The first word God speaks to His people in Isaiah 40 is comfort.
“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.”Isaiah 40:1 (KJV)
What does “Comfort” mean in Isaiah 40:1?
The Hebrew word is nacham, which means to console and to bring relief. It is repeated to show how much God means it.
Going deeper
Isaiah 40 opens a new section of the book, written to people who had lost their homes and felt forgotten. Before any command or correction, God says comfort. Notice that He says my people and your God. The relationship is stated first. Comfort here is not a passing kindness. It is the beginning of a rescue. Comfort comes before anything else God has to say.
The word is spoken to people, and it is also meant to be passed on. Someone has to carry comfort to those who are grieving, lonely, or worn out, and this season has many of them. Advent is a good time to remember that we are comforted so that we can comfort others. Think of one person whose year has been hard. A message, a visit, or a meal can carry the same message God spoke through Isaiah: you are not forgotten, and help is coming.
Reflect
Who could you comfort this week, and what will you do to reach them?
Pray
Father, thank You for speaking comfort to Your people. Comfort me where I am hurting, and make me a comfort to someone else. In Jesus' name, amen.
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