[40:1] “Comfort my people,” says our God. “Comfort them!
[40:2] Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins.”
[40:3] A voice cries out, “Prepare in the wilderness a road for the Lord! Clear the way in the desert for our God!
[40:4] Fill every valley; level every mountain. The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth.
[40:5] Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it. The Lord himself has promised this.”
[40:6] A voice cries out, “Proclaim a message!” “What message shall I proclaim?” I ask. “Proclaim that all human beings are like grass; they last no longer than wild flowers.
[40:7] Grass withers and flowers fade when the Lord sends the wind blowing over them. People are no more enduring than grass.
[40:8] Yes, grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever.”
[40:9] Jerusalem, go up on a high mountain and proclaim the good news! Call out with a loud voice, Zion; announce the good news! Speak out and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah that their God is coming!
[40:10] The Sovereign Lord is coming to rule with power, bringing with him the people he has rescued.
[40:11] He will take care of his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs together and carry them in his arms; he will gently lead their mothers.