A Study of Isaiah 40

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lifeHERITAGE Bible Studies are designed to encourage you to thoughtfully reflect on the biblical text. Please take the time to look at the text in its context before answering. If you experience difficulty in seeing how the text relates to the question, please let us know. Remember to pray before you start, and click "finish" when you are done. May the Spirit be with you.
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This is a study on Isaiah 40. Before you start, you may wish to take a quick read through the preceding chapters to get an idea about the dominant themes in Isaiah. If possible, it will be to your benefit to consult a commentary to establish the historical setting of the book. The study has been formatted for a verse by verse analysis. All the best!
VERSES 1-2
What are the circumstances in Israel at the time Isaiah writes? What has been the tone of the book so far? Why does Yahweh instruct Isaiah to deliver words of comfort? In light of Israel’s history, when did the promise of comfort become a reality?
VERSES 3-5
What image is portrayed in these verses? Why is it necessary for the Lord to have a smooth highway? How are these verses fulfilled in the New Testament? How does this relate to the theme of comfort?
VERSES 6-8
What do people have in common with grass and flowers? What do these verses say about human fragility and God’s fidelity? How does it relate to the theme of comfort? What promises from God’s word keep you comforted?
VERSE 9
Is there any significance to the fact that the word for “herald” in this verse is a feminine noun? Does this have any bearing on the discussion on the role of women in ministry? Name some female ministers in the Bible and briefly describe their roles? How does the reference to the herald as a woman bring comfort to a church divided over the role of women in ministry?
VERSES 10-11
Carefully reflect on these verses. What two images of God do the verses portray? Can there be one without the other? How are these images of God comforting?
VERSES 12-28
Isaiah sounds very much like Job in these verses. In one sentence, how would you summarize Isaiah’s description of God? How does it compare to your understanding? What modern metaphors would you use to describe God? How do these verses provide comfort to God’s faithful in this corrupt and evil age?
VERSES 29-31
How do these verses demonstrate God’s love, mercy, and grace for humans? Do you detect the theme of comfort in these verses? Do they have any relationship to John 3:16?