Hey Bible readers, I'm Tara Lee Cobble and I'm your host for the Bible Recap.

In the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, we've read his prediction of Jerusalem's fall to Babylon,

which happened approximately 100 years after he wrote those words, and we'll read more about that time in other books. But before all

that takes place Isaiah also wrote prophecies of a hope beyond that of future

restoration post exile in Babylon. We see this starting to unfold in chapter 40 where he speaks to the future generations.

In chapter 40 we see the end of Israel's exile. They've been brought back in and God is comforting them. In 48, Isaiah reminds

Israel that even though God's creation passes away, God's word itself will stand. He is immovable. One of the primary points of Chapter 40 is that

God is worthy of worship and sovereign over all things.

V verses 16 through 17 point out that if we were to offer all his creation up to him as an offering, it would still

fall short of praising him as much as he deserves.

But Israel still struggles with trusting and praising God.

Both the rich and the poor among Israel build idols

and the people still fall into sin and entitlement.

They act like God can't see their actions in their hearts

and that he's being mean to them. So Isaiah calls them to be servants of

Yoway to turn to him, but instead just like they did in the wilderness, they complain

and accuse God. They look to the gods of Babylon, just like their forefathers in the wilderness look to the gods of Egypt.

Once again, they're missing the point that Yawe has rescued them.

That rescue does lead them through tough times. it's not all a bed of roses,

but Israel can't see the big picture. Isaiah encourages them to trust God because God is doing

things they can't possibly understand, and God is doing things they can't possibly understand and God is capable of more than they can imagine.

He tells them to wait for God, because God himself will renew their strength as they wait for him.

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