Isaiah 40 | The Wolfe Notes

Welcome, Family! We're spending 2024 with the prophet Isaiah. While we claim no expertise, we're excited to sit with you as we both learn at the feet of Jesus. Each month, we offer a calendar that outlines daily exercises (adapted from Jenn Wilkin's Women of the Word Bible study process) to progress through Isaiah. Download August's calendar to begin with us and witness what we uncovered in our weekly "Wolfe Note" postings.

Contents:

1. Different Versions Noting and clarifying differences between KJV & ASV.
2. Annotation My thoughts, connections, clarifications, and questions.
3. Research The voice that cries out in the wilderness.
4. Summary An approximately twenty word overview of the chapter.
5. Memorize Why I chose to memorize Isaiah 40:28.
6. Cross References Of Isaiah 40:28.
7. Respond Based on reflections on God's character and my own.

Different Versions

I read Chapter 40 in the King James Version (KJV) and the American Standard Version (ASV). Both are word-for-word translations.

Major differences I noticed (*My thoughts alone are in italics and designated with an asterisk.):

*I noticed no major differences in this chapter between the KJV and ASV. Below are a couple minor ones.

• Isaiah 40:4
• Comparisons:
• KJV: Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the (1) crooked shall be made straight, and the (2) rough places plain:
• ASV: Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the (1) uneven shall be made level, and the (2) rough places a plain.
• Discrepancies: 
1. Crooked (KJV) vs uneven (ASV). The first implies a directional difference and the second an altitudinal one. 
2. Making the "rough places plain" (KJV) feels more general, like every difficult area to traverse will become simple, but making the "rough places a plain" (ASV) sounds more specific, like the mountainous region will become flat.
• Conclusions: 
• Ellicott connects this verse with the meek being exalted and the proud abased, wrong set right, and rough natures smoothed.
• *Generally, both versions are saying the same thing: the path will become easier to traverse. However, the KJV better aids us in connecting to the spiritual allusions. 
• Isaiah 40:10
• Comparisons:
• KJV: Behold, the Lord God will come (1) with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his (2) work before him.
• ASV: Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come (1) as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him: Behold, his reward is with him, and his (2) recompense before him.
• Discrepancies:
1. When I read "strong hand" (KJV), I think stern. When I read "mighty one", I think safety.
2. With "his work before him" (KJV), suggests focused productivity, but "recompense" (ASV) hints more toward his motivations.
• Conclusions:
• In Hebrew, chazaq, means mighty or strong, and  paullah means wages, work, or reward. So both translations are accurate.
• Pulpit does notice the "synonymous parallelism" of reward and recompense. His explanation is that God finds his own reward and recompense in the flock.
• *The overall meaning is the same. He will not be overruled or manipulated. He knows His purpose and His power and won't be deterred from it.

Annotation

Notes on my process. *Denotes my thoughts alone. ! Denotes a connection. Researched quick answers are in italics. *R Indicates a topic with more extensive notes under the research heading.

