Can God rescue us from the problems we face? Can he save us from oppressive world powers? Can he break the power of our sin and help us deal with its consequences? Isaiah answers these questions with a resounding yes! The prophet’s words sometimes overwhelm us with their beauty. At other times, his piercing words reveal our sin and drive us to our knees. Isaiah’s own ministry began with a visio…
1Consolaos, consolaos, pueblo mío, dice vuestro Dios.
2Hablad al corazón de Jerusalén; decidle a voces que su tiempo es ya cumplido, que su pecado es perdonado; que doble ha recibido de la mano de Jehová por todos sus pecados.
3Voz que clama en el desierto: Preparad camino a Jehová; enderezad calzada en la soledad a nuestro Dios.
4Todo valle sea alzado, y bájese todo monte y collado; y lo torcido se enderece, y lo áspero se allane.
5Y se manifestará la gloria de Jehová, y toda carne juntamente la verá; porque la boca de Jehová ha hablado.
6Voz que decía: Da voces. Y yo respondí: ¿Qué tengo que decir a voces? Que toda carne es hierba, y toda su gloria como flor del campo.
7La hierba se seca, y la flor se marchita, porque el viento de Jehová sopló en ella; ciertamente como hierba es el pueblo.
8Sécase la hierba, marchítase la flor; mas la palabra del Dios nuestro permanece para siempre.
9Súbete sobre un monte alto, anunciadora de Sion; levanta fuertemente tu voz, anunciadora de Jerusalén; levántala, no temas; di a las ciudades de Judá: ¡Ved aquí al Dios vuestro!
10He aquí que Jehová el Señor vendrá con poder, y su brazo señoreará; he aquí que su recompensa viene con él, y su paga delante de su rostro.
11Como pastor apacentará su rebaño; en su brazo llevará los corderos, y en su seno los llevará; pastoreará suavemente a las recién paridas.
12¿Quién midió las aguas con el hueco de su mano y los cielos con su palmo, con tres dedos juntó el polvo de la tierra, y pesó los montes con balanza y con pesas los collados?
13¿Quién enseñó al Espíritu de Jehová, o le aconsejó enseñándole?
14¿A quién pidió consejo para ser avisado? ¿Quién le enseñó el camino del juicio, o le enseñó ciencia, o le mostró la senda de la prudencia?
15He aquí que las naciones le son como la gota de agua que cae del cubo, y como menudo polvo en las balanzas le son estimadas; he aquí que hace desaparecer las islas como polvo.
16Ni el Líbano bastará para el fuego, ni todos sus animales para el sacrificio.
17Como nada son todas las naciones delante de él; y en su comparación serán estimadas en menos que nada, y que lo que no es.
18¿A qué, pues, haréis semejante a Dios, o qué imagen le compondréis?
19El artífice prepara la imagen de talla, el platero le extiende el oro y le funde cadenas de plata.
20El pobre escoge, para ofrecerle, madera que no se apolille; se busca un maestro sabio, que le haga una imagen de talla que no se mueva.
21¿No sabéis? ¿No habéis oído? ¿Nunca os lo han dicho desde el principio? ¿No habéis sido enseñados desde que la tierra se fundó?
22Él está sentado sobre el círculo de la tierra, cuyos moradores son como langostas; él extiende los cielos como una cortina, los despliega como una tienda para morar.
23Él convierte en nada a los poderosos, y a los que gobiernan la tierra hace como cosa vana.
24Como si nunca hubieran sido plantados, como si nunca hubieran sido sembrados, como si nunca su tronco hubiera tenido raíz en la tierra; tan pronto como sopla en ellos se secan, y el torbellino los lleva como hojarasca.
25¿A qué, pues, me haréis semejante o me compararéis? dice el Santo.
26Levantad en alto vuestros ojos, y mirad quién creó estas cosas; él saca y cuenta su ejército; a todas llama por sus nombres; ninguna faltará; tal es la grandeza de su fuerza, y el poder de su dominio.
27¿Por qué dices, oh Jacob, y hablas tú, Israel: Mi camino está escondido de Jehová, y de mi Dios pasó mi juicio?
28¿No has sabido, no has oído que el Dios eterno es Jehová, el cual creó los confines de la tierra? No desfallece, ni se fatiga con cansancio, y su entendimiento no hay quien lo alcance.
29Él da esfuerzo al cansado, y multiplica las fuerzas al que no tiene ningunas.
