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Selected Verse: Isaiah 40:1 - Strong Concordance
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Isa 40:1 |
Strong Concordance |
Comfort [05162] ye, comfort [05162] ye my people [05971], saith [0559] your God [0430]. |
| |
King James |
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
SECOND PART OF THE PROPHECIES OF ISAIAH. (Isa. 40:1-31)
Comfort ye, comfort ye--twice repeated to give double assurance. Having announced the coming captivity of the Jews in Babylon, God now desires His servants, the prophets (Isa 52:7), to comfort them. The scene is laid in Babylon; the time, near the close of the captivity; the ground of comfort is the speedy ending of the captivity, the Lord Himself being their leader.
my people . . . your God--correlatives (Jer 31:33; Hos 1:9-10). It is God's covenant relation with His people, and His "word" of promise (Isa 40:8) to their forefathers, which is the ground of His interposition in their behalf, after having for a time chastised them (Isa 54:8). |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people - This is the exordium, or the general subject of this and the following chapters. The commencement is abrupt, as often happens in Isaiah and the other prophets. The scene where this vision is laid is in Babylon; the time near the close of the captivity. The topic, or main subject of the consolation, is stated in the following verse - that that captivity was about to end, and that brighter and happier days were to succeed their calamities and their exile. The exhortation to 'comfort' the people is to be understood as a command of God to those in Babylon whose office or duty it would be to address them - that is, to the ministers of religion, or to the prophets. The Targum of Jonathan thus renders it: 'Ye prophets, prophesy consolations concerning my people.' The Septuagint renders it, 'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith God. O priests, speak to the heart of Jerusalem; comfort her.' The design of Isaiah is doubtless to furnish that which should be to them a source of consolation when amidst the deep distress of their long captivity; to furnish an assurance that the captivity was about to end, and that brighter and happier times were to ensue.
The exhortation or command is repeated, to give intensity or emphasis to it, in the usual manner in Hebrew, where emphasis is denoted by the repetition of a word. The word rendered 'comfort' (from נחם nâcham) means properly to draw the breath forcibly, to sigh, pant, groan; then to lament, or grieve Psa 90:13; Jer 15:6; then to comfort or console one's-self Gen 38:12. then to take vengeance (compare the note at Isa 1:24). All the forms of the word, and all the significations, indicate deep emotion, and the obtaining of relief either by repenting, or by taking vengeance, or by administering the proper topics of consolation. Here the topic of consolation is, that their calamities were about to come to an end, in accordance with the unchanging promises of a faithful God Isa 40:8, and is thus in accordance with what is said in Heb 6:17-18.
My people - The people of God. He regarded those in Babylon as his people; and he designed also to adduce such topics of consolation as would be adapted to comfort all his people in all ages.
Saith your God - The God of those whom he addressed - the God of the prophets or ministers of religion whose office was to comfort the people. We may remark here, that it is an important part of the ministerial office to administer consolation to the people of God in affiction; to exhibit to them his promises; to urge the topics of religion which are adapted to sustain them; and especially to uphold and cheer them with the assurance that their trials will soon come to an end, and will all terminate in complete deliverance from sorrow and calamity in heaven. |
| The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917] |
Comfort
The first two verses of Isaiah 40 (Isa 40:1-2) give the key-note of the second part of the prophecy of Isaiah. The great theme of this section is Jesus Christ in His sufferings, and the glory that shall follow in the Davidic kingdom. (See "Christ in Old Testament," sufferings,) (Gen 4:4); (Heb 10:18) glory, (Sa2 7:8-15); (Zac 12:8) Since Israel is to be regathered, converted, and made the centre of the new social order when the kingdom is set up, this part of Isaiah appropriately contains glowing prophecies concerning these events. The full view of the redemptive sufferings of Christ (for example Isaiah 53) leads to the evangelic strain so prominent in this part of (Isa 55:1-3).