1. Comfort Each Other (v1-5)
1. God: Comfort my people!
2. Say to them "Peace and forgiveness are yours. Restitution has been made twice over."
1. ? How had Israel received double? Why did she receive double?
3. Remove all obstacles that keep people from getting to Me. Make the way to God obvious and easy.
1. ! Go from the wilderness of Isaiah 34.
2. ! To the highway in Isaiah 35.
3. ? Whose voice is it that cries in the wilderness? Isaiah 40:3 *R
4. Then, God's glory will be revealed. All creation will see it together.
1. ! The valleys being exalted and the mountains being made low in Isaiah 40:4 reminds me of  Matthew 23:12 ASV: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted. 
2. *Isaiah 40:4 also illustrates the process of sanctification, refining us until our paths are straight.
3. ? How will the path be made straight? *When truth is revealed.
4. ! Philippians 2:10-11 KJV: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
2. Use God's Word (v6-8)
1. You wonder how God's glory can be revealed through humanity when we are but mist. You likely wonder what could even motivate them.
1. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14 ASV
2. Use God's word. Because it is My breath that brings life and My words that will last forever.
1. And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7 ASV
2. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 KJV
3. Boldly Spread the Good News!  (v9-11)
1. Say it loud; say it proud: Behold! Your God!
1. *Sing from the mountaintop!
1. "...get thee up into the high mountain...lift up thy voice with strength..." Isaiah 40:9 KJV
2. "Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty one of Israel." Isaiah 30:29 KJV
2. *We bring good news!
1. "O Zion, that bringest good tidings...O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings..." Isaiah 40:9 KJV
2. "And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid,; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:" Luke 2:10 ASV
2. He comes with justice and might to set all things right.
1. "...and the government shall be upon his shoulder..."  Isaiah 9:6 KJV
2. ? Does arm imply strength?
3. ? What reward does he bring? What work does he do?
3. He will provide for the needy and protect the vulnerable.
1. * He protects as a lion (Isaiah 31:4); guides us as a good shepherd (John 10:11).
2. * Just as we are charged to do: "Lovest thou me?...Feed my sheep." John 21:15-17
4. God is Supreme (v12-14)
1. (Be confident that what I say will happen) for it was I who carefully created the heavens and the earth.
1. ! Job 38:4-7 ASV: Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou has understanding. Who determined the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who stretched the line upon it? Whereupon were the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the corner-stone thereof, When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? 
2. I direct the Spirit to counsel Jesus in judgment, knowledge, and understanding.
1. ? Is this saying strictly that God directs the Spirit, or that God directs the Spirit who then counsels Christ?
2. ! Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. Isaiah 7:15 KJV
3. ! Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth; Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee. Proverbs 4:5-6 ASV
5. Men Try to Become God (v15-20)
1. Compared to Him, we are nothing.
1. ? What does it mean that "he taketh up the isles"? Isaiah 40:15. ASV footnotes explain: "the isles are as the fine dust..."
2. Nothing we could offer would ever be enough to make us equal to God.
1. 🎵Not because of what I've done. But because of who You are.🎶("Who Am I?" performed by Casting Crowns)
3. It is worthless to try, because nothing compares to Him.
1. ! Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 KJV (See Wolfe Notes on Proverbs 31:30.)
2. 🎶There is no one like our God.🎵 (Performed by Lincoln Brewster.)
4. Yet we do try. We build our riches and increase our power in an attempt to equal His greatness.
1. *Prosperity (Isaiah 40:19) is represented by the elaborately made idols and power by the strong and sturdy idol, which also shows humanity's power over nature (Isaiah 40:20).
6. But Men Are Not God (v21-25)
1. How do we not know who He is yet?
2. God watches from on high and by His power the universe moves.
1. We are like grasshoppers!
1. Isaiah 40:22 KJV: "...and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers..."
2. Numbers 13:33 ASV: And [in the promised land] we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come of the Nephilim: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight...
2. ? How does God is on the circle of the earth? 
3. The people in authority on earth are nothing compared to Him.
1. 🎶All thrones and dominions / all powers and positions / Your name stands above them all.🎵 ("Holy Forever" performed by Chris Tomlin)
2. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 KJV
4. The plans of the people in power will not take root. God will make their plans fade.
1. ! "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of Jehovah bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever." Isaiah 40:7-8 ASV
5. So, tell Me, who is like Me?
7. Choose to Trust God! (v26-31)
1. Surely,  you can trust the One who calls each star by name and by His might keeps them shining.
1. ! "...To him that overcometh...[I] will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." Revelation 2:17 KJV ? Does God call us by that new name already. Can we hear it?
2. ? What are the stars' names?
3. 🎵If you can hold the stars in place / You can hold my heart the same🎶(Stars performed by Skillet)
2. Why would you ever think, my beloved, that you are hidden from me? That I wouldn't defend you?
3. I do not get tired, bored, or distracted.
1. ! Isaiah 40:21 ASV: Have ye not known? Have you not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
2. ! Isaiah 27:3 KJV: I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. 
4. Instead, I give you energy when you are tired and strength when you are weak.
5. Even the most fit among you will get tired and weary.
6. But, when we look to God, He will renew our strength.
1. *To wait on the Lord means to trust in Him.
2. ! Proverbs 31:25 KJV: Strength and honor are her clothing and she will rejoice in time to come. (See notes on Proverbs 31:25)

Research

*Thoughts that are mine alone are marked with an asterisk and italicized.

