Jeremiah 9

Jeremiah 9:1

God Can’t Be Compared to Anyone

Isaiah 40:1-11 form the prologue of this second main part of the book of Isaiah. In it we see Who He is Who intervenes for the redemption and comfort of His people. From Isaiah 40:12 onward the prophet testifies of the incomparable features of their Creator-God Who cares for them. They need to become aware of His infinite greatness, attributes and power.

Thus Isaiah presents Him in contrast to the idols of the peoples around them that they have served (Isaiah 40:15-17) and to the nature of the idols and their makers (Isaiah 40:18-20). This leads to a renewal of comforting certainties (Isaiah 40:29-31). In the light of the majesty of God it becomes clear how insignificant the idols are. So it goes with the gospel. When the Lord Jesus is presented, everything else pales because nothing gives the satisfaction He gives.

In Isaiah 40:12-14 Isaiah asks two series of questions. The first series is about God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) and the second series about God’s omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14). First he gives some examples of God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) opposite to the smallness of man:

1. What can the hollowness of a human hand contain of water? A few milliliters? God measures in the hollow of His hand all oceans and other areas of water.

2. What can a man measure with a span, that is the distance between thumb and little finger? About twenty centimeters? God marked off the whole expanse of heaven.

3. What is the content of a human measure? A few liters? In the measure of God goes all the dust of the earth.

4. What can a human being weigh on a scale? A few kilograms? God determines the weight of mountains and hills and thus regulates the balance of the earth.

God’s omnipotence is immeasurably great and impressively far exalted above man, whose possibilities and power, compared to this, are totally insignificant and disappear into nothingness. This is further emphasized by the fact that in Hebrew the verb for ‘measuring’ (Isaiah 40:12) and ‘directed’ (Isaiah 40:13) is the same. The question is therefore: Man, who is not even able to measure creation (the waters), does he want to try to measure the Creator, the Spirit of the LORD?

God’s omniscience is just as far exalted above man’s knowing (Isaiah 40:13-14):

1. Is there outside the Spirit of the LORD a standard by which He can act, someone who tells Him what to do and how to do it?

2. Does He need education from someone else in order to walk in the right way toward His goal?

What is said here of the Spirit of the LORD shows that He possesses a combination of the abilities of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. In other words: He does not need a ‘think tank’, a heavenly workgroup or daily board with whom He must consult and who advises Him. He Who is called “Wonderful” and “Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6) really does not need instruction from a counselor.

The questions are similar to some questions God asks Job (Job 40:6-9; Job 41:1-7). In the indicated sections God points out to Job the differences between man and (parts of) His creation. Here in Isaiah God compares Himself to man.

But He is exalted in still more things. He, as the Ruler of the nations, has absolute control over everything. This control never gives Him any problem and never gives Him any difficulty. It is with His control over the nations as with a drop on a bucket of water: that extra drop does not give the bearer any extra burden (Isaiah 40:15). It’s like with a dust that floats down on a pair of scales: the scales don’t move. With islands He acts as a speck of dust that is lifted by a gust of wind and thus blown away.

As the One Who is worthy of all worship, what is truly due to Him can never be brought to Him. Never can a human being make a sacrifice that fully expresses Who He is. All the wood of the forests on the Lebanon is simply not enough to serve as firewood and there are not enough beasts to be offered on it (Isaiah 40:16). The only wood that satisfies God is the wood of the cross of Calvary. No other offering than that of the body of Jesus Christ is of value to God. Whatever the privileged Jew might sacrifice Him, it always falls short of the glory of His Being. The nations do not count at all because of their depravity (Isaiah 40:17).

Is there anything to compare God with (Isaiah 40:18)? To ask the question is to answer it. The Creator can be compared with nothing of His creation. In simple and therefore powerful terms the majesty of the most high God is painted in this section.

Jeremiah 9:2

God Can’t Be Compared to Anyone

Isaiah 40:1-11 form the prologue of this second main part of the book of Isaiah. In it we see Who He is Who intervenes for the redemption and comfort of His people. From Isaiah 40:12 onward the prophet testifies of the incomparable features of their Creator-God Who cares for them. They need to become aware of His infinite greatness, attributes and power.

Thus Isaiah presents Him in contrast to the idols of the peoples around them that they have served (Isaiah 40:15-17) and to the nature of the idols and their makers (Isaiah 40:18-20). This leads to a renewal of comforting certainties (Isaiah 40:29-31). In the light of the majesty of God it becomes clear how insignificant the idols are. So it goes with the gospel. When the Lord Jesus is presented, everything else pales because nothing gives the satisfaction He gives.

In Isaiah 40:12-14 Isaiah asks two series of questions. The first series is about God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) and the second series about God’s omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14). First he gives some examples of God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) opposite to the smallness of man:

1. What can the hollowness of a human hand contain of water? A few milliliters? God measures in the hollow of His hand all oceans and other areas of water.

2. What can a man measure with a span, that is the distance between thumb and little finger? About twenty centimeters? God marked off the whole expanse of heaven.

3. What is the content of a human measure? A few liters? In the measure of God goes all the dust of the earth.

4. What can a human being weigh on a scale? A few kilograms? God determines the weight of mountains and hills and thus regulates the balance of the earth.

God’s omnipotence is immeasurably great and impressively far exalted above man, whose possibilities and power, compared to this, are totally insignificant and disappear into nothingness. This is further emphasized by the fact that in Hebrew the verb for ‘measuring’ (Isaiah 40:12) and ‘directed’ (Isaiah 40:13) is the same. The question is therefore: Man, who is not even able to measure creation (the waters), does he want to try to measure the Creator, the Spirit of the LORD?

God’s omniscience is just as far exalted above man’s knowing (Isaiah 40:13-14):

1. Is there outside the Spirit of the LORD a standard by which He can act, someone who tells Him what to do and how to do it?

2. Does He need education from someone else in order to walk in the right way toward His goal?

What is said here of the Spirit of the LORD shows that He possesses a combination of the abilities of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. In other words: He does not need a ‘think tank’, a heavenly workgroup or daily board with whom He must consult and who advises Him. He Who is called “Wonderful” and “Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6) really does not need instruction from a counselor.

The questions are similar to some questions God asks Job (Job 40:6-9; Job 41:1-7). In the indicated sections God points out to Job the differences between man and (parts of) His creation. Here in Isaiah God compares Himself to man.

But He is exalted in still more things. He, as the Ruler of the nations, has absolute control over everything. This control never gives Him any problem and never gives Him any difficulty. It is with His control over the nations as with a drop on a bucket of water: that extra drop does not give the bearer any extra burden (Isaiah 40:15). It’s like with a dust that floats down on a pair of scales: the scales don’t move. With islands He acts as a speck of dust that is lifted by a gust of wind and thus blown away.

As the One Who is worthy of all worship, what is truly due to Him can never be brought to Him. Never can a human being make a sacrifice that fully expresses Who He is. All the wood of the forests on the Lebanon is simply not enough to serve as firewood and there are not enough beasts to be offered on it (Isaiah 40:16). The only wood that satisfies God is the wood of the cross of Calvary. No other offering than that of the body of Jesus Christ is of value to God. Whatever the privileged Jew might sacrifice Him, it always falls short of the glory of His Being. The nations do not count at all because of their depravity (Isaiah 40:17).

Is there anything to compare God with (Isaiah 40:18)? To ask the question is to answer it. The Creator can be compared with nothing of His creation. In simple and therefore powerful terms the majesty of the most high God is painted in this section.

Jeremiah 9:3

God Can’t Be Compared to Anyone

Isaiah 40:1-11 form the prologue of this second main part of the book of Isaiah. In it we see Who He is Who intervenes for the redemption and comfort of His people. From Isaiah 40:12 onward the prophet testifies of the incomparable features of their Creator-God Who cares for them. They need to become aware of His infinite greatness, attributes and power.

Thus Isaiah presents Him in contrast to the idols of the peoples around them that they have served (Isaiah 40:15-17) and to the nature of the idols and their makers (Isaiah 40:18-20). This leads to a renewal of comforting certainties (Isaiah 40:29-31). In the light of the majesty of God it becomes clear how insignificant the idols are. So it goes with the gospel. When the Lord Jesus is presented, everything else pales because nothing gives the satisfaction He gives.

In Isaiah 40:12-14 Isaiah asks two series of questions. The first series is about God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) and the second series about God’s omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14). First he gives some examples of God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) opposite to the smallness of man:

1. What can the hollowness of a human hand contain of water? A few milliliters? God measures in the hollow of His hand all oceans and other areas of water.

2. What can a man measure with a span, that is the distance between thumb and little finger? About twenty centimeters? God marked off the whole expanse of heaven.

3. What is the content of a human measure? A few liters? In the measure of God goes all the dust of the earth.

4. What can a human being weigh on a scale? A few kilograms? God determines the weight of mountains and hills and thus regulates the balance of the earth.

God’s omnipotence is immeasurably great and impressively far exalted above man, whose possibilities and power, compared to this, are totally insignificant and disappear into nothingness. This is further emphasized by the fact that in Hebrew the verb for ‘measuring’ (Isaiah 40:12) and ‘directed’ (Isaiah 40:13) is the same. The question is therefore: Man, who is not even able to measure creation (the waters), does he want to try to measure the Creator, the Spirit of the LORD?