The change in style, about which so much has been said, is no more remarkable than the change of theme. A prophet who was also a patriot would not write of the sins and coming captivity of his people in the same exultant and joyous style which he would use to describe their redemption, blessing, and power. In (Joh 12:37-44) quotations from Isaiah 53 and 6 are both ascribed to Isaiah. |
| Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78] |
| In this first address the prophet vindicates his call to be the preacher of the comfort of the approaching deliverance, and explains this comfort on the ground that Jehovah, who called him to this comforting proclamation, was the incomparably exalted Creator and Ruler of the world. The first part of this address (Isa 40:1-11) may be regarded as the prologue to the whole twenty-seven. The theme of the prophetic promise, and the irresistible certainty of its fulfilment, are here declared. Turning of the people of the captivity, whom Jehovah has neither forgotten nor rejected, the prophet commences thus in Isa 40:1 : "Comfort ye, comfort ye may people, saith your God." This is the divine command to the prophets. Nachămū (piel, literally, to cause to breathe again) is repeated, because of its urgency (anadiplosis, as in Isa 41:27; Isa 43:11, Isa 43:25, etc.). The word יאמר, which does not mean "will say" here (Hofmann, Stier), but "saith" (lxx, Jerome) - as, for example, in Sa1 24:14 - affirms that the command is a continuous one. The expression "saith your God" is peculiar to Isaiah, and common to both parts of the collection (Isa 1:11, Isa 1:18; Isa 33:10; Isa 40:1, Isa 40:25; Isa 41:21; Isa 66:9). The future in all these passages is expressive of that which is taking place or still continuing. And it is the same here. The divine command has not been issued once only, or merely to one prophet, but is being continually addressed to many prophets. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people," is the continual charge of the God of the exiles. who has not ceased to be their God even in the midst of wrath, to His messengers and heralds the prophets. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| Ye - Ye prophets and ministers. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
| Comfort ye, comfort ye - "The whole of this prophecy," says Kimchi, "belongs to the days of the Messiah." |
8 In a little [08241] wrath [07110] I hid [05641] my face [06440] from thee for a moment [07281]; but with everlasting [05769] kindness [02617] will I have mercy [07355] on thee, saith [0559] the LORD [03068] thy Redeemer [01350].
8 The grass [02682] withereth [03001], the flower [06731] fadeth [05034]: but the word [01697] of our God [0430] shall stand [06965] for ever [05769].
9 Then said [0559] God, Call [07121] his name [08034] Loammi [03818]: for ye are not my people [05971], and I will not be your God.
10 Yet the number [04557] of the children [01121] of Israel [03478] shall be as the sand [02344] of the sea [03220], which cannot be measured [04058] nor numbered [05608]; and it shall come to pass, that in the place [04725] where it was said [0559] unto them, Ye are not my people [05971], there it shall be said [0559] unto them, Ye are the sons [01121] of the living [02416] God [0410].
33 But this shall be the covenant [01285] that I will make [03772] with the house [01004] of Israel [03478]; After [0310] those days [03117], saith [05002] the LORD [03068], I will put [05414] my law [08451] in their inward parts [07130], and write [03789] it in their hearts [03820]; and will be their God [0430], and they shall be my people [05971].
7 How beautiful [04998] upon the mountains [02022] are the feet [07272] of him that bringeth good tidings [01319], that publisheth [08085] peace [07965]; that bringeth good tidings [01319] of good [02896], that publisheth [08085] salvation [03444]; that saith [0559] unto Zion [06726], Thy God [0430] reigneth [04427] !
17 Wherein [1722] [3739] God [2316], willing [1014] more abundantly [4054] to shew [1925] unto the heirs [2818] of promise [1860] the immutability [276] of his [846] counsel [1012], confirmed [3315] it by an oath [3727]:
18 That [2443] by [1223] two [1417] immutable [276] things [4229], in [1722] which [3739] it was impossible [102] for God [2316] to lie [5574], we might have [2192] a strong [2478] consolation [3874], who [3588] have fled for refuge [2703] to lay hold [2902] upon the hope [1680] set before us [4295]:
8 The grass [02682] withereth [03001], the flower [06731] fadeth [05034]: but the word [01697] of our God [0430] shall stand [06965] for ever [05769].
24 Therefore saith [05002] the Lord [0113], the LORD [03068] of hosts [06635], the mighty One [046] of Israel [03478], Ah [01945], I will ease [05162] me of mine adversaries [06862], and avenge [05358] me of mine enemies [0341]:
12 And in process [07235] of time [03117] the daughter [01323] of Shuah [07770] Judah's [03063] wife [0802] died [04191]; and Judah [03063] was comforted [05162], and went up [05927] unto his sheepshearers [01494] [06629] to Timnath [08553], he and his friend [07453] Hirah [02437] the Adullamite [05726].
6 Thou hast forsaken [05203] me, saith [05002] the LORD [03068], thou art gone [03212] backward [0268]: therefore will I stretch out [05186] my hand [03027] against thee, and destroy [07843] thee; I am weary [03811] with repenting [05162].
13 Return [07725], O LORD [03068], how long? and let it repent [05162] thee concerning thy servants [05650].
37 But [1161] though he [846] had done [4160] so many [5118] miracles [4592] before [1715] them [846], yet they believed [4100] not [3756] on [1519] him [846]:
38 That [2443] the saying [3056] of Esaias [2268] the prophet [4396] might be fulfilled [4137], which [3739] he spake [2036], Lord [2962], who [5101] hath believed [4100] our [2257] report [189]? and [2532] to whom [5101] hath the arm [1023] of the Lord [2962] been revealed [601]?
