1. "Comfort my people" (1-11)

Chapter 40 begins the second half of Isaiah. While the first part (1-39) is primarily words of judgment, the second half are words of comfort and hope (40-66), centered on God's deliverance and promise of the Suffering Servant, the Messiah. Their bondage to Babylon for 70 years would end and bring comfort. Atonement for sins through the gospel brings comfort. A forerunner would prepare people for the Messiah's coming through repentance and the preaching of the good news. Jesus' incarnation is the coming of the Sovereign Lord to his people. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

2. Who can fathom the LORD? (12-31)

Yet the people of Isaiah's time, groaning in captivity, had a complaint (27). To help them, Isaiah recounts the greatness of our everlasting God, emphasizing his works as Creator as well as his trustworthiness and power compared to mindless idols. Those who hope in him will renew their strength and soar like eagles.