Isaiah 40:1-11

1“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.

2Speak kindly to the heart of Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed. For she has received from Adonai’s hand double for all her sins.

3A voice cries out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of Adonai, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

4Every valley will be lifted up, every mountain and hill made low, the rough ground will be a plain and the rugged terrain smooth.

5The glory of Adonai will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together.” For the mouth of Adonai has spoken.

6A voice is saying, “Cry out!” So I said, “What shall I cry out?” “All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.

7The grass withers, the flower fades. For the breath of Adonai blows on it. Surely the people are grass.

8The grass withers, the flower fades. But the word of our God stands forever.”

9Get yourself up on a high mountain, you who bring good news to Zion! Lift up your voice with strength, you who bring good news to Jerusalem! Lift it up! Do not fear! Say to the cities of Judah: “Behold your God!”

10Look, Adonai Elohim comes with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.

11Like a shepherd, He tends His flock. He gathers the lambs in His arms carries them in his bosom, and gently guides nursing ewes.