God’s omniscience is just as far exalted above man’s knowing (Isaiah 40:13-14):

1. Is there outside the Spirit of the LORD a standard by which He can act, someone who tells Him what to do and how to do it?

2. Does He need education from someone else in order to walk in the right way toward His goal?

What is said here of the Spirit of the LORD shows that He possesses a combination of the abilities of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. In other words: He does not need a ‘think tank’, a heavenly workgroup or daily board with whom He must consult and who advises Him. He Who is called “Wonderful” and “Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6) really does not need instruction from a counselor.

The questions are similar to some questions God asks Job (Job 40:6-9; Job 41:1-7). In the indicated sections God points out to Job the differences between man and (parts of) His creation. Here in Isaiah God compares Himself to man.

But He is exalted in still more things. He, as the Ruler of the nations, has absolute control over everything. This control never gives Him any problem and never gives Him any difficulty. It is with His control over the nations as with a drop on a bucket of water: that extra drop does not give the bearer any extra burden (Isaiah 40:15). It’s like with a dust that floats down on a pair of scales: the scales don’t move. With islands He acts as a speck of dust that is lifted by a gust of wind and thus blown away.

As the One Who is worthy of all worship, what is truly due to Him can never be brought to Him. Never can a human being make a sacrifice that fully expresses Who He is. All the wood of the forests on the Lebanon is simply not enough to serve as firewood and there are not enough beasts to be offered on it (Isaiah 40:16). The only wood that satisfies God is the wood of the cross of Calvary. No other offering than that of the body of Jesus Christ is of value to God. Whatever the privileged Jew might sacrifice Him, it always falls short of the glory of His Being. The nations do not count at all because of their depravity (Isaiah 40:17).

Is there anything to compare God with (Isaiah 40:18)? To ask the question is to answer it. The Creator can be compared with nothing of His creation. In simple and therefore powerful terms the majesty of the most high God is painted in this section.

Jeremiah 9:4

God Can’t Be Compared to Anyone

Isaiah 40:1-11 form the prologue of this second main part of the book of Isaiah. In it we see Who He is Who intervenes for the redemption and comfort of His people. From Isaiah 40:12 onward the prophet testifies of the incomparable features of their Creator-God Who cares for them. They need to become aware of His infinite greatness, attributes and power.

Thus Isaiah presents Him in contrast to the idols of the peoples around them that they have served (Isaiah 40:15-17) and to the nature of the idols and their makers (Isaiah 40:18-20). This leads to a renewal of comforting certainties (Isaiah 40:29-31). In the light of the majesty of God it becomes clear how insignificant the idols are. So it goes with the gospel. When the Lord Jesus is presented, everything else pales because nothing gives the satisfaction He gives.

In Isaiah 40:12-14 Isaiah asks two series of questions. The first series is about God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) and the second series about God’s omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14). First he gives some examples of God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) opposite to the smallness of man:

1. What can the hollowness of a human hand contain of water? A few milliliters? God measures in the hollow of His hand all oceans and other areas of water.

2. What can a man measure with a span, that is the distance between thumb and little finger? About twenty centimeters? God marked off the whole expanse of heaven.

3. What is the content of a human measure? A few liters? In the measure of God goes all the dust of the earth.

4. What can a human being weigh on a scale? A few kilograms? God determines the weight of mountains and hills and thus regulates the balance of the earth.

God’s omnipotence is immeasurably great and impressively far exalted above man, whose possibilities and power, compared to this, are totally insignificant and disappear into nothingness. This is further emphasized by the fact that in Hebrew the verb for ‘measuring’ (Isaiah 40:12) and ‘directed’ (Isaiah 40:13) is the same. The question is therefore: Man, who is not even able to measure creation (the waters), does he want to try to measure the Creator, the Spirit of the LORD?

God’s omniscience is just as far exalted above man’s knowing (Isaiah 40:13-14):

1. Is there outside the Spirit of the LORD a standard by which He can act, someone who tells Him what to do and how to do it?

2. Does He need education from someone else in order to walk in the right way toward His goal?

What is said here of the Spirit of the LORD shows that He possesses a combination of the abilities of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. In other words: He does not need a ‘think tank’, a heavenly workgroup or daily board with whom He must consult and who advises Him. He Who is called “Wonderful” and “Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6) really does not need instruction from a counselor.

The questions are similar to some questions God asks Job (Job 40:6-9; Job 41:1-7). In the indicated sections God points out to Job the differences between man and (parts of) His creation. Here in Isaiah God compares Himself to man.

But He is exalted in still more things. He, as the Ruler of the nations, has absolute control over everything. This control never gives Him any problem and never gives Him any difficulty. It is with His control over the nations as with a drop on a bucket of water: that extra drop does not give the bearer any extra burden (Isaiah 40:15). It’s like with a dust that floats down on a pair of scales: the scales don’t move. With islands He acts as a speck of dust that is lifted by a gust of wind and thus blown away.

As the One Who is worthy of all worship, what is truly due to Him can never be brought to Him. Never can a human being make a sacrifice that fully expresses Who He is. All the wood of the forests on the Lebanon is simply not enough to serve as firewood and there are not enough beasts to be offered on it (Isaiah 40:16). The only wood that satisfies God is the wood of the cross of Calvary. No other offering than that of the body of Jesus Christ is of value to God. Whatever the privileged Jew might sacrifice Him, it always falls short of the glory of His Being. The nations do not count at all because of their depravity (Isaiah 40:17).

Is there anything to compare God with (Isaiah 40:18)? To ask the question is to answer it. The Creator can be compared with nothing of His creation. In simple and therefore powerful terms the majesty of the most high God is painted in this section.

Jeremiah 9:5

God Can’t Be Compared to Anyone

Isaiah 40:1-11 form the prologue of this second main part of the book of Isaiah. In it we see Who He is Who intervenes for the redemption and comfort of His people. From Isaiah 40:12 onward the prophet testifies of the incomparable features of their Creator-God Who cares for them. They need to become aware of His infinite greatness, attributes and power.

Thus Isaiah presents Him in contrast to the idols of the peoples around them that they have served (Isaiah 40:15-17) and to the nature of the idols and their makers (Isaiah 40:18-20). This leads to a renewal of comforting certainties (Isaiah 40:29-31). In the light of the majesty of God it becomes clear how insignificant the idols are. So it goes with the gospel. When the Lord Jesus is presented, everything else pales because nothing gives the satisfaction He gives.

In Isaiah 40:12-14 Isaiah asks two series of questions. The first series is about God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) and the second series about God’s omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14). First he gives some examples of God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) opposite to the smallness of man:

1. What can the hollowness of a human hand contain of water? A few milliliters? God measures in the hollow of His hand all oceans and other areas of water.

2. What can a man measure with a span, that is the distance between thumb and little finger? About twenty centimeters? God marked off the whole expanse of heaven.

3. What is the content of a human measure? A few liters? In the measure of God goes all the dust of the earth.

4. What can a human being weigh on a scale? A few kilograms? God determines the weight of mountains and hills and thus regulates the balance of the earth.

God’s omnipotence is immeasurably great and impressively far exalted above man, whose possibilities and power, compared to this, are totally insignificant and disappear into nothingness. This is further emphasized by the fact that in Hebrew the verb for ‘measuring’ (Isaiah 40:12) and ‘directed’ (Isaiah 40:13) is the same. The question is therefore: Man, who is not even able to measure creation (the waters), does he want to try to measure the Creator, the Spirit of the LORD?

God’s omniscience is just as far exalted above man’s knowing (Isaiah 40:13-14):

1. Is there outside the Spirit of the LORD a standard by which He can act, someone who tells Him what to do and how to do it?

2. Does He need education from someone else in order to walk in the right way toward His goal?

What is said here of the Spirit of the LORD shows that He possesses a combination of the abilities of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. In other words: He does not need a ‘think tank’, a heavenly workgroup or daily board with whom He must consult and who advises Him. He Who is called “Wonderful” and “Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6) really does not need instruction from a counselor.

The questions are similar to some questions God asks Job (Job 40:6-9; Job 41:1-7). In the indicated sections God points out to Job the differences between man and (parts of) His creation. Here in Isaiah God compares Himself to man.

But He is exalted in still more things. He, as the Ruler of the nations, has absolute control over everything. This control never gives Him any problem and never gives Him any difficulty. It is with His control over the nations as with a drop on a bucket of water: that extra drop does not give the bearer any extra burden (Isaiah 40:15). It’s like with a dust that floats down on a pair of scales: the scales don’t move. With islands He acts as a speck of dust that is lifted by a gust of wind and thus blown away.

As the One Who is worthy of all worship, what is truly due to Him can never be brought to Him. Never can a human being make a sacrifice that fully expresses Who He is. All the wood of the forests on the Lebanon is simply not enough to serve as firewood and there are not enough beasts to be offered on it (Isaiah 40:16). The only wood that satisfies God is the wood of the cross of Calvary. No other offering than that of the body of Jesus Christ is of value to God. Whatever the privileged Jew might sacrifice Him, it always falls short of the glory of His Being. The nations do not count at all because of their depravity (Isaiah 40:17).

Is there anything to compare God with (Isaiah 40:18)? To ask the question is to answer it. The Creator can be compared with nothing of His creation. In simple and therefore powerful terms the majesty of the most high God is painted in this section.