30Los muchachos se fatigan y se cansan, los jóvenes flaquean y caen;
31pero los que esperan a Jehová tendrán nuevas fuerzas; levantarán alas como las águilas; correrán, y no se cansarán; caminarán, y no se fatigarán.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 40:1–66:24 The rest of Isaiah provides a message of comfort and a revelation of God’s character a…
40:1–66:24 The rest of Isaiah provides a message of comfort and a revelation of God’s character and his purposes for Israel. As 39:6-7 predicted, Judah would experience judgment and exile after the time of Isaiah. Throughout chs 40–66, Isaiah prophesied from the vantage point of the Exile having already become a reality. Therefore, the Babylonian exile provides the background for understanding these chapters.
40:1–55:13 This section announces the good news of God’s coming salvation. The Lord is coming to vindicate his own and to judge his enemies. Salvation would be accomplished through the arrival, suffering, and exaltation of the Lord’s servant—the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
40:1-31 This chapter introduces chs 40–66. In this section, comfort refers to the result of God’s merciful way of dealing with people in the age to come. It includes encouragement, strength, and acceptance. God wants to rescue his people (40:1-11) and is more than able to do so (40:12-26). The exiles needed to believe God’s promises and wait on him for their rescue (40:27-31; see also 30:15-18).
II
Versículo 2
II. 40:2 Speak tenderly: The prophet’s message was to encourage Jerusalem with the good news of God’s…
40:2 Speak tenderly: The prophet’s message was to encourage Jerusalem with the good news of God’s forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. • From the prophetic perspective, Israel’s sad days are gone because the Exile is over. • punished her twice over for all her sins: Israel experienced the full brunt of God’s wrath (51:19-23; cp. 61:7).
III
Versículo 3
III. 40:3-5 There is now a shift from the general announcement of the good news to the specific expect…
40:3-5 There is now a shift from the general announcement of the good news to the specific expectation of God’s coming. The good news (40:1-2) is grounded in God himself. Isaiah portrayed the Lord as coming on a highway through the desert (see ch 35), although the imagery is here reversed: In ch 35, the people were traveling to Zion, toward the Lord. Here, the Lord is coming toward his people (see also 52:8, where the two images are brought together).
40:3 the voice of someone shouting: In Mal 3:1 this person (possibly the Elijah of Mal 4:5) was God’s messenger who prepared the way for God’s coming. In the Gospels, this announcer was identified with John the Baptist (Matt 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23). • Clear the way . . . Make a straight highway: The announcer’s message would expedite God’s coming (see Isa 35:8). As God made a way for Israel through the Red Sea (43:16), so a way would be opened up for the Lord (see 52:11-12).
IV
Versículo 5
IV. 40:5 The future revelation of God’s glory would include the return of Judah from exile but would …
40:5 The future revelation of God’s glory would include the return of Judah from exile but would also go beyond it. The New Testament confirmed that the revelation of God’s glory came in Jesus Christ (John 1:14; Heb 1:3). • The Lord has spoken: The coming salvation and judgment would certainly occur because the Lord, who keeps his word, had declared it (see Isa 1:20; 58:14).
V
Versículo 6
V. 40:6-8 All humanity is mortal and fleeting. By contrast, God persists in his plans and succeeds. …
40:6-8 All humanity is mortal and fleeting. By contrast, God persists in his plans and succeeds. Time does not limit him from carrying out his will (see 14:24).
40:6 Shout: So that all can hear. • People are not worthy of the revelation of God’s glory because they are mortal.
VI
Versículo 7
VI. 40:7 The breath of the Lord refers to God’s spoken words of judgment (see 4:4).
40:7 The breath of the Lord refers to God’s spoken words of judgment (see 4:4).
VII
Versículo 8
VII. 40:8 the word of our God stands forever: All of God’s words (his plans as well as the written wor…
40:8 the word of our God stands forever: All of God’s words (his plans as well as the written word) will succeed. God might frustrate human expectations, but everything will happen according to his wise plan (see 14:24; 55:8-11; see also Matt 25:34).
VIII
Versículo 9
VIII. 40:9-11 God is the good news. Although he comes like a warrior to rescue his people with power, h…
40:9-11 God is the good news. Although he comes like a warrior to rescue his people with power, he also holds them tenderly as a shepherd.
40:9 God is coming to save and restore human beings (see also 35:4; Rev 22:12).
IX
Versículo 10
IX. 40:10 The Lord’s rule is not like that of the unjust and powerless rulers whom he will judge. It …
40:10 The Lord’s rule is not like that of the unjust and powerless rulers whom he will judge. It is compassionate, just, righteous, and powerful. • with a powerful arm: God manifested his power in events such as the defeat of the Egyptians (63:12), the judgment of his enemies (30:30; 48:14; 51:9), and the rescue of his people (59:16).
