Isaiah 40:1–11

Words of Hope

40 “Comfort my people,” says our God. “Comfort them!

2 Encourage the people of Jerusalem.

Tell them they have suffered long enough

and their sins are now forgiven.i

I have punished them in full for all their sins.”

3* A voice cries out,

“Prepare in the wilderness a road for the Lord!

Clear the way in the desert for our God!

4* Fill every valley;

level every mountain.

The hills will become a plain,

and the rough country will be made smooth.

5* Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,

and the whole human race will see it.

The Lord himself has promised this.”

6* A voice cries out, “Proclaim a message!”

“What message shall I proclaim?” I ask.

“Proclaim that all human beings are like grass;

they last no longer than wild flowers.

7* Grass withers and flowers fade,

when the Lord sends the wind blowing over them.

People are no more enduring than grass.

8* Yes, grass withers and flowers fade,

but the word of our God endures for ever.”

9 Jerusalem, go up on a high mountain

and proclaim the good news!

Call out with a loud voice, Zion;

announce the good news!j

Speak out and do not be afraid.

Tell the towns of Judah

that their God is coming!

10* The Sovereign Lord is coming to rule with power,

bringing with him the people he has rescued.k

11* He will take care of his flock like a shepherd;

he will gather the lambs together

and carry them in his arms;

he will gently lead their mothers.