Jeremiah 9:6

God Can’t Be Compared to Anyone

Isaiah 40:1-11 form the prologue of this second main part of the book of Isaiah. In it we see Who He is Who intervenes for the redemption and comfort of His people. From Isaiah 40:12 onward the prophet testifies of the incomparable features of their Creator-God Who cares for them. They need to become aware of His infinite greatness, attributes and power.

Thus Isaiah presents Him in contrast to the idols of the peoples around them that they have served (Isaiah 40:15-17) and to the nature of the idols and their makers (Isaiah 40:18-20). This leads to a renewal of comforting certainties (Isaiah 40:29-31). In the light of the majesty of God it becomes clear how insignificant the idols are. So it goes with the gospel. When the Lord Jesus is presented, everything else pales because nothing gives the satisfaction He gives.

In Isaiah 40:12-14 Isaiah asks two series of questions. The first series is about God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) and the second series about God’s omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14). First he gives some examples of God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) opposite to the smallness of man:

1. What can the hollowness of a human hand contain of water? A few milliliters? God measures in the hollow of His hand all oceans and other areas of water.

2. What can a man measure with a span, that is the distance between thumb and little finger? About twenty centimeters? God marked off the whole expanse of heaven.

3. What is the content of a human measure? A few liters? In the measure of God goes all the dust of the earth.

4. What can a human being weigh on a scale? A few kilograms? God determines the weight of mountains and hills and thus regulates the balance of the earth.

God’s omnipotence is immeasurably great and impressively far exalted above man, whose possibilities and power, compared to this, are totally insignificant and disappear into nothingness. This is further emphasized by the fact that in Hebrew the verb for ‘measuring’ (Isaiah 40:12) and ‘directed’ (Isaiah 40:13) is the same. The question is therefore: Man, who is not even able to measure creation (the waters), does he want to try to measure the Creator, the Spirit of the LORD?

God’s omniscience is just as far exalted above man’s knowing (Isaiah 40:13-14):

1. Is there outside the Spirit of the LORD a standard by which He can act, someone who tells Him what to do and how to do it?

2. Does He need education from someone else in order to walk in the right way toward His goal?

What is said here of the Spirit of the LORD shows that He possesses a combination of the abilities of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. In other words: He does not need a ‘think tank’, a heavenly workgroup or daily board with whom He must consult and who advises Him. He Who is called “Wonderful” and “Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6) really does not need instruction from a counselor.

The questions are similar to some questions God asks Job (Job 40:6-9; Job 41:1-7). In the indicated sections God points out to Job the differences between man and (parts of) His creation. Here in Isaiah God compares Himself to man.

But He is exalted in still more things. He, as the Ruler of the nations, has absolute control over everything. This control never gives Him any problem and never gives Him any difficulty. It is with His control over the nations as with a drop on a bucket of water: that extra drop does not give the bearer any extra burden (Isaiah 40:15). It’s like with a dust that floats down on a pair of scales: the scales don’t move. With islands He acts as a speck of dust that is lifted by a gust of wind and thus blown away.

As the One Who is worthy of all worship, what is truly due to Him can never be brought to Him. Never can a human being make a sacrifice that fully expresses Who He is. All the wood of the forests on the Lebanon is simply not enough to serve as firewood and there are not enough beasts to be offered on it (Isaiah 40:16). The only wood that satisfies God is the wood of the cross of Calvary. No other offering than that of the body of Jesus Christ is of value to God. Whatever the privileged Jew might sacrifice Him, it always falls short of the glory of His Being. The nations do not count at all because of their depravity (Isaiah 40:17).

Is there anything to compare God with (Isaiah 40:18)? To ask the question is to answer it. The Creator can be compared with nothing of His creation. In simple and therefore powerful terms the majesty of the most high God is painted in this section.

Jeremiah 9:7

God Can’t Be Compared to Anyone

Isaiah 40:1-11 form the prologue of this second main part of the book of Isaiah. In it we see Who He is Who intervenes for the redemption and comfort of His people. From Isaiah 40:12 onward the prophet testifies of the incomparable features of their Creator-God Who cares for them. They need to become aware of His infinite greatness, attributes and power.

Thus Isaiah presents Him in contrast to the idols of the peoples around them that they have served (Isaiah 40:15-17) and to the nature of the idols and their makers (Isaiah 40:18-20). This leads to a renewal of comforting certainties (Isaiah 40:29-31). In the light of the majesty of God it becomes clear how insignificant the idols are. So it goes with the gospel. When the Lord Jesus is presented, everything else pales because nothing gives the satisfaction He gives.

In Isaiah 40:12-14 Isaiah asks two series of questions. The first series is about God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) and the second series about God’s omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14). First he gives some examples of God’s omnipotence (Isaiah 40:12) opposite to the smallness of man:

1. What can the hollowness of a human hand contain of water? A few milliliters? God measures in the hollow of His hand all oceans and other areas of water.

2. What can a man measure with a span, that is the distance between thumb and little finger? About twenty centimeters? God marked off the whole expanse of heaven.

3. What is the content of a human measure? A few liters? In the measure of God goes all the dust of the earth.

4. What can a human being weigh on a scale? A few kilograms? God determines the weight of mountains and hills and thus regulates the balance of the earth.

God’s omnipotence is immeasurably great and impressively far exalted above man, whose possibilities and power, compared to this, are totally insignificant and disappear into nothingness. This is further emphasized by the fact that in Hebrew the verb for ‘measuring’ (Isaiah 40:12) and ‘directed’ (Isaiah 40:13) is the same. The question is therefore: Man, who is not even able to measure creation (the waters), does he want to try to measure the Creator, the Spirit of the LORD?

God’s omniscience is just as far exalted above man’s knowing (Isaiah 40:13-14):

1. Is there outside the Spirit of the LORD a standard by which He can act, someone who tells Him what to do and how to do it?

2. Does He need education from someone else in order to walk in the right way toward His goal?

What is said here of the Spirit of the LORD shows that He possesses a combination of the abilities of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. In other words: He does not need a ‘think tank’, a heavenly workgroup or daily board with whom He must consult and who advises Him. He Who is called “Wonderful” and “Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6) really does not need instruction from a counselor.

The questions are similar to some questions God asks Job (Job 40:6-9; Job 41:1-7). In the indicated sections God points out to Job the differences between man and (parts of) His creation. Here in Isaiah God compares Himself to man.

But He is exalted in still more things. He, as the Ruler of the nations, has absolute control over everything. This control never gives Him any problem and never gives Him any difficulty. It is with His control over the nations as with a drop on a bucket of water: that extra drop does not give the bearer any extra burden (Isaiah 40:15). It’s like with a dust that floats down on a pair of scales: the scales don’t move. With islands He acts as a speck of dust that is lifted by a gust of wind and thus blown away.

As the One Who is worthy of all worship, what is truly due to Him can never be brought to Him. Never can a human being make a sacrifice that fully expresses Who He is. All the wood of the forests on the Lebanon is simply not enough to serve as firewood and there are not enough beasts to be offered on it (Isaiah 40:16). The only wood that satisfies God is the wood of the cross of Calvary. No other offering than that of the body of Jesus Christ is of value to God. Whatever the privileged Jew might sacrifice Him, it always falls short of the glory of His Being. The nations do not count at all because of their depravity (Isaiah 40:17).

Is there anything to compare God with (Isaiah 40:18)? To ask the question is to answer it. The Creator can be compared with nothing of His creation. In simple and therefore powerful terms the majesty of the most high God is painted in this section.

Jeremiah 9:8

The Nullity of an Idol

After Isaiah demonstrated the nullity of all human knowledge and ability in the light of God’s omnipotence and omniscience, he bitingly mocks the idols (Isaiah 40:19-20). He pours out his sarcasm on the idolaters and the idol worshipers. He shows how foolish it is to worship something from creation as a god.

He describes two idols. One idol is cast by a craftsman out of metal and covered with gold and decorated with silver. The other idol is of a poor man who goes with a piece of wood to a craftsman to turn it into an idol that doesn’t totter. Both idolaters use material that God has created and both idols are made by people with abilities that God has given them. God is the Creator of all things and all people and therefore can’t be compared to anyone! Surely it is foolishness at the top when tiny creatures think they can form the eternal God, isn’t it?

Jeremiah 9:9

The Nullity of an Idol

After Isaiah demonstrated the nullity of all human knowledge and ability in the light of God’s omnipotence and omniscience, he bitingly mocks the idols (Isaiah 40:19-20). He pours out his sarcasm on the idolaters and the idol worshipers. He shows how foolish it is to worship something from creation as a god.

He describes two idols. One idol is cast by a craftsman out of metal and covered with gold and decorated with silver. The other idol is of a poor man who goes with a piece of wood to a craftsman to turn it into an idol that doesn’t totter. Both idolaters use material that God has created and both idols are made by people with abilities that God has given them. God is the Creator of all things and all people and therefore can’t be compared to anyone! Surely it is foolishness at the top when tiny creatures think they can form the eternal God, isn’t it?

Jeremiah 9:10

God’s Majesty

In Isaiah 40:21 Isaiah asks four questions. This is not about seeing, but about hearing. Hearing is connected with the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8), spoken through the mouth of the LORD (Isaiah 40:6). It is a contrast with Isaiah 40:19-20 where it is about seeing the idols. Isaiah asks his questions in a so-called ‘chiastic’ order, in which the first and the last belong together as do the middle two. This order is represented as follows: a, b, b, a. In Isaiah 40:21 the order is

a. know, —b. heard, —b. declared, a. understood.