X
Versículo 11
X. 40:11 Isaiah used the familiar biblical metaphor of a shepherd to speak of God’s care for his peo…
40:11 Isaiah used the familiar biblical metaphor of a shepherd to speak of God’s care for his people (see also 49:10; Ps 23:1; Jer 3:15; 23:4; Ezek 34:11-17; Matt 2:6; John 10:1-18).
XI
Versículo 12
XI. 40:12-17 Against the backdrop of Israel’s questions (spoken by the prophet), the Lord affirmed th…
40:12-17 Against the backdrop of Israel’s questions (spoken by the prophet), the Lord affirmed that he is the incomparable God, a wise and sovereign creator who rules over the nations.
40:12-13 These rhetorical questions evoke the answer “No one!” God alone created all that exists. He will judge creation (24:17), and he alone can and will restore creation through his salvation.
XII
Versículo 15
XII. 40:15 God is sovereign over all the nations of the world and over their human power structures. I…
40:15 God is sovereign over all the nations of the world and over their human power structures. In comparison to God, they are almost nothing. This included the Babylonian Empire, which was merely a tool in God’s hand. • whole earth: Literally coastlands or islands.
XIII
Versículo 16
XIII. 40:16 Lebanon was prized for its abundance of wood and its wildlife (see 2:13-16; Ps 104:16-17).
40:16 Lebanon was prized for its abundance of wood and its wildlife (see 2:13-16; Ps 104:16-17).
XIV
Versículo 17
XIV. 40:17 The nations, including their leaders (40:23), pagan structures (41:24, 29; 44:9-11), and al…
40:17 The nations, including their leaders (40:23), pagan structures (41:24, 29; 44:9-11), and all enemies of God’s people (41:11-12), are worth nothing apart from God.
XV
Versículo 18
XV. 40:18 To whom . . . What image: Earlier in the book, idolatry was shown to be ridiculous (16:12; …
40:18 To whom . . . What image: Earlier in the book, idolatry was shown to be ridiculous (16:12; 37:16-19). Chapters 40–48 open up a much more extensive argument against idolatry. Idols are symbolic representations of gods and, at times, other religious concepts. Those who worship them don’t recognize the implication that they are man-made trinkets. Idols are powerless (41:7, 22-24; 48:14), give a false sense of security (42:17), delude people (44:20), and lead to severe disappointment (42:17; 45:16, 20). They cannot help those who care for them. In fact, they are so weak that they fall down (40:20; 41:7). In the end, idols compete for God’s glory (42:8) and take away human dignity (44:9; see also 41:21-29). • The Lord, the true God, is incomparable (see 40:25; 46:5; Pss 86:8; 89:6); no one could resemble him.
16
Versículo 20
16. 40:20 image that won’t fall down: This is a sarcastic remark; it would be embarrassing if the ido…
40:20 image that won’t fall down: This is a sarcastic remark; it would be embarrassing if the idol did not even have the power to remain standing (see 40:18; 41:7; 1 Sam 5:4).
17
Versículo 21
17. 40:21 Idolaters fail to discern who God is or to respond wisely to him. The godly in Israel would…
40:21 Idolaters fail to discern who God is or to respond wisely to him. The godly in Israel would understand and see the hand of God in the unfolding story of redemption, which includes both exile and restoration (41:20).
18
Versículo 22
18. 40:22 God sits enthroned as King over all the earth (see 6:1; Pss 2:4; 80:1; 99:1; 102:12; 113:5)…
40:22 God sits enthroned as King over all the earth (see 6:1; Pss 2:4; 80:1; 99:1; 102:12; 113:5). God is so immense and awesome that humans are like grasshoppers in comparison. • Belief in God as creator of the heavens and earth contradicts the popular Babylonian and Egyptian belief that the sun, moon, and stars represent gods. • like a curtain . . . his tent: See also Ps 104:2.
19
Versículo 23
19. 40:23 great people: God is unimpressed by human power and fame.
40:23 great people: God is unimpressed by human power and fame.
20
Versículo 25
20. 40:25 The Holy One is a shortened form of “the Holy One of Israel,” a common designation for God …
40:25 The Holy One is a shortened form of “the Holy One of Israel,” a common designation for God in Isaiah (see also 10:17; 43:15; Ps 22:3).
21
Versículo 26
21. 40:26 Look up into the heavens: Just as God directed Abraham to look into the sky (Gen 15:5), he …
40:26 Look up into the heavens: Just as God directed Abraham to look into the sky (Gen 15:5), he also directed Israel to look to the stars for encouragement (see also Isa 51:2-3). The cosmos bears witness to God’s great power and incomparable strength. The Strong One is able to strengthen the weak (40:27-31; see Ps 147:5).
