Chapter 95 Of The Bible

Introduction,
The richness of the truth about the Bible when we read is always embedded in the literary forms and genres that the authors used in the Bible. Chapter 40 of the book of Isaiah somehow opens with a three-repeated call for messengers to receive the news of the God’s coming to a broken and despairing nation. Moreover, the chapter lays some foundation of hope in the nation that has been heard in Israel from the beginning of its life. Also the chapter in a greater sense challenges the power of the nations that seems to make the fulfillment of God’s promises impossible. Hence, the chapter concludes with a passionate appeal for faith which leads on into the following chapters, which therefore, spells out in more detail the future that
1-2 emphasizes the significance of v. 1 which God’s commission is more than uttering of words which expresses sympathy with people in distress (contrast Gen. 37.35; Job 2.11). Vv. 3-4 is parallel with vv. 6-8 which somehow shows a collective expression for a band of messengers. Verse 5 however, forms the center and therefore creates a high point of vv. 1-11. Finally, vv. 9-11 takes us back to the reaffirmation of the relationship with Yhwh made at the beginning of the chapter in the phrase ‘my people’ (v.)
Themes in Isaiah 40: 1-11
In this particular part of chapter 40 we can single out some themes which dominate the passage,
Petition. Firstly, it is difficulty some times to understand why these words that call for comfort follow. In the previous chapter Hezekiah’s request was of peace and righteousness in his days. According to Septuagint, Isaiah asks the priest to petition on the behalf of the people since King Hezekiah had neglected them. Mark Elliot quoting from the constitution of the Holy Apostles says, “This prayer is also addressed to leaders in the church, who need to offer appropriate comfort to their people who come to God in repentance and faith.” Therefore, there is a theme of petition which is shown in 40: 1-2 ‘comfort for
The way of the Lord is always made straight in our hearts through true contemplation and from the activities that follow from such contemplation. Mark says that, “The Lord wants to find in us a path in which he can enter into our souls, as he condescends to dwell in our hearts by meeting us through the spirits election.” Therefore, in vv. 3-5 ‘the voice in the wilderness’ Isaiah speaks of preparing way which concerns the work of John the Baptist, God therefore, has to be allowed to come closer in Christ before the spiritual rebirth is possible.
Cultural context of Isaiah 40: 1-11
In our African culture and in a more specific way the Kamba tribe of Kenya, the context in this passage is revealed in various activities such as visiting the sick, the bereaved etc. This is normally done as a sign of giving hope to the people in need especially the sick and some encouragement. Moreover, it involves slaughtering of a goat or sheep to the sick or the bereaved and sharing together. This is done through reminding them although they might be in a state of sin God is always with them. Therefore, I see this story to be having some sense in our cultures at large, it’s like what we practice helps in laying a new foundation of hope to despaired and hopeless people. We help people to begin a new life in our interactions with them by feeling our presence when we go near them and helping them to realize how God is closer to them. Therefore, for me Isaiah 40:1-11 is of a significant