This text begins a section of Isaiah in which the prophet is writing to comfort an exiled people. Judah is taken over by Babylon and is certainly full of many thoughts. I’m sure that many questioned God, other were looking to turn to idols, many wondered what life would look like, and still others likely wondered what this means for the covenant between God and their ancestors. In many ways, it relates to our own lives as exiles away from God. We live in a foreign land, surrounded by the discomfort of sin. The message that Isaiah is presenting the nation of Israel is one that still rings true to us today.

• V. 1 Comfort. This is the message that Isaiah proclaims from the Lord following the exile and destruction of Israel. How is it that anyone would be able to find comfort under these circumstances? And yet is that not what the Christian is to experience, possess, and produce? May we, under all circumstances experience the peace that the Lord is seeking to share with his people. 

• V. 2 We see to interesting details in this verse. First, we see God telling the voice to cry to Israel. This is to show great unity with the people. The first thing that anyone thinks when they go through something difficult, or rather earth-shattering, is that they are all alone or forgotten. God wants the people of Israel to know that he is with them and mourns their judgement. The second part is that the judgement of the nation had been completed. This allows the nation to come under the Lord’s blessing and guidance. This provides hope for a future connected with the Lord. The message is intended to heal the wounds of a hurt people and bring them back to himself. 

• V. 3 The voice crying out is speaking to a barren land, that is God’s people, that they must make their paths straight. The people of God, while in the wilderness that is exile, must prepare the way for the Lord. In connection to John the Baptist, this verse is clearly saying to prepare the way, for the Lord is to come. Clear the runway that we may be open to receiving the Lord into our lives. 

• V. 4 The earth shall be moved and formed in such an impossible way that there will be no barrier that the Lord will not topple to spread his glory. Nothing will hinder the Gospel message from reaching the world. The valleys, in which the spirit of the people of God find themselves in, will be lifted up. The enemies that are proudly standing on the hills will be made low. The uneven ground prone to trip his people and make them falter will be smoothed and the difficult land will be made easy. Whatever situation we find ourselves in, the Lord will provide. 

• V. 5 The glory of the Lord will be revealed not just to a group of people, but will be shown to the whole earth. 

• Vv. 6-8 We are given the comparison between the fleshly and the Godly. When flesh speaks, it may be good for a season of time, but surely will pass away. When God speaks, the message is good for all of eternity. How much more amazing is it, then, that when we accept the Lord we become more like him, taking on his character allowing us to take part in eternity. 

• V. 9 We see the power of this song that begins low, crying words of comfort with the people of Israel. Promises of hope are shared, drying the tear of every eye. Then, in verse 9, we climb with Isaiah to the mountain top to scream victory for the Lord. We move from brokenness to confidence, loss to fearless. We are able to stand in the midst of trial and proclaim the good news not because of anything but the faithfulness shown by our God. 

• Vv. 10-11 We get the image the the Lord is both a mighty king and a gentle shepherd. He comes to bring the people Israel up from their fall from grace. But he also comes to gather his children and comfort them. How great is our God.