22
Versículo 27
22. 40:27 does not see your troubles . . . ignores your rights: The coming exile, a period when God’s…
40:27 does not see your troubles . . . ignores your rights: The coming exile, a period when God’s powerful presence and rescue would not be seen, would prompt questions (see also 49:14; 54:7; Lam 5:20-22).
23
Versículo 28
23. 40:28 heard . . . understood: Cp. 40:21. • the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth: Cre…
40:28 heard . . . understood: Cp. 40:21. • the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth: Creation reveals God’s power and wisdom. He is also the Creator of the age to come, a world of righteousness, justice, and peace (45:8; 48:6-7; 65:17-18). • He never grows weak or weary: God is not susceptible to human limitations.
24
Versículo 29
24. 40:29 The weak in this context are those who face persecution or oppression (such as the Babyloni…
40:29 The weak in this context are those who face persecution or oppression (such as the Babylonian exile); the Lord is their only recourse (see 49:4-5; 50:4; Pss 68:9; 119:28).
25
Versículo 31
25. 40:31 trust in the Lord: See 33:2; 49:23; 51:5. • like eagles: This powerful image of rescue remi…
40:31 trust in the Lord: See 33:2; 49:23; 51:5. • like eagles: This powerful image of rescue reminded readers of the Exodus event of long ago (Exod 19:4; Deut 32:10-12; see also Ps 103:5).
Antiguo Testamento
Isaiah — Capítulo 40
Can God rescue us from the problems we face? Can he save us from oppressive world powers? Can he break the power of our sin and help us deal with its consequences? Isaiah answers these questions with a resounding yes! The prophet’s words sometimes overwhelm us with their beauty. At other times, his piercing words reveal our sin and drive us to our knees. Isaiah’s own ministry began with a visio…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Consolaos, consolaos, pueblo mío, dice vuestro Dios.
2Hablad al corazón de Jerusalén; decidle a voces que su tiempo es ya cumplido, que su pecado es perdonado; que doble ha recibido de la mano de Jehová por todos sus pecados.
3Voz que clama en el desierto: Preparad camino a Jehová; enderezad calzada en la soledad a nuestro Dios.
4Todo valle sea alzado, y bájese todo monte y collado; y lo torcido se enderece, y lo áspero se allane.
5Y se manifestará la gloria de Jehová, y toda carne juntamente la verá; porque la boca de Jehová ha hablado.
6Voz que decía: Da voces. Y yo respondí: ¿Qué tengo que decir a voces? Que toda carne es hierba, y toda su gloria como flor del campo.
7La hierba se seca, y la flor se marchita, porque el viento de Jehová sopló en ella; ciertamente como hierba es el pueblo.
8Sécase la hierba, marchítase la flor; mas la palabra del Dios nuestro permanece para siempre.
9Súbete sobre un monte alto, anunciadora de Sion; levanta fuertemente tu voz, anunciadora de Jerusalén; levántala, no temas; di a las ciudades de Judá: ¡Ved aquí al Dios vuestro!
10He aquí que Jehová el Señor vendrá con poder, y su brazo señoreará; he aquí que su recompensa viene con él, y su paga delante de su rostro.
11Como pastor apacentará su rebaño; en su brazo llevará los corderos, y en su seno los llevará; pastoreará suavemente a las recién paridas.
12¿Quién midió las aguas con el hueco de su mano y los cielos con su palmo, con tres dedos juntó el polvo de la tierra, y pesó los montes con balanza y con pesas los collados?
13¿Quién enseñó al Espíritu de Jehová, o le aconsejó enseñándole?
14¿A quién pidió consejo para ser avisado? ¿Quién le enseñó el camino del juicio, o le enseñó ciencia, o le mostró la senda de la prudencia?
15He aquí que las naciones le son como la gota de agua que cae del cubo, y como menudo polvo en las balanzas le son estimadas; he aquí que hace desaparecer las islas como polvo.
16Ni el Líbano bastará para el fuego, ni todos sus animales para el sacrificio.
17Como nada son todas las naciones delante de él; y en su comparación serán estimadas en menos que nada, y que lo que no es.
18¿A qué, pues, haréis semejante a Dios, o qué imagen le compondréis?
19El artífice prepara la imagen de talla, el platero le extiende el oro y le funde cadenas de plata.
20El pobre escoge, para ofrecerle, madera que no se apolille; se busca un maestro sabio, que le haga una imagen de talla que no se mueva.
