait for their rescue (Isaiah 40:27–31; see also 30:15–18).
Isaiah God’s Faithfulness to His People God’s Servant Salvation in Isaiah
Events
- Prophecies of Isaiahc. 759 BC
Parallels
Glossary
Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Book of Baruch Isaiah, Book of John the Baptist New Creation, New Creature Prophet, Prophetess Ransom Wilderness
Topics
Christ is God: As Jehovah Christian Minister: Duties of Herald: General Scriptures Concerning Highways: (Made in the Deserts) of Facilities for the Spread of The Highways: All Obstructions Removed From, Before Persons of Distinction Highways: Figurative Highways: Generally Straight Highways: Often Made in Deserts Jesus, the Christ: Divinity of As Jehovah Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Jehovah Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning the Coming of Jesus, the Christ: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to the Divinity of John: The Baptist: Prophecies Concerning Proclamation: Imperial Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Being Preceded by John the Baptist Quotations and Allusions in the New Testament From, and To, the Old Testament Select Readings: The Omnipotence and Incomparableness of God Straight of Righteousness, |Straight Paths| Travellers of Distinction: Often Preceded by Heralds to Have the Roads Prepared