Read & explore together
Prepare the Way for the LORD
Isaiah 40:1–5 begins with God’s command to bring comfort to his people. It speaks directly to Jerusalem, then uses the picture of preparing a road for Yahweh, ending with the promise that his glory will be seen.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
These verses present words that God wants spoken. The message includes comfort for his people, an announcement to Jerusalem about warfare and pardon, a call to prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness, and the certainty that Yahweh’s glory will be revealed because he has spoken.
Isaiah 40:1–5Main takeaway
This passage teaches that God declares comfort and pardon, calls for the way of Yahweh to be prepared, and promises that his glory will be revealed.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01God begins with comfortThe first words are a repeated command: “Comfort, comfort my people.” The repetition makes the message stand out.
Explanation
The first words are a repeated command: “Comfort, comfort my people.” The repetition makes the message stand out. The verse also says, “says your God,” so this comfort is not a human wish. It comes as God’s own word to people he calls “my people”.
02Jerusalem is addressed with comfort and pardonJerusalem is to be addressed with words of comfort. Three statements are then called out: her warfare is accomplished, her iniquity is pardoned, and she has received of Yahweh’s hand double for all her sins.
Explanation
Jerusalem is to be addressed with words of comfort. Three statements are then called out: her warfare is accomplished, her iniquity is pardoned, and she has received of Yahweh’s hand double for all her sins. The verse holds together comfort, wrongdoing, and God’s dealing with sin.
03A voice calls for Yahweh’s way to be preparedThe next verse introduces “the voice of one who calls out”. The command is to prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness and make a level highway in the desert for “our God”.
Explanation
The next verse introduces “the voice of one who calls out”. The command is to prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness and make a level highway in the desert for “our God”. The focus is on Yahweh himself and the readiness that belongs to his coming way.
04The way is levelled so God’s glory is seenValleys are raised, mountains and hills are made low, and rough ground becomes level. This dramatic picture leads to the purpose: “Yahweh’s glory shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together”.
Explanation
Valleys are raised, mountains and hills are made low, and rough ground becomes level. This dramatic picture leads to the purpose: “Yahweh’s glory shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together”. The final words explain the certainty of it all: “the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it.”
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What in verse 1 shows that comfort is God’s own message?
Look at who speaks the words “Comfort, comfort” and how the people are described in relation to God.
02What three things are announced to Jerusalem in verse 2?
Read the three clauses after “call out to her” and list each statement in order.
03Why can the promise of revealed glory be trusted?
Use the end of the passage, which gives the reason the whole message is certain.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Isaiah 40:1–5
1“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.
2“Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received of Yahweh’s hand double for all her sins.”
3The voice of one who calls out, “Prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness! Make a level highway in the desert for our God.
4Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain.
5Yahweh’s glory shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it.”