This way of presenting is a powerful way of teaching. Because of this, the questions penetrate deep into the conscience and force the person addressed to think carefully about them.

Those who do not know (a) from creation and acknowledge that God has laid the foundations of the earth, that He created everything – this is further demonstrated in Isaiah 40:22-26 –

will be deprived of the knowledge of His will through preaching (b) and

through declaration (b),

because his understanding is obscured (a).

The wonders of nature should work in us admiration for the Maker.

In Isaiah 40:22-24 Isaiah speaks alternately about God’s position, might and authority in the observable universe and the inhabitants of the earth. To Him heaven is like a curtain that He stretches out and like a tent that He spreads out so that one can dwell in it.

Those who dwell therein on earth are to Him like “grasshoppers” (cf. Numbers 13:33). Also the most powerful among them, the “rulers” and “judges”, are like nothing and become “meaningless”. They have predestined themselves or have been predestined by others to experience glorious growth and rise to great heights. Power, major influence and many governmental powers lie ahead. But a sudden intervention of His mighty hand puts an abrupt end to that coveted future (cf. Isaiah 11:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:8).

As in Isaiah 40:18, where the challenge sounds after showing the insignificance of the nations, in Isaiah 40:25 the challenge sounds after showing the finiteness of the inhabitants and the disappearance of the rulers. In Isaiah 40:18 Isaiah asks who can be compared to God. The answer is that He can be compared with nothing. In Isaiah 40:25 God Himself is speaking as “the Holy One” and asks the same question.

He Himself gives the answer and says that He can’t be compared to anyone, “to whom I would be [his] equal?” It is as if He says: It is a testimony of wisdom if you do not dare to make any comparison. It is not about His limitlessness and their nullity, but about His essential and absolute holiness and the self-destruction of His depraved and idolatrous people.

For the third time the people are reminded of the incomparable power of God as Creator (Isaiah 40:26). Earlier, God as Creator has been pointed out to them in order to impress upon them their own nullity (Isaiah 40:12) and to remind them of what they should have learned from creation (Isaiah 40:21-22). Now that reference to the Creator sounds like an order. They must look upward, into the universe. Then they see those countless celestial bodies, which in many religions are worshiped as gods. They are all placed and kept in their orbit by Him.

He also knows them all by name and commands them, they are all under His command. The celestial bodies do not exist and do not move exclusively through natural laws set by the Creator. The Son of God is also the maintaining Center, its Carrier and Ruler (Colossians 1:16-17). It is He Who “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Only an omnipotent God is able to do this.

Jeremiah 9:11

God’s Majesty

In Isaiah 40:21 Isaiah asks four questions. This is not about seeing, but about hearing. Hearing is connected with the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8), spoken through the mouth of the LORD (Isaiah 40:6). It is a contrast with Isaiah 40:19-20 where it is about seeing the idols. Isaiah asks his questions in a so-called ‘chiastic’ order, in which the first and the last belong together as do the middle two. This order is represented as follows: a, b, b, a. In Isaiah 40:21 the order is

a. know, —b. heard, —b. declared, a. understood.

This way of presenting is a powerful way of teaching. Because of this, the questions penetrate deep into the conscience and force the person addressed to think carefully about them.

Those who do not know (a) from creation and acknowledge that God has laid the foundations of the earth, that He created everything – this is further demonstrated in Isaiah 40:22-26 –

will be deprived of the knowledge of His will through preaching (b) and

through declaration (b),

because his understanding is obscured (a).

The wonders of nature should work in us admiration for the Maker.

In Isaiah 40:22-24 Isaiah speaks alternately about God’s position, might and authority in the observable universe and the inhabitants of the earth. To Him heaven is like a curtain that He stretches out and like a tent that He spreads out so that one can dwell in it.

Those who dwell therein on earth are to Him like “grasshoppers” (cf. Numbers 13:33). Also the most powerful among them, the “rulers” and “judges”, are like nothing and become “meaningless”. They have predestined themselves or have been predestined by others to experience glorious growth and rise to great heights. Power, major influence and many governmental powers lie ahead. But a sudden intervention of His mighty hand puts an abrupt end to that coveted future (cf. Isaiah 11:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:8).

As in Isaiah 40:18, where the challenge sounds after showing the insignificance of the nations, in Isaiah 40:25 the challenge sounds after showing the finiteness of the inhabitants and the disappearance of the rulers. In Isaiah 40:18 Isaiah asks who can be compared to God. The answer is that He can be compared with nothing. In Isaiah 40:25 God Himself is speaking as “the Holy One” and asks the same question.

He Himself gives the answer and says that He can’t be compared to anyone, “to whom I would be [his] equal?” It is as if He says: It is a testimony of wisdom if you do not dare to make any comparison. It is not about His limitlessness and their nullity, but about His essential and absolute holiness and the self-destruction of His depraved and idolatrous people.

For the third time the people are reminded of the incomparable power of God as Creator (Isaiah 40:26). Earlier, God as Creator has been pointed out to them in order to impress upon them their own nullity (Isaiah 40:12) and to remind them of what they should have learned from creation (Isaiah 40:21-22). Now that reference to the Creator sounds like an order. They must look upward, into the universe. Then they see those countless celestial bodies, which in many religions are worshiped as gods. They are all placed and kept in their orbit by Him.

He also knows them all by name and commands them, they are all under His command. The celestial bodies do not exist and do not move exclusively through natural laws set by the Creator. The Son of God is also the maintaining Center, its Carrier and Ruler (Colossians 1:16-17). It is He Who “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Only an omnipotent God is able to do this.

Jeremiah 9:12

God’s Majesty

In Isaiah 40:21 Isaiah asks four questions. This is not about seeing, but about hearing. Hearing is connected with the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8), spoken through the mouth of the LORD (Isaiah 40:6). It is a contrast with Isaiah 40:19-20 where it is about seeing the idols. Isaiah asks his questions in a so-called ‘chiastic’ order, in which the first and the last belong together as do the middle two. This order is represented as follows: a, b, b, a. In Isaiah 40:21 the order is

a. know, —b. heard, —b. declared, a. understood.

This way of presenting is a powerful way of teaching. Because of this, the questions penetrate deep into the conscience and force the person addressed to think carefully about them.

Those who do not know (a) from creation and acknowledge that God has laid the foundations of the earth, that He created everything – this is further demonstrated in Isaiah 40:22-26 –

will be deprived of the knowledge of His will through preaching (b) and

through declaration (b),

because his understanding is obscured (a).

The wonders of nature should work in us admiration for the Maker.

In Isaiah 40:22-24 Isaiah speaks alternately about God’s position, might and authority in the observable universe and the inhabitants of the earth. To Him heaven is like a curtain that He stretches out and like a tent that He spreads out so that one can dwell in it.

Those who dwell therein on earth are to Him like “grasshoppers” (cf. Numbers 13:33). Also the most powerful among them, the “rulers” and “judges”, are like nothing and become “meaningless”. They have predestined themselves or have been predestined by others to experience glorious growth and rise to great heights. Power, major influence and many governmental powers lie ahead. But a sudden intervention of His mighty hand puts an abrupt end to that coveted future (cf. Isaiah 11:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:8).

As in Isaiah 40:18, where the challenge sounds after showing the insignificance of the nations, in Isaiah 40:25 the challenge sounds after showing the finiteness of the inhabitants and the disappearance of the rulers. In Isaiah 40:18 Isaiah asks who can be compared to God. The answer is that He can be compared with nothing. In Isaiah 40:25 God Himself is speaking as “the Holy One” and asks the same question.

He Himself gives the answer and says that He can’t be compared to anyone, “to whom I would be [his] equal?” It is as if He says: It is a testimony of wisdom if you do not dare to make any comparison. It is not about His limitlessness and their nullity, but about His essential and absolute holiness and the self-destruction of His depraved and idolatrous people.

For the third time the people are reminded of the incomparable power of God as Creator (Isaiah 40:26). Earlier, God as Creator has been pointed out to them in order to impress upon them their own nullity (Isaiah 40:12) and to remind them of what they should have learned from creation (Isaiah 40:21-22). Now that reference to the Creator sounds like an order. They must look upward, into the universe. Then they see those countless celestial bodies, which in many religions are worshiped as gods. They are all placed and kept in their orbit by Him.

He also knows them all by name and commands them, they are all under His command. The celestial bodies do not exist and do not move exclusively through natural laws set by the Creator. The Son of God is also the maintaining Center, its Carrier and Ruler (Colossians 1:16-17). It is He Who “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Only an omnipotent God is able to do this.

Jeremiah 9:13

God’s Majesty

In Isaiah 40:21 Isaiah asks four questions. This is not about seeing, but about hearing. Hearing is connected with the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8), spoken through the mouth of the LORD (Isaiah 40:6). It is a contrast with Isaiah 40:19-20 where it is about seeing the idols. Isaiah asks his questions in a so-called ‘chiastic’ order, in which the first and the last belong together as do the middle two. This order is represented as follows: a, b, b, a. In Isaiah 40:21 the order is

a. know, —b. heard, —b. declared, a. understood.

This way of presenting is a powerful way of teaching. Because of this, the questions penetrate deep into the conscience and force the person addressed to think carefully about them.

Those who do not know (a) from creation and acknowledge that God has laid the foundations of the earth, that He created everything – this is further demonstrated in Isaiah 40:22-26 –

will be deprived of the knowledge of His will through preaching (b) and

through declaration (b),

because his understanding is obscured (a).

