Isaiah 40:1-14 ▼

1 “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your⁺ God {Eloheikem}.

2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem (city of peace), and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD {YHWH} double for all her sins.”

3 A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD {YHWH} in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God {Elohehenu} in the desert [make straight the paths of our God].

4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.

5 And the glory of the LORD {YHWH} will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it \and all flesh together will see it./.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

6 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field.

7 The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath {ruach} of the LORD {YHWH} blows on them; indeed, the people are grass.

8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God {Elohenu} stands forever <1Pe 1:24–25>.”

9 Go up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news. Raise your voice loudly, O Jerusalem (city of peace), herald of good news. Lift it up, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah (praised), “Here is your⁺ God {Eloheikem}!”

10 Behold, the Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH} comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.

11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance?

13 Who has directed the Spirit {Ruach} of the LORD (mind of the LORD), or informed Him as His counselor ?

14 Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?