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Joel Kell

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Isaiah 40

Introduction

At this chapter begins the latter part of the prophecy of this book, which is not only divided from the former by the historical chapters that come between, but seems to be distinguished from it in the scope and style of it.

Verses 1–2

We have here the commission and instructions given, not to this prophet only, but, with him, to all the Lord’s prophets, nay, and to all Christ’s ministers, to proclaim comfort to God’s people. 1.

Verses 3–8

The time to favour Zion, yea, the set time, having come, the people of God must be prepared, by repentance and faith, for the favours designed them; and, in order to call them to both these, we have here the voice of one crying in the wilderness, which may be applied to those prophets who were with…

Verses 9–11

It was promised that the glory of the Lord shall be revealed; that is it with the hopes of which God’s people must be comforted. Now here we are told, I. How it shall be revealed, Isa. 40:9. 1.

Verses 12–17

The scope of these verses is to show what a great and glorious being the Lord Jehovah is, who is Israel’s God and Saviour. It comes in here, 1. To encourage his people that were captives in Babylon to hope in him, and to depend upon him for deliverance, though they were ever so weak and their…

Verses 18–26

The prophet here reproves those, 1. Who represented God by creatures, and so changed his truth into a lie and his glory into shame, who made images and then said that they resembled God, and paid their homage to them accordingly. 2.

Verses 27–31

Here, I. The prophet reproves the people of God, who are now supposed to be captives in Babylon for their unbelief and distrust of God, and the dejections and despondencies of their spirit under their affliction : ” Why sayest thou, O Jacob! to thyself and to those about thee, My way is hidden from…