39 Therefore [5124] [1223] they could [1410] not [3756] believe [4100], because [3754] that Esaias [2268] said [2036] again [3825],
40 He hath blinded [5186] their [846] eyes [3788], and [2532] hardened [4456] their [846] heart [2588]; that [3363] they should [1492] not [3363] see [1492] with their eyes [3788], nor [2532] understand [3539] with their heart [2588], and [2532] be converted [1994], and [2532] I should heal [2390] them [846].
41 These things [5023] said [2036] Esaias [2268], when [3753] he saw [1492] his [846] glory [1391], and [2532] spake [2980] of [4012] him [846].
42 Nevertheless [3676] [3305] among [1537] the chief rulers [758] also [2532] many [4183] believed [4100] on [1519] him [846]; but [235] because [1223] of the Pharisees [5330] they did [3670] not [3756] confess [3670] him, lest [3363] they should be [1096] put out of the synagogue [656]:
43 For [1063] they loved [25] the praise [1391] of men [444] more [3123] than [2260] the praise [1391] of God [2316].
44 [1161] Jesus [2424] cried [2896] and [2532] said [2036], He that believeth [4100] on [1519] me [1691], believeth [4100] not [3756] on [1519] me [1691], but [235] on [1519] him that sent [3992] me [3165].
1 Ho [01945], every one that thirsteth [06771], come [03212] ye to the waters [04325], and he that hath no money [03701]; come [03212] ye, buy [07666], and eat [0398]; yea, come [03212], buy [07666] wine [03196] and milk [02461] without money [03701] and without price [04242].
2 Wherefore do ye spend [08254] money [03701] for that which is not bread [03899]? and your labour [03018] for that which satisfieth [07654] not [03808]? hearken [08085] diligently [08085] unto me, and eat [0398] ye that which is good [02896], and let your soul [05315] delight [06026] itself in fatness [01880].
3 Incline [05186] your ear [0241], and come [03212] unto me: hear [08085], and your soul [05315] shall live [02421]; and I will make [03772] an everlasting [05769] covenant [01285] with you, even the sure [0539] mercies [02617] of David [01732].
8 In that day [03117] shall the LORD [03068] defend [01598] the inhabitants [03427] of Jerusalem [03389]; and he that is feeble [03782] among them at that day [03117] shall be as David [01732]; and the house [01004] of David [01732] shall be as God [0430], as the angel [04397] of the LORD [03068] before [06440] them.
8 Now therefore so shalt thou say [0559] unto my servant [05650] David [01732], Thus saith [0559] the LORD [03068] of hosts [06635], I took [03947] thee from the sheepcote [05116], from following [0310] the sheep [06629], to be ruler [05057] over my people [05971], over Israel [03478]:
9 And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest [01980], and have cut off [03772] all thine enemies [0341] out of thy sight [06440], and have made [06213] thee a great [01419] name [08034], like unto the name [08034] of the great [01419] men that are in the earth [0776].
10 Moreover I will appoint [07760] a place [04725] for my people [05971] Israel [03478], and will plant [05193] them, that they may dwell [07931] in a place of their own, and move [07264] no more; neither shall the children [01121] of wickedness [05766] afflict [06031] them any more [03254], as beforetime [07223],
11 And as since the time [03117] that I commanded [06680] judges [08199] to be over my people [05971] Israel [03478], and have caused thee to rest [05117] from all thine enemies [0341]. Also the LORD [03068] telleth [05046] thee that he will make [06213] thee an house [01004].
12 And when thy days [03117] be fulfilled [04390], and thou shalt sleep [07901] with thy fathers [01], I will set up [06965] thy seed [02233] after [0310] thee, which shall proceed [03318] out of thy bowels [04578], and I will establish [03559] his kingdom [04467].
13 He shall build [01129] an house [01004] for my name [08034], and I will stablish [03559] the throne [03678] of his kingdom [04467] for [05704] ever [05769].
14 I will be his father [01], and he shall be my son [01121]. If he commit iniquity [05753], I will chasten [03198] him with the rod [07626] of men [0582], and with the stripes [05061] of the children [01121] of men [0120]:
15 But my mercy [02617] shall not depart away [05493] from him, as I took [05493] it from Saul [07586], whom I put away [05493] before [06440] thee.
18 Now [1161] where [3699] remission [859] of these [5130] is, there is no more [3765] offering [4376] for [4012] sin [266].
4 And Abel [01893], he [01931] also brought [0935] of the firstlings [01062] of his flock [06629] and of the fat [02459] thereof. And the LORD [03068] had respect [08159] unto Abel [01893] and to his offering [04503]:
1 Comfort [05162] ye, comfort [05162] ye my people [05971], saith [0559] your God [0430].
2 Speak [01696] ye comfortably [03820] to Jerusalem [03389], and cry [07121] unto her, that her warfare [06635] is accomplished [04390], that her iniquity [05771] is pardoned [07521]: for she hath received [03947] of the LORD'S [03068] hand [03027] double [03718] for all her sins [02403].
