Isaiah 40:1-11 (7-9)

The Bible is God’s Word given in a particular historical context to all people whatever their historical context.

Consider the “historical context” of Isaiah.  He was a prophet in Israel (in the southern kingdom of Judah; Israel was a divided nation) from approximately 740-685 B.C.  He spoke for God during the reigns of 4 kings (Is. 1:1).  The prosperity and security under Uzziah disappeared in the days of Jotham and Ahaz.  First it was the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the Syrians who threatened Judah.  But these allies were soon overrun by an even greater threat in the Assyrians, who then turned their attention to Judah, capturing the walled “cities of Judah” in the north as they relentlessly marched on Jerusalem.  Isaiah 36-37 tells the story, in the days of Hezekiah, of God’s help for Judah in finally turning back this vicious enemy.  But in the celebration of this deliverance Isaiah predicted an even greater enemy (Babylon) would someday come to Jerusalem and they would not be turned back (Isa. 38-39).  This happened almost 100 years later.

The historical context, however, is never simply about governments or armies.  It is about people and their relationship with God.  This message to Jerusalem is a comforting message because God says through Isaiah that “her warfare is ended … her iniquity is pardoned” (v2).  This coming day of peace will be a time when those “cities of Judah” will “Behold your God!” (v9).  In fact God will come to personally rule and comfort them (v10-11).  The voice of the prophet called the people to “prepare the way of the Lord” (v3-4), a call issued by Isaiah here and later by John the Baptist in anticipation of the earthly ministry of Christ (Luke 3:1-6).  

Isaiah has said more warfare and hardship is coming (39:6-7).  But a time will come when “her warfare is ended” (40:1-2).  Don’t miss the fact that the end of warfare is tied to the end of iniquity or guilt (v2).  It is not simply that Israel will stop sinning; it is that they will be pardoned.  In other words these words apply to a time after the Messiah dies for their sins (Dan. 9:24-27).

These are indeed words of comfort, but only if you can believe that the one saying these things can be counted on.  Let us remember these are not simply the words of Isaiah.  Isaiah is like “grass”; he will wither and fade away, as is the case with all people.  “But the word of our God stands forever” (v8).  Judah can take hope in the fact that the LORD their God is faithful.  He cannot lie.  What He has said He will do.

Consider this today.  We have a God who has gone on record.  Let us be faithful to study His word(s).  Let us hear what He says to our own historical context.  But then let us trust Him.  His word stands forever!