When he gets to the end of chapter 39, before moving on to Isaiah 40:1, Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann writes:
- "And then there is a pause -- a long pause. The reader of the book of Isaiah must endure a very long pause before taking up chapter 40, for the space between 39:8 and 40:1 signifies the defining interruption in the life and faith of Israel as it is construed in the book of Isaiah. Chapter 39 is ostensibly enacted some time after 700 BC, and chapter 40 is voiced about 540 BC. The gap is 160 years, a long pause indeed." (Westminster Bible Companion, 1998)
I think the most important thing to know as you start reading chapter 40 is that God's promised judgment/punishment of His people has now taken place. The holy city of Jerusalem is in ruins and people have been deported to Babylon (see Psalm 137:1). [Historical note: Babylon defeated Assyria, attacked Judah in 598, then destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 587]
The words of this prophecy are now heard by God's people in exile, dwelling in a foreign land. All the prophecies of judgement and destruction have come true. The punishment has been severe. God's people have been displaced and sent into exile. God's temple - His dwelling place on earth - is now rubble. Is this going to be the end of the story?
Start reading chapter 40 and you'll find out very quickly that the story of God and his people is NOT over. Good news is announced that God will return his people to Zion! One of the people God uses to do this is a foreign leader named Cyrus (of the Persian empire...modern-day Iran). Cyrus defeats the Babylonian empire and is instrumental in returning exiled peoples to their homeland. This pagan military leader is actually mentioned in the Bible in chapters 44-45 as God's anointed servant. Be sure to read about it!
Try reading all 8 chapters this week...it will be worth it! This is where the whole idea of "gospel" and "good news" comes from! And be sure to mark up your Bible. These chapters are full of words that God gives us to inspire our hope, words that remind us of God's comfort even in the most difficult times of our lives.
Here are some key verses - don't just read them...memorize them!
Isaiah 40
1-5 (popular Advent verses...also the starting point for Handel's Messiah)
8 (the word of God endures forever)
11 (he tends his flock like a shepherd)
27-31 (soar on wings like eagles!)
Isaiah 41
8-10 (do not fear, for God is with you!)
Isaiah 43
1-7 (do not fear, for I have redeemed you)
18-19 (God is doing a new thing)
Isaiah 44:28-45:8 -- Read about Cyrus
Isaiah 45
22-25 (turn to me and be saved)
Isaiah 48
17-21 (if only you had paid attention to my commands)
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