Isaiah 40:12-31
The first 11 verses of chapter 40 spoke of a glorious hope for the freshly exiled people of Israel. Isaiah recognized the depths of their despair only to redirect the people’s gaze to the coming of the Lord. This closing of chapter 40 will continue in this hope, speaking towards the Lord’s ability to make good on the promise of a hope to come. Isaiah will speak towards a faith that will grant each who believes power and strength that will allow them to persevere the trials they will experience after exile in awaiting the Lord.
Vv. 12-14 Isaiah is sure to point out that it is God who created all things and that he is wise in no need of another’s counsel. This is an argument used to back up the claims that God will be able to fulfill the hope given to these exiled people.
Vv. 15-17 The nations that are large and oppressors of Israel are like nothing to God. There is no nation that would be able to turn back the will of the Lord in saving his people.
Vv. 18-20 Isaiah makes fun of the idols and those who craft their image. He makes the point that it is interesting humans would choose to make gods of material that will rot and fade and fall away; all the while they have the opportunity to serve a God that is eternal and unmoving.
Vv. 21-24 The Lord rules over all of creation with a perspective over the whole thing. Verse 24 gives us an interesting perspective on history, in that the ebb and flow is controlled by the breath of God. Those who come to root in power are granted to do so by the Lord. And when he sees fit, they are removed and blown away as stubble.
Vv. 25-26 Much of the basis of the pagan religion, which surrounded Israel and which Israel was pressured to accept, was composed of astronomy. But the Lord reminds us through Isaiah that these pagans are worshipping creation rather than the creator. Israel must choose to remain committed to the creator and not created beings.
Vv. 27-31 This chapter concludes with a famous ending: “but they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint.” Isaiah is imploring the people of Israel to have faith, as it is by faith that the strength of the Lord may be passed onto Israel.
Theme of a Big God: We are given several images of God being a big God. He is able to measure the size of the oceans with the width of a single hand. Compared to him, the powerful nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket, dust on a scale, nothing to him. All the people of the world are but grasshoppers compared to him. Many times in this section we are reminded of the strength and preeminence of the Lord. This is essential to the situation that the Israelites find themselves in. This description is used to build confidence in the Lord and the hope he is giving to the Israelites. Many times we too need to be reminded of how big our God is. It is a reminder that God is large enough to care for our problems, big or small. It is a reminder that we are able to have trust in him, that nothing will turn away his hand. It is a reminder that the hope promised by Jesus is not turned away by any situation we find ourselves anxious over. How great is it that we have a big God?
Snapshot of Chapter 40: Israel can have hope in a God who cares for them and will keep his promise towards them as his glory is to be revealed (vv. 1-11). God’s nature, his preeminence and strength, are reasons as to why Israel should have no fear but rather trust in the Lord (vv. 12-26). Although exile has shaken them and their spirits are weary, faith in the Lord has the power to raise them up and give them the energy of new life (vv. 27-31).