The wonders of nature should work in us admiration for the Maker.

In Isaiah 40:22-24 Isaiah speaks alternately about God’s position, might and authority in the observable universe and the inhabitants of the earth. To Him heaven is like a curtain that He stretches out and like a tent that He spreads out so that one can dwell in it.

Those who dwell therein on earth are to Him like “grasshoppers” (cf. Numbers 13:33). Also the most powerful among them, the “rulers” and “judges”, are like nothing and become “meaningless”. They have predestined themselves or have been predestined by others to experience glorious growth and rise to great heights. Power, major influence and many governmental powers lie ahead. But a sudden intervention of His mighty hand puts an abrupt end to that coveted future (cf. Isaiah 11:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:8).

As in Isaiah 40:18, where the challenge sounds after showing the insignificance of the nations, in Isaiah 40:25 the challenge sounds after showing the finiteness of the inhabitants and the disappearance of the rulers. In Isaiah 40:18 Isaiah asks who can be compared to God. The answer is that He can be compared with nothing. In Isaiah 40:25 God Himself is speaking as “the Holy One” and asks the same question.

He Himself gives the answer and says that He can’t be compared to anyone, “to whom I would be [his] equal?” It is as if He says: It is a testimony of wisdom if you do not dare to make any comparison. It is not about His limitlessness and their nullity, but about His essential and absolute holiness and the self-destruction of His depraved and idolatrous people.

For the third time the people are reminded of the incomparable power of God as Creator (Isaiah 40:26). Earlier, God as Creator has been pointed out to them in order to impress upon them their own nullity (Isaiah 40:12) and to remind them of what they should have learned from creation (Isaiah 40:21-22). Now that reference to the Creator sounds like an order. They must look upward, into the universe. Then they see those countless celestial bodies, which in many religions are worshiped as gods. They are all placed and kept in their orbit by Him.

He also knows them all by name and commands them, they are all under His command. The celestial bodies do not exist and do not move exclusively through natural laws set by the Creator. The Son of God is also the maintaining Center, its Carrier and Ruler (Colossians 1:16-17). It is He Who “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Only an omnipotent God is able to do this.

Jeremiah 9:14

God’s Majesty

In Isaiah 40:21 Isaiah asks four questions. This is not about seeing, but about hearing. Hearing is connected with the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8), spoken through the mouth of the LORD (Isaiah 40:6). It is a contrast with Isaiah 40:19-20 where it is about seeing the idols. Isaiah asks his questions in a so-called ‘chiastic’ order, in which the first and the last belong together as do the middle two. This order is represented as follows: a, b, b, a. In Isaiah 40:21 the order is

a. know, —b. heard, —b. declared, a. understood.

This way of presenting is a powerful way of teaching. Because of this, the questions penetrate deep into the conscience and force the person addressed to think carefully about them.

Those who do not know (a) from creation and acknowledge that God has laid the foundations of the earth, that He created everything – this is further demonstrated in Isaiah 40:22-26 –

will be deprived of the knowledge of His will through preaching (b) and

through declaration (b),

because his understanding is obscured (a).

The wonders of nature should work in us admiration for the Maker.

In Isaiah 40:22-24 Isaiah speaks alternately about God’s position, might and authority in the observable universe and the inhabitants of the earth. To Him heaven is like a curtain that He stretches out and like a tent that He spreads out so that one can dwell in it.

Those who dwell therein on earth are to Him like “grasshoppers” (cf. Numbers 13:33). Also the most powerful among them, the “rulers” and “judges”, are like nothing and become “meaningless”. They have predestined themselves or have been predestined by others to experience glorious growth and rise to great heights. Power, major influence and many governmental powers lie ahead. But a sudden intervention of His mighty hand puts an abrupt end to that coveted future (cf. Isaiah 11:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:8).

As in Isaiah 40:18, where the challenge sounds after showing the insignificance of the nations, in Isaiah 40:25 the challenge sounds after showing the finiteness of the inhabitants and the disappearance of the rulers. In Isaiah 40:18 Isaiah asks who can be compared to God. The answer is that He can be compared with nothing. In Isaiah 40:25 God Himself is speaking as “the Holy One” and asks the same question.

He Himself gives the answer and says that He can’t be compared to anyone, “to whom I would be [his] equal?” It is as if He says: It is a testimony of wisdom if you do not dare to make any comparison. It is not about His limitlessness and their nullity, but about His essential and absolute holiness and the self-destruction of His depraved and idolatrous people.

For the third time the people are reminded of the incomparable power of God as Creator (Isaiah 40:26). Earlier, God as Creator has been pointed out to them in order to impress upon them their own nullity (Isaiah 40:12) and to remind them of what they should have learned from creation (Isaiah 40:21-22). Now that reference to the Creator sounds like an order. They must look upward, into the universe. Then they see those countless celestial bodies, which in many religions are worshiped as gods. They are all placed and kept in their orbit by Him.

He also knows them all by name and commands them, they are all under His command. The celestial bodies do not exist and do not move exclusively through natural laws set by the Creator. The Son of God is also the maintaining Center, its Carrier and Ruler (Colossians 1:16-17). It is He Who “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Only an omnipotent God is able to do this.

Jeremiah 9:15

God’s Majesty

In Isaiah 40:21 Isaiah asks four questions. This is not about seeing, but about hearing. Hearing is connected with the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8), spoken through the mouth of the LORD (Isaiah 40:6). It is a contrast with Isaiah 40:19-20 where it is about seeing the idols. Isaiah asks his questions in a so-called ‘chiastic’ order, in which the first and the last belong together as do the middle two. This order is represented as follows: a, b, b, a. In Isaiah 40:21 the order is

a. know, —b. heard, —b. declared, a. understood.

This way of presenting is a powerful way of teaching. Because of this, the questions penetrate deep into the conscience and force the person addressed to think carefully about them.

Those who do not know (a) from creation and acknowledge that God has laid the foundations of the earth, that He created everything – this is further demonstrated in Isaiah 40:22-26 –

will be deprived of the knowledge of His will through preaching (b) and

through declaration (b),

because his understanding is obscured (a).

The wonders of nature should work in us admiration for the Maker.

In Isaiah 40:22-24 Isaiah speaks alternately about God’s position, might and authority in the observable universe and the inhabitants of the earth. To Him heaven is like a curtain that He stretches out and like a tent that He spreads out so that one can dwell in it.

Those who dwell therein on earth are to Him like “grasshoppers” (cf. Numbers 13:33). Also the most powerful among them, the “rulers” and “judges”, are like nothing and become “meaningless”. They have predestined themselves or have been predestined by others to experience glorious growth and rise to great heights. Power, major influence and many governmental powers lie ahead. But a sudden intervention of His mighty hand puts an abrupt end to that coveted future (cf. Isaiah 11:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:8).

As in Isaiah 40:18, where the challenge sounds after showing the insignificance of the nations, in Isaiah 40:25 the challenge sounds after showing the finiteness of the inhabitants and the disappearance of the rulers. In Isaiah 40:18 Isaiah asks who can be compared to God. The answer is that He can be compared with nothing. In Isaiah 40:25 God Himself is speaking as “the Holy One” and asks the same question.

He Himself gives the answer and says that He can’t be compared to anyone, “to whom I would be [his] equal?” It is as if He says: It is a testimony of wisdom if you do not dare to make any comparison. It is not about His limitlessness and their nullity, but about His essential and absolute holiness and the self-destruction of His depraved and idolatrous people.

For the third time the people are reminded of the incomparable power of God as Creator (Isaiah 40:26). Earlier, God as Creator has been pointed out to them in order to impress upon them their own nullity (Isaiah 40:12) and to remind them of what they should have learned from creation (Isaiah 40:21-22). Now that reference to the Creator sounds like an order. They must look upward, into the universe. Then they see those countless celestial bodies, which in many religions are worshiped as gods. They are all placed and kept in their orbit by Him.

He also knows them all by name and commands them, they are all under His command. The celestial bodies do not exist and do not move exclusively through natural laws set by the Creator. The Son of God is also the maintaining Center, its Carrier and Ruler (Colossians 1:16-17). It is He Who “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Only an omnipotent God is able to do this.

Jeremiah 9:16

The Eternal God Gives Strength to the Weary

If God is so mightily exalted above creation, His creation, could He not help those in need? Would we be worried about the plans of rulers on earth if He governs them? Therefore now comes a message of comfort for the remnant that prophetically tells their experiences that they are going through in the time of the great tribulation (Isaiah 40:27).

The believing remnant is addressed here first as Jacob and then as Israel. This is to remind them of their origins, of the meeting of their ancestor with the LORD in Pniel (Genesis 32:24-31). That meeting changed Jacob’s life. There he becomes of a ‘heels holder’ – the meaning of the name Jacob – a ‘prince or warrior of God’ – the meaning of the name Israel. And when does that happen? It happens when he begs for mercy (Hosea 12:5).

It seemed that God had given them up to the enemy and no longer thought of them. They thought that their way through the great tribulation was hidden from Him or overlooked by Him. But wouldn’t He, Who shows the planets their way, know their way? They thought that He had no regard for their justice and that He had handed them over to enemies full of injustice. But would He, who blows away rulers and governors, withhold the justice from His remnant who trusts in Him?

