The Great Turn at Isaiah 40

     There is a great turn in chapter 40.  New instructions come from God "To comfort, comfort my people."
From Isaiah 40: 1 the book speaks in a different tone -- more comforting, more positive.  The big change in tone, themes and historical context has led some serious Biblical scholars to interprete this part of the book of Isaiah as the work of another prophet that lived after the defeat of Judah in the time of the exile.  Since the name of this prophet is unknown, scholars call him "Second Isaiah," or "Deutero - Isaiah." But unless you have a strong interest in these scholarly issues, the key is to remember the great themes.

     And every careful reader can feel the shift in tone and theme.  Here is a list of Key Themes In Isaiah after chapter 40:1. 

       Key Themes That Appear in the Second Phase of Isaiah

1. The Servant of the Lord ( a series of psalms expands this theme.)

2.  Assertion of absolute monotheism (Only one God exists - idols are nothing.) See Isaiah 43, 44 , and 45.)

3.  Atonement for sin is made by the suffering Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 53.)  Surely, this is one of the most moving passages in the whole Bible as it speaks of the sufferings of Jesus.

4.  Evangelistic-like invitation (See Isaiah 55.)

5.  A strong compassion spirituality (See 'Fast of the Lord' in Isaiah 58. )  This powerful call for compassion and practical acts of mercy is echoed by Jesus.  ( If you know, John 3: 16, and I Corinthians 13, you should know 'The Fast of the Lord' prophecy in Isaiah 58.)

6.  A wider inclusion replaces a narrower 'tribal' focus.  More of tolerance is in the second phase of the book.  (See Isaiah 55: 8b,  Isaiah 56: 3-8, and Isaiah 66.)

7.  Salvation receives more attention, and simple explanations of salvation are included.  

8.  We hear of God's initiative that implies God's grace, not human effort, and not reform nor ritualized worships saves.

       In short in many places and in many different ways we are reminded of Jesus.  Jesus used the reading of Isaiah 61 to announce his ministry in his home town synagogue.   We even have a mention of God as Father and God's steadfast love in Isaiah 63.  In short, we are not only reminded of Jesus, but in sections of the second part of Isaiah sound like New Testament readings.