A Comforting Promise

In the eighth century B.C.E., the prophet Isaiah records words of comfort that Jehovah's people will need at a later time.  Immediately after telling King Hezekiah of the approaching destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon, Isaiah's sets forth Jehovah's words that promise restoration:  " 'Comfort, comfort my people,' says the God of you men.  'Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call out to her that her military service has been fulfilled, that her error has been paid off.  For from the hand of Jehovah she had received a full amount for all her sins.' " -Isaiah 40:1, 2.

"Comfort," the opening word of Isaiah chapter 40, well describes the message of light  and hope contained in the rest of the book of Isaiah.  For turning apostate the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem will be taken into exile to Babylon in 607 B.C.E. But those Jewish captives will not serve the Babylonians forever.  No, their servitude  will last only until their error is "paid off."  How long will that be? According to Jeremiah the prophet, 70 years.  (Jeremiah 25:11, 12)  After that, Jehovah will lead a repentant remnant from Babylon back to Jerusalem.  In the 70th year of Judah's desolation, what a comfort it will be for the captives to realize that the time for their promised deliverance is at hand! -Daniel 9:1, 2.

The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem is 500 to 1,000 miles, depending upon the route taken.  Will the long trip impede the fulfillment of God's promise?  By no means!  Isaiah writes:  "Listen! Someone is calling out in the wilderness: "Clear up the way of Jehovah, you people!   Make the highway of our God through the desert plain straight. Let every valley be raised up, and every mountain and hill be made low. And the knobby ground must become level land, and the rugged ground a valley plain. and the glory of Jehovah will certainly be revealed, and all flesh must see it together, for the very mouth of Jehovah has spoken it.' "-Isaiah 40:3-5.

Next time: Conclusion of A Comforting Promise

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000