21¿No sabéis? ¿No habéis oído? ¿Nunca os lo han dicho desde el principio? ¿No habéis sido enseñados desde que la tierra se fundó?
22Él está sentado sobre el círculo de la tierra, cuyos moradores son como langostas; él extiende los cielos como una cortina, los despliega como una tienda para morar.
23Él convierte en nada a los poderosos, y a los que gobiernan la tierra hace como cosa vana.
24Como si nunca hubieran sido plantados, como si nunca hubieran sido sembrados, como si nunca su tronco hubiera tenido raíz en la tierra; tan pronto como sopla en ellos se secan, y el torbellino los lleva como hojarasca.
25¿A qué, pues, me haréis semejante o me compararéis? dice el Santo.
26Levantad en alto vuestros ojos, y mirad quién creó estas cosas; él saca y cuenta su ejército; a todas llama por sus nombres; ninguna faltará; tal es la grandeza de su fuerza, y el poder de su dominio.
27¿Por qué dices, oh Jacob, y hablas tú, Israel: Mi camino está escondido de Jehová, y de mi Dios pasó mi juicio?
28¿No has sabido, no has oído que el Dios eterno es Jehová, el cual creó los confines de la tierra? No desfallece, ni se fatiga con cansancio, y su entendimiento no hay quien lo alcance.
29Él da esfuerzo al cansado, y multiplica las fuerzas al que no tiene ningunas.
30Los muchachos se fatigan y se cansan, los jóvenes flaquean y caen;
31pero los que esperan a Jehová tendrán nuevas fuerzas; levantarán alas como las águilas; correrán, y no se cansarán; caminarán, y no se fatigarán.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 40:1–66:24 The rest of Isaiah provides a message of comfort and a revelation of God’s character a…
Versículo 2
II. 40:2 Speak tenderly: The prophet’s message was to encourage Jerusalem with the good news of God’s…
Versículo 3
III. 40:3-5 There is now a shift from the general announcement of the good news to the specific expect…
Versículo 5
IV. 40:5 The future revelation of God’s glory would include the return of Judah from exile but would …
Versículo 6
V. 40:6-8 All humanity is mortal and fleeting. By contrast, God persists in his plans and succeeds. …
Versículo 7
VI. 40:7 The breath of the Lord refers to God’s spoken words of judgment (see 4:4).
Versículo 8
VII. 40:8 the word of our God stands forever: All of God’s words (his plans as well as the written wor…
Versículo 9
VIII. 40:9-11 God is the good news. Although he comes like a warrior to rescue his people with power, h…
Versículo 10
IX. 40:10 The Lord’s rule is not like that of the unjust and powerless rulers whom he will judge. It …
Versículo 11
X. 40:11 Isaiah used the familiar biblical metaphor of a shepherd to speak of God’s care for his peo…
Versículo 12
XI. 40:12-17 Against the backdrop of Israel’s questions (spoken by the prophet), the Lord affirmed th…
Versículo 15
XII. 40:15 God is sovereign over all the nations of the world and over their human power structures. I…
Versículo 16
XIII. 40:16 Lebanon was prized for its abundance of wood and its wildlife (see 2:13-16; Ps 104:16-17).
Versículo 17
XIV. 40:17 The nations, including their leaders (40:23), pagan structures (41:24, 29; 44:9-11), and al…
Versículo 18
XV. 40:18 To whom . . . What image: Earlier in the book, idolatry was shown to be ridiculous (16:12; …
Versículo 20
16. 40:20 image that won’t fall down: This is a sarcastic remark; it would be embarrassing if the ido…
Versículo 21
17. 40:21 Idolaters fail to discern who God is or to respond wisely to him. The godly in Israel would…
Versículo 22
18. 40:22 God sits enthroned as King over all the earth (see 6:1; Pss 2:4; 80:1; 99:1; 102:12; 113:5)…
Versículo 23
19. 40:23 great people: God is unimpressed by human power and fame.
Versículo 25
20. 40:25 The Holy One is a shortened form of “the Holy One of Israel,” a common designation for God …
Versículo 26
21. 40:26 Look up into the heavens: Just as God directed Abraham to look into the sky (Gen 15:5), he …
Versículo 27
22. 40:27 does not see your troubles . . . ignores your rights: The coming exile, a period when God’s…
Versículo 28
23. 40:28 heard . . . understood: Cp. 40:21. • the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth: Cre…
Versículo 29
24. 40:29 The weak in this context are those who face persecution or oppression (such as the Babyloni…
Versículo 31
25. 40:31 trust in the Lord: See 33:2; 49:23; 51:5. • like eagles: This powerful image of rescue remi…