Isaiah 40:1-11

Isaiah 40:1-11. The Prologue

This first proclamation of glad tidings to Zion (see ch. Isaiah 41:27) is a passage of singular beauty, breathing the spirit of new-born hope and enthusiasm with which the prophet enters on his work. The announcement of a miraculous restoration of the exiles to their own land is the central theme of his prophecy, and the point around which all the ideas of the book crystallize. As yet the historical fact is but dimly outlined, the writer's mind being occupied with its ideal significance as a revelation of the glory and the gracious character of Jehovah (Isaiah 40:5; Isaiah 40:10f.). His state of mind borders on ecstasy; his ears are filled with the music of heavenly voices telling him that the night is far spent and the day is at hand; and although his home is with the exiles in Babylon, his gaze is fixed throughout on Jerusalem and the great Divine event which is the consummation of Israel's redemption. The prologue consists of two parts:

i. Isa 40:1-2. Proclamation of forgiveness and promise of deliverance to the exiled nation.

ii. Isa 40:3-11. An imaginative description of the process by which the promise is to be fulfilled, Jehovah's return with His people to their ancient abode. This second division contains three sections:

(1) Isaiah 40:3. A voice is heard calling on un seen agencies to prepare a way for Jehovah through the desert. The idea expressed is that already the spiritual and supernatural forces are in motion which will bring about the return of the captives and a revelation of the Divine glory to all the world.

(2) Isaiah 40:6. A second voice calls on the prophet to proclaim the fundamental truth on which the realisation of his hope depends, the perishableness of all human power, and the enduring stability of the word of the Lord.

(3) Isaiah 40:9. The prophet himself now takes up the strain; he summons a company of ideal messengers to announce to Zion and the cities of Judah the advent of Jehovah with His ransomed people.