Whose voice is it that cries out in the wilderness? Isaiah 40:3

• John the Baptist. John 1:23 ASV: [John the Baptist] said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said  Isaiah the prophet. (See also Matthew 3:3.) - Ellicott & Henry
• Each Individual 
• A metaphorical expression that describes the preparation made in every individual's mind. - Benson
• Malachi 3:1 KJV: Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight to behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
• Israelite Nation. The people of Israel were to literally clear the path from Egypt to Israel to prepare the way for the Messiah. - Keil and Delitzsch

*Conclusions: Then, it foretold deliverance from Babylon. Prophetically, it would be John the Baptist. Ultimately, it is Jesus. Currently, it is us.

Summary

Use My word to spread the good news and comfort My people. Trust in Me; renew your strength.

Memorize

I chose to memorize Isaiah 40:28.

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth; fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

This is my God! This is what we might be shouting from the mountaintop in Isaiah 40:9. Behold your God.

Cross References

*Thoughts that are mine alone are marked with an asterisk and italicized.

Of Isaiah 40:28

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard,...

• Mark 8:17-18 ASV: And Jesus perceiving it saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? do ye not yet perceive, neither understand? have ye your heart hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
• Isaiah 40:21 KJV: Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
• Jeremiah 4:22 ASV: For my people are foolish, they know me not; they are sottish children, and they have no understanding; they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. 

...that the everlasting God...

• Genesis 21:20 KJV: And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. 
• Isaiah 57:15 ASV: For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
• Deuteronomy 33:27 KJV: The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

...the Lord,...

• I Samuel 2:10 ASV: They that stive with Jehovah shall be broken to pieces; Against them will he thunder in heaven: Jehovah will judge the ends of the earth; And he will give strength unto his king, And exalt the horn of his anointed.
• Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV: Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
• I Peter 3:15 ASV: but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear.

...the Creator of the ends of the earth...

• Psalm 90:2 KJV: Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hast formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
• Isaiah 45:22 ASV: Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no one else.
• Isaiah 66:9 KJV: Shall I bring to birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.

...fainteth not, neither is weary?...

• Isaiah 59:1 ASV: Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
• Psalm 138:8 KJV: The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
• John 5:17 ASV: But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work.

...there is no searching of his understanding.

• Romans 11:33 KJV: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are judgments, and his ways past finding out!
• Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 
• Psalm 139:6 KJV Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 

*Conclusion: Remember who He is. Let it be the heartbeat of your existence. He is eternal, the One who keeps you, the One who created you, the One who works tirelessly to perfect you, the only One who knows all things from beginning to end - including that which concerns you.

Respond

1. God cares about us. I often lose track of the vastness of His love, His creation, His work, His love, His every thought. I lose track of His love for me because it is beyond my understanding. I must continuously remind myself of who He is, of His greatness, supremacy, and authority along with His intimacy in creating, knowing, protecting, and refining me.
2. God wants us to care for others. I get stuck in thinking only about eternal, spiritual matters and sometimes forget that human relationships are equally important. We're to love our enemies. When we welcome children and strangers we open the door to divine connection (Mark 9:37 and Hebrews 13:2). My work is getting to know God through scripture, prayer, and fellowship with others. When I fellowship I experience facets of God that are missing in me. As I work to encourage others in the way of our Father, I find myself being refined by them. (Proverbs 27:17)
3. God is supreme. It is easy in the hustle and bustle of the day to day to miss. this. But nothing surprises Him, not injuries, not losses, not injustices. No power compares to His, not your boss, not government agencies, and not financial institutions. No influence withstands His, no gossip, no trends, no manipulation and no deceit. I can wait on Him. I will renew my strength. I will run and not grow weary I will walk and not faint.

Father God, You who created the ends the earth, who exist beyond time's limitations, who oversee all things, whose understanding is immeasurable. You choose me. You choose to keep me every moment, to bring me back when I wander, to carry me when I am weak, and to lead me as I lead others. You ask that I use what You've given me to strengthen, comfort, and encourage the brethren. Lord, I need You because I know how I struggle. Thank You for knowing this. Thank You for expecting me to need You. Thank You for growing in me strength, courage, endurance, compassion, and faithfulness as I lean on Your everlasting arms. It's not me, God, it's You. My job is simply to walk with faith and obedience; the rest is up to You. I'm leaning, waiting, and watching to see You move in awesome power.

Learning with You,

Ready for Isaiah 41?

Sample these related posts:

To locate the Isaiah study guide for August.

To review notes on Isaiah 39.

To evaluate yourself on a scale of Herod to Herald.

To find strength in Jesus.

To remember who is in control.

 

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