love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (Exodus 34:6, 7). The prose of the previous chapter disappears, and the poetry begins again. Without an introductory comment, we are in the midst of God’s thought, “Comfort, comfort my people.” Who should comfort them? Isaiah? Of course, but not only Isaiah. The command extends to more than just one person. In the Old Testament, God’s message of comfort came through the prophets; in the New Testament, through the apostles. All who share