The considerations expressed in this verse may also be ours. We ask ourselves: ‘Why does God allow it? Does He lack power? Is He not interested in us?’

The thought that He would leave them to their fate is unfounded. The double question of Isa 40:28, the same as in Isaiah 40:21, must also convince them of this. If we are overwhelmed by despair under the pressure of circumstances, we have to get back to the facts we accepted when we came to faith. We may also draw courage from our experiences of God’s mercies on previous occasions. He, the Creator of all things, is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

With the same power with which He created the worlds, He is at our disposal. He never gets tired, let alone overtired. His understanding, too, is inscrutable and that is why He knows us and our circumstances. He not only knows our greatest trials, whether they come from within or outside us, but they are under His absolute control. He determines in His wisdom the time and manner of His intervention and our deliverance and that is different and higher than our wisdom.

Instead of getting tired He gives strength to the tired (Isaiah 40:29). What we must do is open our hearts to receive strength. He is always ready to give it to us when we undergo trials. Then He changes times of trial into times of blessing. His purpose is that we are aware of our own powerlessness, so that we appeal to His power instead of becoming desperate under oppression.

Even the strongest cannot be sure that he will always be free of weariness (Isaiah 40:30). That weariness can turn into despondency when the prospect of salvation and the view on the Savior are obstructed. An obstacle on his way can also make him stumble. A sudden event can lead to despondency. The only strength that is inexhaustible and keeps him from stumbling and falling is the awaiting looking up to the LORD (Isaiah 40:31).

Waiting for the Lord is not just a matter of patience or even desire, but above all that our hope for His outcome is characterized by trust. Then we go “from strength to strength” (Psalms 84:6-8), constantly drawing from the source of His power. With wings we rise above the difficulties, to rise above the fog and darkness of the earth and to come into the bright sunlight of God’s presence.

A characteristic of “eagles” is that their plumage is regularly renewed. This is a beautiful picture of the drawing of new strength by those who wait for the LORD (cf. Psalms 103:5). Other characteristics of an eagle are speed, sharp smell and a sharp eye. Going up is therefore not only that we rise above the difficulties, but also that we quickly gain insight into the will and the way of God with a sharp eye on Him Himself through faith. If that is our expectation, we will “run”, which assumes effort, but “not get tired”. We will also “walk”, which presupposes fellowship and “not become weary” of it.

Jeremiah 9:17

The Eternal God Gives Strength to the Weary

If God is so mightily exalted above creation, His creation, could He not help those in need? Would we be worried about the plans of rulers on earth if He governs them? Therefore now comes a message of comfort for the remnant that prophetically tells their experiences that they are going through in the time of the great tribulation (Isaiah 40:27).

The believing remnant is addressed here first as Jacob and then as Israel. This is to remind them of their origins, of the meeting of their ancestor with the LORD in Pniel (Genesis 32:24-31). That meeting changed Jacob’s life. There he becomes of a ‘heels holder’ – the meaning of the name Jacob – a ‘prince or warrior of God’ – the meaning of the name Israel. And when does that happen? It happens when he begs for mercy (Hosea 12:5).

It seemed that God had given them up to the enemy and no longer thought of them. They thought that their way through the great tribulation was hidden from Him or overlooked by Him. But wouldn’t He, Who shows the planets their way, know their way? They thought that He had no regard for their justice and that He had handed them over to enemies full of injustice. But would He, who blows away rulers and governors, withhold the justice from His remnant who trusts in Him?

The considerations expressed in this verse may also be ours. We ask ourselves: ‘Why does God allow it? Does He lack power? Is He not interested in us?’

The thought that He would leave them to their fate is unfounded. The double question of Isa 40:28, the same as in Isaiah 40:21, must also convince them of this. If we are overwhelmed by despair under the pressure of circumstances, we have to get back to the facts we accepted when we came to faith. We may also draw courage from our experiences of God’s mercies on previous occasions. He, the Creator of all things, is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

With the same power with which He created the worlds, He is at our disposal. He never gets tired, let alone overtired. His understanding, too, is inscrutable and that is why He knows us and our circumstances. He not only knows our greatest trials, whether they come from within or outside us, but they are under His absolute control. He determines in His wisdom the time and manner of His intervention and our deliverance and that is different and higher than our wisdom.

Instead of getting tired He gives strength to the tired (Isaiah 40:29). What we must do is open our hearts to receive strength. He is always ready to give it to us when we undergo trials. Then He changes times of trial into times of blessing. His purpose is that we are aware of our own powerlessness, so that we appeal to His power instead of becoming desperate under oppression.

Even the strongest cannot be sure that he will always be free of weariness (Isaiah 40:30). That weariness can turn into despondency when the prospect of salvation and the view on the Savior are obstructed. An obstacle on his way can also make him stumble. A sudden event can lead to despondency. The only strength that is inexhaustible and keeps him from stumbling and falling is the awaiting looking up to the LORD (Isaiah 40:31).

Waiting for the Lord is not just a matter of patience or even desire, but above all that our hope for His outcome is characterized by trust. Then we go “from strength to strength” (Psalms 84:6-8), constantly drawing from the source of His power. With wings we rise above the difficulties, to rise above the fog and darkness of the earth and to come into the bright sunlight of God’s presence.

A characteristic of “eagles” is that their plumage is regularly renewed. This is a beautiful picture of the drawing of new strength by those who wait for the LORD (cf. Psalms 103:5). Other characteristics of an eagle are speed, sharp smell and a sharp eye. Going up is therefore not only that we rise above the difficulties, but also that we quickly gain insight into the will and the way of God with a sharp eye on Him Himself through faith. If that is our expectation, we will “run”, which assumes effort, but “not get tired”. We will also “walk”, which presupposes fellowship and “not become weary” of it.

Jeremiah 9:18

The Eternal God Gives Strength to the Weary

If God is so mightily exalted above creation, His creation, could He not help those in need? Would we be worried about the plans of rulers on earth if He governs them? Therefore now comes a message of comfort for the remnant that prophetically tells their experiences that they are going through in the time of the great tribulation (Isaiah 40:27).

The believing remnant is addressed here first as Jacob and then as Israel. This is to remind them of their origins, of the meeting of their ancestor with the LORD in Pniel (Genesis 32:24-31). That meeting changed Jacob’s life. There he becomes of a ‘heels holder’ – the meaning of the name Jacob – a ‘prince or warrior of God’ – the meaning of the name Israel. And when does that happen? It happens when he begs for mercy (Hosea 12:5).

It seemed that God had given them up to the enemy and no longer thought of them. They thought that their way through the great tribulation was hidden from Him or overlooked by Him. But wouldn’t He, Who shows the planets their way, know their way? They thought that He had no regard for their justice and that He had handed them over to enemies full of injustice. But would He, who blows away rulers and governors, withhold the justice from His remnant who trusts in Him?

The considerations expressed in this verse may also be ours. We ask ourselves: ‘Why does God allow it? Does He lack power? Is He not interested in us?’

The thought that He would leave them to their fate is unfounded. The double question of Isa 40:28, the same as in Isaiah 40:21, must also convince them of this. If we are overwhelmed by despair under the pressure of circumstances, we have to get back to the facts we accepted when we came to faith. We may also draw courage from our experiences of God’s mercies on previous occasions. He, the Creator of all things, is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

With the same power with which He created the worlds, He is at our disposal. He never gets tired, let alone overtired. His understanding, too, is inscrutable and that is why He knows us and our circumstances. He not only knows our greatest trials, whether they come from within or outside us, but they are under His absolute control. He determines in His wisdom the time and manner of His intervention and our deliverance and that is different and higher than our wisdom.

Instead of getting tired He gives strength to the tired (Isaiah 40:29). What we must do is open our hearts to receive strength. He is always ready to give it to us when we undergo trials. Then He changes times of trial into times of blessing. His purpose is that we are aware of our own powerlessness, so that we appeal to His power instead of becoming desperate under oppression.

Even the strongest cannot be sure that he will always be free of weariness (Isaiah 40:30). That weariness can turn into despondency when the prospect of salvation and the view on the Savior are obstructed. An obstacle on his way can also make him stumble. A sudden event can lead to despondency. The only strength that is inexhaustible and keeps him from stumbling and falling is the awaiting looking up to the LORD (Isaiah 40:31).

Waiting for the Lord is not just a matter of patience or even desire, but above all that our hope for His outcome is characterized by trust. Then we go “from strength to strength” (Psalms 84:6-8), constantly drawing from the source of His power. With wings we rise above the difficulties, to rise above the fog and darkness of the earth and to come into the bright sunlight of God’s presence.

A characteristic of “eagles” is that their plumage is regularly renewed. This is a beautiful picture of the drawing of new strength by those who wait for the LORD (cf. Psalms 103:5). Other characteristics of an eagle are speed, sharp smell and a sharp eye. Going up is therefore not only that we rise above the difficulties, but also that we quickly gain insight into the will and the way of God with a sharp eye on Him Himself through faith. If that is our expectation, we will “run”, which assumes effort, but “not get tired”. We will also “walk”, which presupposes fellowship and “not become weary” of it.

Jeremiah 9:19

The Eternal God Gives Strength to the Weary

If God is so mightily exalted above creation, His creation, could He not help those in need? Would we be worried about the plans of rulers on earth if He governs them? Therefore now comes a message of comfort for the remnant that prophetically tells their experiences that they are going through in the time of the great tribulation (Isaiah 40:27).

