Isaiah 40:11

"Behold, the Lord GOD will come as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him. Behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him."

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 40:11, the prophet envisions a powerful and just God who will bring salvation and judgment. For the original audience, this imagery of a mighty arm ruled by God would resonate as it echoed the powerful and often oppressive leaders they were familiar with. The image conveys that God's rule is not only authoritative but also just, as his reward and recompense follow Him wherever He goes, ensuring that justice prevails. This prophecy contrasts divine might with human frailty, promising that God’s sovereignty will be evident in the restoration of Jerusalem and the deliverance of His people from exile.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

He shall feed his flock -In the previous verse, the fact had been asserted that God would come to subdue his foes, and to reward his people. In this verse, the mild and gentle character of his government over his people is predicted. It would not be that of a conqueror over vanquished subjects; but it would be mild and tender, like that of a shepherd who carries the lambs, which are unable to walk, in his own arms, and gently leads along the feeble and the delicate. The verb translated “to feed’ (ירעהyire‛eh), denotes more than our word feed at present.

Related Verses

More from Isaiah 40

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