God comes in power to comfort and reward His people.
Isaiah prophesies in bold terms when he proclaims, “Behold, the Lord GOD will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him” (v.10). Here Isaiah (active in Judah around 740-681 BC) envisions the unstoppable arrival of the sovereign Lord, emphasizing His power by describing His “arm ruling,” a poetic way of highlighting divine strength. Isaiah lived and ministered primarily in the southern kingdom of Judah, whose capital, Jerusalem, was geographically nestled in the Judah highlands. The prophet’s words speak to a people who were burdened by trials and needed reassurance that their God would arrive with might to govern and to bring justice.
By stating that “His reward is with Him” (v.10), the verse underscores the idea that the Lord does not merely come to demonstrate power, but also to bring blessing for those who trust Him. The word “reward” echoes similar biblical themes of God who recompenses righteousness and judges wrongdoing (Luke 6:23). In Scripture, this notion of “reward” connects with the New Testament portrayal of Jesus, who tells His followers that He will come again and repay each person according to their deeds (Revelation 22:12). These words point to a future hope that resonates beyond Isaiah’s era, projecting into the ultimate fulfillment brought by Christ’s promised return.
Furthermore, Isaiah’s assurance that God’s “recompense” or due compensation is before Him paints a vivid picture of God’s awareness of all human affairs. This conveys the certainty that God sees and responds to every deed—both good and evil—and will resolve them according to His perfect standards. The people under Isaiah’s prophetic care, living in a time of uncertainty, would have found solace in knowing that the Almighty is both able to act and will unequivocally render justice.
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Isaiah 40:10 meaning
Isaiah prophesies in bold terms when he proclaims, “Behold, the Lord GOD will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him” (v.10). Here Isaiah (active in Judah around 740-681 BC) envisions the unstoppable arrival of the sovereign Lord, emphasizing His power by describing His “arm ruling,” a poetic way of highlighting divine strength. Isaiah lived and ministered primarily in the southern kingdom of Judah, whose capital, Jerusalem, was geographically nestled in the Judah highlands. The prophet’s words speak to a people who were burdened by trials and needed reassurance that their God would arrive with might to govern and to bring justice.
By stating that “His reward is with Him” (v.10), the verse underscores the idea that the Lord does not merely come to demonstrate power, but also to bring blessing for those who trust Him. The word “reward” echoes similar biblical themes of God who recompenses righteousness and judges wrongdoing (Luke 6:23). In Scripture, this notion of “reward” connects with the New Testament portrayal of Jesus, who tells His followers that He will come again and repay each person according to their deeds (Revelation 22:12). These words point to a future hope that resonates beyond Isaiah’s era, projecting into the ultimate fulfillment brought by Christ’s promised return.
Furthermore, Isaiah’s assurance that God’s “recompense” or due compensation is before Him paints a vivid picture of God’s awareness of all human affairs. This conveys the certainty that God sees and responds to every deed—both good and evil—and will resolve them according to His perfect standards. The people under Isaiah’s prophetic care, living in a time of uncertainty, would have found solace in knowing that the Almighty is both able to act and will unequivocally render justice.