9 Shall I bring to the birth [07665], and not cause to bring forth [03205]? saith [0559] the LORD [03068]: shall I [0589] cause to bring forth [03205], and shut [06113] the womb? saith [0559] thy God [0430].
21 Produce [07126] your cause [07379], saith [0559] the LORD [03068]; bring forth [05066] your strong [06110] reasons, saith [0559] the King [04428] of Jacob [03290].
25 To whom then will ye liken [01819] me, or shall I be equal [07737]? saith [0559] the Holy One [06918].
1 Comfort [05162] ye, comfort [05162] ye my people [05971], saith [0559] your God [0430].
10 Now will I rise [06965], saith [0559] the LORD [03068]; now will I be exalted [07426]; now will I lift up [05375] myself.
18 Come now [03212], and let us reason together [03198], saith [0559] the LORD [03068]: though your sins [02399] be as scarlet [08144], they shall be as white [03835] as snow [07950]; though they be red [0119] like crimson [08438], they shall be as wool [06785].
11 To what [04100] purpose is the multitude [07230] of your sacrifices [02077] unto me? saith [0559] the LORD [03068]: I am full [07646] of the burnt offerings [05930] of rams [0352], and the fat [02459] of fed beasts [04806]; and I delight [02654] not in the blood [01818] of bullocks [06499], or of lambs [03532], or of he goats [06260].
14 After [0310] whom is the king [04428] of Israel [03478] come out [03318]? after [0310] whom dost thou pursue [07291]? after [0310] a dead [04191] dog [03611], after [0310] a [0259] flea [06550].
25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out [04229] thy transgressions [06588] for mine own sake, and will not remember [02142] thy sins [02403].
11 I, even I, am the LORD [03068]; and beside [01107] me there is no saviour [03467].
27 The first [07223] shall say to Zion [06726], Behold [02009], behold [02009] them: and I will give [05414] to Jerusalem [03389] one that bringeth good tidings [01319].
1 Comfort [05162] ye, comfort [05162] ye my people [05971], saith [0559] your God [0430].
1 Comfort [05162] ye, comfort [05162] ye my people [05971], saith [0559] your God [0430].
2 Speak [01696] ye comfortably [03820] to Jerusalem [03389], and cry [07121] unto her, that her warfare [06635] is accomplished [04390], that her iniquity [05771] is pardoned [07521]: for she hath received [03947] of the LORD'S [03068] hand [03027] double [03718] for all her sins [02403].
3 The voice [06963] of him that crieth [07121] in the wilderness [04057], Prepare [06437] ye the way [01870] of the LORD [03068], make straight [03474] in the desert [06160] a highway [04546] for our God [0430].
4 Every valley [01516] shall be exalted [05375], and every mountain [02022] and hill [01389] shall be made low [08213]: and the crooked [06121] shall be made straight [04334], and the rough places [07406] plain [01237]:
5 And the glory [03519] of the LORD [03068] shall be revealed [01540], and all flesh [01320] shall see [07200] it together [03162]: for the mouth [06310] of the LORD [03068] hath spoken [01696] it.
6 The voice [06963] said [0559], Cry [07121]. And he said [0559], What shall I cry [07121]? All flesh [01320] is grass [02682], and all the goodliness [02617] thereof is as the flower [06731] of the field [07704]:
7 The grass [02682] withereth [03001], the flower [06731] fadeth [05034]: because the spirit [07307] of the LORD [03068] bloweth [05380] upon it: surely [0403] the people [05971] is grass [02682].
8 The grass [02682] withereth [03001], the flower [06731] fadeth [05034]: but the word [01697] of our God [0430] shall stand [06965] for ever [05769].
9 O Zion [06726], that bringest good tidings [01319], get thee up [05927] into the high [01364] mountain [02022]; O Jerusalem [03389], that bringest good tidings [01319], lift up [07311] thy voice [06963] with strength [03581]; lift it up [07311], be not afraid [03372]; say [0559] unto the cities [05892] of Judah [03063], Behold your God [0430]!
10 Behold, the Lord [0136] GOD [03069] will come [0935] with strong [02389] hand, and his arm [02220] shall rule [04910] for him: behold, his reward [07939] is with him, and his work [06468] before [06440] him.
11 He shall feed [07462] his flock [05739] like a shepherd [07462]: he shall gather [06908] the lambs [02922] with his arm [02220], and carry [05375] them in his bosom [02436], and shall gently lead [05095] those that are with young [05763].