The believing remnant is addressed here first as Jacob and then as Israel. This is to remind them of their origins, of the meeting of their ancestor with the LORD in Pniel (Genesis 32:24-31). That meeting changed Jacob’s life. There he becomes of a ‘heels holder’ – the meaning of the name Jacob – a ‘prince or warrior of God’ – the meaning of the name Israel. And when does that happen? It happens when he begs for mercy (Hosea 12:5).

It seemed that God had given them up to the enemy and no longer thought of them. They thought that their way through the great tribulation was hidden from Him or overlooked by Him. But wouldn’t He, Who shows the planets their way, know their way? They thought that He had no regard for their justice and that He had handed them over to enemies full of injustice. But would He, who blows away rulers and governors, withhold the justice from His remnant who trusts in Him?

The considerations expressed in this verse may also be ours. We ask ourselves: ‘Why does God allow it? Does He lack power? Is He not interested in us?’

The thought that He would leave them to their fate is unfounded. The double question of Isa 40:28, the same as in Isaiah 40:21, must also convince them of this. If we are overwhelmed by despair under the pressure of circumstances, we have to get back to the facts we accepted when we came to faith. We may also draw courage from our experiences of God’s mercies on previous occasions. He, the Creator of all things, is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

With the same power with which He created the worlds, He is at our disposal. He never gets tired, let alone overtired. His understanding, too, is inscrutable and that is why He knows us and our circumstances. He not only knows our greatest trials, whether they come from within or outside us, but they are under His absolute control. He determines in His wisdom the time and manner of His intervention and our deliverance and that is different and higher than our wisdom.

Instead of getting tired He gives strength to the tired (Isaiah 40:29). What we must do is open our hearts to receive strength. He is always ready to give it to us when we undergo trials. Then He changes times of trial into times of blessing. His purpose is that we are aware of our own powerlessness, so that we appeal to His power instead of becoming desperate under oppression.

Even the strongest cannot be sure that he will always be free of weariness (Isaiah 40:30). That weariness can turn into despondency when the prospect of salvation and the view on the Savior are obstructed. An obstacle on his way can also make him stumble. A sudden event can lead to despondency. The only strength that is inexhaustible and keeps him from stumbling and falling is the awaiting looking up to the LORD (Isaiah 40:31).

Waiting for the Lord is not just a matter of patience or even desire, but above all that our hope for His outcome is characterized by trust. Then we go “from strength to strength” (Psalms 84:6-8), constantly drawing from the source of His power. With wings we rise above the difficulties, to rise above the fog and darkness of the earth and to come into the bright sunlight of God’s presence.

A characteristic of “eagles” is that their plumage is regularly renewed. This is a beautiful picture of the drawing of new strength by those who wait for the LORD (cf. Psalms 103:5). Other characteristics of an eagle are speed, sharp smell and a sharp eye. Going up is therefore not only that we rise above the difficulties, but also that we quickly gain insight into the will and the way of God with a sharp eye on Him Himself through faith. If that is our expectation, we will “run”, which assumes effort, but “not get tired”. We will also “walk”, which presupposes fellowship and “not become weary” of it.

Jeremiah 9:20

The Eternal God Gives Strength to the Weary

If God is so mightily exalted above creation, His creation, could He not help those in need? Would we be worried about the plans of rulers on earth if He governs them? Therefore now comes a message of comfort for the remnant that prophetically tells their experiences that they are going through in the time of the great tribulation (Isaiah 40:27).

The believing remnant is addressed here first as Jacob and then as Israel. This is to remind them of their origins, of the meeting of their ancestor with the LORD in Pniel (Genesis 32:24-31). That meeting changed Jacob’s life. There he becomes of a ‘heels holder’ – the meaning of the name Jacob – a ‘prince or warrior of God’ – the meaning of the name Israel. And when does that happen? It happens when he begs for mercy (Hosea 12:5).

It seemed that God had given them up to the enemy and no longer thought of them. They thought that their way through the great tribulation was hidden from Him or overlooked by Him. But wouldn’t He, Who shows the planets their way, know their way? They thought that He had no regard for their justice and that He had handed them over to enemies full of injustice. But would He, who blows away rulers and governors, withhold the justice from His remnant who trusts in Him?

The considerations expressed in this verse may also be ours. We ask ourselves: ‘Why does God allow it? Does He lack power? Is He not interested in us?’

The thought that He would leave them to their fate is unfounded. The double question of Isa 40:28, the same as in Isaiah 40:21, must also convince them of this. If we are overwhelmed by despair under the pressure of circumstances, we have to get back to the facts we accepted when we came to faith. We may also draw courage from our experiences of God’s mercies on previous occasions. He, the Creator of all things, is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

With the same power with which He created the worlds, He is at our disposal. He never gets tired, let alone overtired. His understanding, too, is inscrutable and that is why He knows us and our circumstances. He not only knows our greatest trials, whether they come from within or outside us, but they are under His absolute control. He determines in His wisdom the time and manner of His intervention and our deliverance and that is different and higher than our wisdom.

Instead of getting tired He gives strength to the tired (Isaiah 40:29). What we must do is open our hearts to receive strength. He is always ready to give it to us when we undergo trials. Then He changes times of trial into times of blessing. His purpose is that we are aware of our own powerlessness, so that we appeal to His power instead of becoming desperate under oppression.

Even the strongest cannot be sure that he will always be free of weariness (Isaiah 40:30). That weariness can turn into despondency when the prospect of salvation and the view on the Savior are obstructed. An obstacle on his way can also make him stumble. A sudden event can lead to despondency. The only strength that is inexhaustible and keeps him from stumbling and falling is the awaiting looking up to the LORD (Isaiah 40:31).

Waiting for the Lord is not just a matter of patience or even desire, but above all that our hope for His outcome is characterized by trust. Then we go “from strength to strength” (Psalms 84:6-8), constantly drawing from the source of His power. With wings we rise above the difficulties, to rise above the fog and darkness of the earth and to come into the bright sunlight of God’s presence.

A characteristic of “eagles” is that their plumage is regularly renewed. This is a beautiful picture of the drawing of new strength by those who wait for the LORD (cf. Psalms 103:5). Other characteristics of an eagle are speed, sharp smell and a sharp eye. Going up is therefore not only that we rise above the difficulties, but also that we quickly gain insight into the will and the way of God with a sharp eye on Him Himself through faith. If that is our expectation, we will “run”, which assumes effort, but “not get tired”. We will also “walk”, which presupposes fellowship and “not become weary” of it.

Jeremiah 9:22

Introduction

The previous chapter shows that no one is equal to the LORD, no people, no idol. In this chapter the LORD speaks at the beginning directly to the peoples (Isaiah 41:1). He calls them to go with Him in judgment in the courtroom. In the coming chapters the courtroom comes forward several times. The question to be answered is Elijah’s question to the people of Israel: Who is God: the LORD or the idols like Baal (1 Kings 18:21)?

The fact that the LORD declares in advance to arouse a conqueror from the east is only an indication that He Himself is the true God, the exalted Ruler of all events on earth (Isaiah 41:2-4). The idolatry of nations will eventually bring Divine judgments on them. Thereby Israel, as God’s chosen people, will be the instrument in God’s hand (Isaiah 41:5-16).

The LORD also does not forget that His people will have to go through a fearful time. In view of that time He offers them a comforting vista of the situation after that fearful time (Isaiah 41:17-20). Then follows another challenge to the nations. Let them show their ability to foretell the future as God does. They and their objects of worship will turn to nothing (Isaiah 41:21-29).

God reveals Himself not only in creation, as in Isaiah 40, He is equally concerned with man. In Isaiah 41:1-4 He reveals His righteousness and judgment to the nations. From Isaiah 41:8 He shows Himself in grace to Israel.

The LORD Judges the Peoples

God challenges the coastlands – by which may be meant the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and thus Europe – and the peoples – behind the coastlands – to come together for judgment with Him (Isaiah 41:1). This is not about condemnation, but about assessing facts and drawing a conclusion from them. They must first listen silently to the facts. Then God encourages them to gather new strength in order to “come forward” to Him and then to “speak” to Him.

God opens the dispute by asking challenging questions in Isaiah 41:2-4 and establishing facts for His cause. The person involved is Cyrus, the king of Persia (Ezra 1:1). It is a future event, but God presents it as if He has already called Cyrus on the world stage (Isaiah 41:2). The past perfect tense in which the sentence has been set gives that future event the certainty of a matter that has already happened.

God not only has the ability to tell what will happen in the future, but He also has the power to arouse a man who will fulfill His Divine purposes. The “aroused one … in righteousness” means that Cyrus, as the victor, will do what is consistent with God’s purpose. Therefore, this man, Cyrus, will be able to act without anything or anyone being able to stop him. “From the rising of the sun” indicates that he comes from Persia (Isaiah 41:25). He will advance victoriously and defeat every opponent. The way he goes is a way which he did not invent himself, but which the LORD has determined and commanded for him (Isaiah 41:3).

Then the question sounds as to who the author of this performance is and by whom it comes that Cyrus is so successful (Isaiah 41:4). The LORD Himself gives the answer. He Himself stands at the origin and grants Cyrus the progress. He is “the First”, which means that He has a preexistence before all history and that all things are under His control. He will also bring all things to the end determined by Him. From beginning to end He is the same and acts in complete agreement with His Being. Against that God and that action, the coastlands and the peoples have no answer.

