Chapter 40--Chapter 40 marks the transition from judgment upon the house of Israel...to restoration from God. The previous 39 chapters were focused on the sins & rebellious nature of the people, and the impending judment upon them by God.
This chapter changes the focus to forgiveness & restoration. Although the Babylonian captivity is still over 100 years away...these last 27 chapters of Isaiah will bring comfort to the remnant of Jews returning from exile. "Comfort My people" is the opening line of this section in Isaiah, and the intent is to bring just that to a group of people in need of an uplifting word from God.
The chapter concludes with a rally cry for the people to trust God:
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak. And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" (ch.40:28-31)
Note: Do you ever get weary in your walk with God, in your defense of the Gospel, or in your constant spiritual battles? These verses are a source of strength & comfort to those who are spiritually tired & worn out.
