August	Book	Read From	Read To	Devotional
8th	Isaiah	Chapter 38	Chapter 42	They That Wait

Memory Verses

The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.  Isaiah 38:20

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Isaiah 40:1

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.  Isaiah 40:8

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. Isaiah 42:1

Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 42:9

Key people

Here is a list of key people found in today’s reading (in order of appearance) with bios from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Hezekiah. The 8th-century BC Israelite prophet after whom the Book of Isaiah is named.

Today’s Devotional Reading: Isaiah 38 – 42

Isaiah 38 Amplified Version (AMP)
Isaiah 39 Amplified Version (AMP)
Isaiah 40 Amplified Version (AMP)
Isaiah 41 Amplified Version (AMP)
Isaiah 42 Amplified Version (AMP)

From Matthew Henry’s Commentary

This chapter proceeds in the history of Hezekiah. Here is, I. His sickness, and the sentence of death he received within himself, Isa. 38:1. II. His prayer in his sickness, Isa. 38:2, 3. III. The answer of peace which God gave to that prayer, assuring him that he should recover, that he should live fifteen years yet, that Jerusalem should be delivered from the king of Assyria, and that, for a sign to confirm his faith herein, the sun should go back ten degrees, Isa. 38:4-8. And this we read and opened before, 2 Kgs. 20:1 But, IV. Here is Hezekiah’s thanksgiving for his recovery, which we had not before, Isa. 38:9-20. To which are added the means used (Isa. 38:21), and the end the good man aimed at in desiring to recover, Isa. 38:22. This is a chapter which will entertain the thoughts, direct the devotions, and encourage the faith and hopes of those that are confined by bodily distempers; it visits those that are visited with sickness. (Chapter 38)

The story of this chapter likewise we had before, 2 Kgs. 20:12 It is here repeated, not only as a very memorable and improvable passage, but because it concludes with a prophecy of the captivity in Babylon; and as the former part of the prophecy of this book frequently referred to Sennacherib’s invasion and the defeat of that, to which therefore the history of that was very fitly subjoined, so the latter part of this book speaks much of the Jews’ captivity in Babylon and their deliverance out of that, to which therefore the first prediction of it, with the occasion thereof, is very fitly prefixed. We have here, I. The pride and folly of Hezekiah, in showing his treasures to the king of Babylon’s ambassadors that were sent to congratulate him on his recovery, Isa. 39:1, 2. II. Isaiah’s examination of him concerning it, in God’s name, and his confession of it, Isa. 39:3, 4. III. The sentence passed upon him for it, that all his treasures should, in process of time, be carried to Babylon, Isa. 39:5-7. IV. Hezekiah’s penitent and patient submission to this sentence, Isa. 39:8. (Chapter 39)

At this chapter begins the latter part of the prophecy of this book, which is not only divided from the former by the historical chapters that come between, but seems to be distinguished from it in the scope and style of it. In the former part the name of the prophet was frequently prefixed to the particular sermons, besides the general title (as Isa. 2:1; 7:3; 13:1); but this is all one continued discourse, and the prophet not so much as once named. That consisted of many burdens, many woes; this consists of many blessings. There the distress which the people of God were in by the Assyrian, and their deliverance out of that, were chiefly prophesied of; but that is here spoken of as a thing past (Isa. 52:4); and the captivity in Babylon, and their deliverance out of that, which were much greater events, of more extensive and abiding concern, are here largely foretold. Before God sent his people into captivity he furnished them with precious promises for their support and comfort in their trouble; and we may well imagine of what great use to them the glorious, gracious, light of this prophecy was, in that cloudy and dark day, and how much it helped to dry up their tears by the rivers of Babylon. But it looks further yet, and to greater things; much of Christ and gospel grace we meet with in the foregoing part of this book, but in this latter part we shall find much more; and, as if it were designed for a prophetic summary of the New Testament, it begins with that which begins the gospels, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness” (Isa. 40:3), and concludes with that which concludes the book of the Revelation, “The new heavens and the new earth,” (Isa. 66:22). Even Mr. White acknowledges that, as all the mercies of God to the Jewish nation bore some resemblance to those glorious things performed by our Saviour for man’s redemption, so they are by the Spirit of God expressed in such terms as show plainly that while the prophet is speaking of the redemption of the Jews he had in his thoughts a more glorious deliverance. And we need not look for any further accomplishment of these prophecies yet to come; for if Jesus be he, and his kingdom be it, that should come, we are to look for no other, but the carrying on and completing of the same blessed work which was begun in the first preaching and planting of Christianity in the world. (Chapter 40a)

In this chapter we have, I. Orders given to preach and publish the glad tidings of redemption, Isa. 40:1, 2. II. These glad tidings introduced by a voice in the wilderness, which gives assurance that all obstructions shall be removed (Isa. 40:3-5), and that, though all creatures fail and fade, the word of God shall be established and accomplished, Isa. 40:5-8. III. A joyful prospect given to the people of God of the happiness which this redemption should bring along with it, Isa. 40:9-11. IV. The sovereignty and power of that God magnified who undertakes to work out this redemption, Isa. 40:12-17. V. Idols therefore triumphed over and idolaters upbraided with their folly, Isa. 40:18-26. VI. A reproof given to the people of God for their fears and despondencies, and enough said, in a few words, to silence these fears, Isa. 40:27-31. And we, through patience and comfort of this scripture, may have hope. (Chapter 40b)

