Translation: ESV
Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.
Remembering the roots of faith is the power to overcome present difficulties.
▸'The rock from which you were hewn'—refers to Abraham (v.
'The rock from which you were hewn'—refers to Abraham (v.2). This is an invitation to remember one's roots. In present despair, look back at God's past acts in history.
For the LORD comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.
God transforms desolation into Eden.
▸'I will make her wilderness like Eden'—this is the restoration of creation.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.
Even if the heavens and the earth pass away, God's salvation is eternal.
▸Even if the heavens and the earth pass away, God's salvation is eternal.
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in days of old, the generations of long ago. Was it not you who cut Rahab in pieces, who pierced the dragon?
Remembering God's past acts in history, we ask him to act again.
▸Israel's earnest prayer.
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
God's redemption is completed in everlasting joy and the complete removal of sorrow.
▸This is the concrete depiction of the comfort of 40:1-2.