Jeremiah 9:23

Introduction

The previous chapter shows that no one is equal to the LORD, no people, no idol. In this chapter the LORD speaks at the beginning directly to the peoples (Isaiah 41:1). He calls them to go with Him in judgment in the courtroom. In the coming chapters the courtroom comes forward several times. The question to be answered is Elijah’s question to the people of Israel: Who is God: the LORD or the idols like Baal (1 Kings 18:21)?

The fact that the LORD declares in advance to arouse a conqueror from the east is only an indication that He Himself is the true God, the exalted Ruler of all events on earth (Isaiah 41:2-4). The idolatry of nations will eventually bring Divine judgments on them. Thereby Israel, as God’s chosen people, will be the instrument in God’s hand (Isaiah 41:5-16).

The LORD also does not forget that His people will have to go through a fearful time. In view of that time He offers them a comforting vista of the situation after that fearful time (Isaiah 41:17-20). Then follows another challenge to the nations. Let them show their ability to foretell the future as God does. They and their objects of worship will turn to nothing (Isaiah 41:21-29).

God reveals Himself not only in creation, as in Isaiah 40, He is equally concerned with man. In Isaiah 41:1-4 He reveals His righteousness and judgment to the nations. From Isaiah 41:8 He shows Himself in grace to Israel.

The LORD Judges the Peoples

God challenges the coastlands – by which may be meant the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and thus Europe – and the peoples – behind the coastlands – to come together for judgment with Him (Isaiah 41:1). This is not about condemnation, but about assessing facts and drawing a conclusion from them. They must first listen silently to the facts. Then God encourages them to gather new strength in order to “come forward” to Him and then to “speak” to Him.

God opens the dispute by asking challenging questions in Isaiah 41:2-4 and establishing facts for His cause. The person involved is Cyrus, the king of Persia (Ezra 1:1). It is a future event, but God presents it as if He has already called Cyrus on the world stage (Isaiah 41:2). The past perfect tense in which the sentence has been set gives that future event the certainty of a matter that has already happened.

God not only has the ability to tell what will happen in the future, but He also has the power to arouse a man who will fulfill His Divine purposes. The “aroused one … in righteousness” means that Cyrus, as the victor, will do what is consistent with God’s purpose. Therefore, this man, Cyrus, will be able to act without anything or anyone being able to stop him. “From the rising of the sun” indicates that he comes from Persia (Isaiah 41:25). He will advance victoriously and defeat every opponent. The way he goes is a way which he did not invent himself, but which the LORD has determined and commanded for him (Isaiah 41:3).

Then the question sounds as to who the author of this performance is and by whom it comes that Cyrus is so successful (Isaiah 41:4). The LORD Himself gives the answer. He Himself stands at the origin and grants Cyrus the progress. He is “the First”, which means that He has a preexistence before all history and that all things are under His control. He will also bring all things to the end determined by Him. From beginning to end He is the same and acts in complete agreement with His Being. Against that God and that action, the coastlands and the peoples have no answer.

Jeremiah 9:24

Introduction

The previous chapter shows that no one is equal to the LORD, no people, no idol. In this chapter the LORD speaks at the beginning directly to the peoples (Isaiah 41:1). He calls them to go with Him in judgment in the courtroom. In the coming chapters the courtroom comes forward several times. The question to be answered is Elijah’s question to the people of Israel: Who is God: the LORD or the idols like Baal (1 Kings 18:21)?

The fact that the LORD declares in advance to arouse a conqueror from the east is only an indication that He Himself is the true God, the exalted Ruler of all events on earth (Isaiah 41:2-4). The idolatry of nations will eventually bring Divine judgments on them. Thereby Israel, as God’s chosen people, will be the instrument in God’s hand (Isaiah 41:5-16).

The LORD also does not forget that His people will have to go through a fearful time. In view of that time He offers them a comforting vista of the situation after that fearful time (Isaiah 41:17-20). Then follows another challenge to the nations. Let them show their ability to foretell the future as God does. They and their objects of worship will turn to nothing (Isaiah 41:21-29).

God reveals Himself not only in creation, as in Isaiah 40, He is equally concerned with man. In Isaiah 41:1-4 He reveals His righteousness and judgment to the nations. From Isaiah 41:8 He shows Himself in grace to Israel.

The LORD Judges the Peoples

God challenges the coastlands – by which may be meant the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and thus Europe – and the peoples – behind the coastlands – to come together for judgment with Him (Isaiah 41:1). This is not about condemnation, but about assessing facts and drawing a conclusion from them. They must first listen silently to the facts. Then God encourages them to gather new strength in order to “come forward” to Him and then to “speak” to Him.

God opens the dispute by asking challenging questions in Isaiah 41:2-4 and establishing facts for His cause. The person involved is Cyrus, the king of Persia (Ezra 1:1). It is a future event, but God presents it as if He has already called Cyrus on the world stage (Isaiah 41:2). The past perfect tense in which the sentence has been set gives that future event the certainty of a matter that has already happened.

God not only has the ability to tell what will happen in the future, but He also has the power to arouse a man who will fulfill His Divine purposes. The “aroused one … in righteousness” means that Cyrus, as the victor, will do what is consistent with God’s purpose. Therefore, this man, Cyrus, will be able to act without anything or anyone being able to stop him. “From the rising of the sun” indicates that he comes from Persia (Isaiah 41:25). He will advance victoriously and defeat every opponent. The way he goes is a way which he did not invent himself, but which the LORD has determined and commanded for him (Isaiah 41:3).

Then the question sounds as to who the author of this performance is and by whom it comes that Cyrus is so successful (Isaiah 41:4). The LORD Himself gives the answer. He Himself stands at the origin and grants Cyrus the progress. He is “the First”, which means that He has a preexistence before all history and that all things are under His control. He will also bring all things to the end determined by Him. From beginning to end He is the same and acts in complete agreement with His Being. Against that God and that action, the coastlands and the peoples have no answer.

Jeremiah 9:25

Introduction

The previous chapter shows that no one is equal to the LORD, no people, no idol. In this chapter the LORD speaks at the beginning directly to the peoples (Isaiah 41:1). He calls them to go with Him in judgment in the courtroom. In the coming chapters the courtroom comes forward several times. The question to be answered is Elijah’s question to the people of Israel: Who is God: the LORD or the idols like Baal (1 Kings 18:21)?

The fact that the LORD declares in advance to arouse a conqueror from the east is only an indication that He Himself is the true God, the exalted Ruler of all events on earth (Isaiah 41:2-4). The idolatry of nations will eventually bring Divine judgments on them. Thereby Israel, as God’s chosen people, will be the instrument in God’s hand (Isaiah 41:5-16).

The LORD also does not forget that His people will have to go through a fearful time. In view of that time He offers them a comforting vista of the situation after that fearful time (Isaiah 41:17-20). Then follows another challenge to the nations. Let them show their ability to foretell the future as God does. They and their objects of worship will turn to nothing (Isaiah 41:21-29).

God reveals Himself not only in creation, as in Isaiah 40, He is equally concerned with man. In Isaiah 41:1-4 He reveals His righteousness and judgment to the nations. From Isaiah 41:8 He shows Himself in grace to Israel.

The LORD Judges the Peoples

God challenges the coastlands – by which may be meant the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and thus Europe – and the peoples – behind the coastlands – to come together for judgment with Him (Isaiah 41:1). This is not about condemnation, but about assessing facts and drawing a conclusion from them. They must first listen silently to the facts. Then God encourages them to gather new strength in order to “come forward” to Him and then to “speak” to Him.

God opens the dispute by asking challenging questions in Isaiah 41:2-4 and establishing facts for His cause. The person involved is Cyrus, the king of Persia (Ezra 1:1). It is a future event, but God presents it as if He has already called Cyrus on the world stage (Isaiah 41:2). The past perfect tense in which the sentence has been set gives that future event the certainty of a matter that has already happened.

God not only has the ability to tell what will happen in the future, but He also has the power to arouse a man who will fulfill His Divine purposes. The “aroused one … in righteousness” means that Cyrus, as the victor, will do what is consistent with God’s purpose. Therefore, this man, Cyrus, will be able to act without anything or anyone being able to stop him. “From the rising of the sun” indicates that he comes from Persia (Isaiah 41:25). He will advance victoriously and defeat every opponent. The way he goes is a way which he did not invent himself, but which the LORD has determined and commanded for him (Isaiah 41:3).

Then the question sounds as to who the author of this performance is and by whom it comes that Cyrus is so successful (Isaiah 41:4). The LORD Himself gives the answer. He Himself stands at the origin and grants Cyrus the progress. He is “the First”, which means that He has a preexistence before all history and that all things are under His control. He will also bring all things to the end determined by Him. From beginning to end He is the same and acts in complete agreement with His Being. Against that God and that action, the coastlands and the peoples have no answer.

Jeremiah 9:26

Nullity of Man and His Support

While the called coastlands see the appearance of Cyrus, they are afraid and tremble (Isaiah 41:5) when God gives him world domination to “the ends of the earth”. The same will happen to them in the end time when God’s judgments silence them forever.

And how is it that they are so powerless in the face of the omnipotence of God described above? Because they rely on each other and on their void idols (Isaiah 41:6-7). It is ridiculous to be brave in the face of the omnipotence of God. Once again their idols are mocked from whom they expect salvation (Isaiah 40:19-20; cf. Psalms 2:4).