This chapter, as the former, in intended both for the conviction of idolaters and for the consolation of all God’s faithful worshippers; for the Spirit is sent, and ministers are employed by him, both to convince and to comfort. And however this might be primarily intended for the conviction of Babylonians, and the comfort of Israelites, or for the conviction of those in Israel that were addicted to idolatry, as multitudes were, and the comfort of those that kept their integrity, doubtless it was intended both for admonition and encouragement to us, admonition to keep ourselves from idols and encouragement to trust in God. Here, I. God by the prophet shows the folly of those that worshipped idols, especially that thought their idols able to contest with him and control him, Isa. 41:1-9. II. He encourages his faithful ones to trust in him, with an assurance that he would take their part against their enemies, make them victorious over them, and bring about a happy change of their affairs, Isa. 41:10-20. III. He challenges the idols, that were rivals with him for men’s adoration, to vie with him either for knowledge or power, either to show things to come or to do good or evil, Isa. 41:21-29. So that the chapter may be summed up in those words of Elijah, “If Jehovah be God, then follow him; but, if Baal be God, then follow him;” and in the people’s acknowledgment, upon the issue of the trial, “Jehovah he is the God, Jehovah he is the God.” (Chapter 41)

The prophet seems here to launch out yet further into the prophecy of the Messiah and his kingdom under the type of Cyrus; and, having the great work of man’s salvation by him yet more in view, he almost forgets the occasion that led him into it and drops the return out of Babylon; for indeed the prospect of this would be a greater comfort and support to the believing pious Jews, in their captivity, than the hope of that. And (as Mr. Gataker well observes) in this and similar prophecies of Christ, that are couched in types, as of David and Solomon, some passages agree to the type and not to the truth, other to the truth and not to the type, and many to the type in one sense and the truth in another. Here is, I. A prophecy of the Messiah’s coming with meekness, and yet with power, to do the Redeemer’s work, Isa. 42:1-4. II. His commission opened, which he received from the Father, Isa. 42:5-9. III. The joy and rejoicing with which the glad tidings of this should be received, Isa. 42:10-12. IV. The wonderful success of the gospel, for the overthrow of the devil’s kingdom, Isa. 42:13-17. V. The rejection and ruin of the Jews for their unbelief, Isa. 42:18-25. (Chapter 42)

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Reflection

The enemy is full of mockery, pushing you to fall between a rock and a hard place. Wait, I say, upon the Lord.

IT IS WRITTEN

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Satan is desirous to sift us as wheat and does make effort to twist our words and ever require that we give an account of failure, that we may hear it of our own mouths – for we are the creation of our Heavenly Father, made in His image with power of the tongue.

Thus he (Satan) wants you to speak contrary to your faith, against the promises of the book of life, that he may reward with you the confinement of his dead letters. He calls out to those who have no understanding, that they will repeat with their dead tongues, the curse that he wants you to believe.

This is not new; he has been speaking evil of the good since the beginning of time – even tempting Jesus in the wilderness. But the Lord used the power of the Word. And what He has spoken can not be untrue. When the Lord said is, “IT IS WRITTEN,” no evil could cross examine it.

The enemy bolsters the bold and the blasphemous, that they dare to injure the Lord’s anointed. Remember, “Jesus loves the little children.” Do not forget that they may be weak as children, but HE IS STRONG! The Lord is Strong! His strength is perfect when ours is gone. And God will not always stand by while the enemy preys on the weak.

IT IS WRITTEN

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:29

There is a movement at any sign of progress, to punish the redeemed AGAIN, in the name of justice. But the guilty stand with the battle-axe. God is not pleased. He has pronounced judgment already. And they that hold the banner still for recompense shall be met with that mete.

But the redeemed of the Lord shall not be held under the banner of condemnation. For the loved of Him are chastised of Him – and after that – there is redemption. The world must cease to hold the Lord’s beloved under foot, because He has accepted them – regardless of what the world thinks about it. The Lord knows the heart of man and woman and child.

IT IS WRITTEN

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’S hand double for all her sins. Isaiah 40:2

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:15

IT IS WRITTEN (ISAIAH 41:8-13)

8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. 9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. 12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. 13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

When you walk in the way of righteousness, you will not be invisible. A city on a hill can not be hid. That is why the enemy wants to make an example of you – because He knows there is an audience. In the name of Jesus, Satan, the Lord rebuke you: STAND DOWN.

IT IS WRITTEN (Isaiah 42:6-7)

6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness,

and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

AND AGAIN IT IS WRITTEN (I CHRONICLES 16:15-22)

15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;

16 Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; 17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, 18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance; 19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it. 20 And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people; 21 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, 22 Saying,

Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

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ISAIAH 38:1-6

1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,

3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 4 Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, 5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. 6 And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.

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References

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