Isaiah 40:3
A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The prophecy isn't just announcing a message, but an audible call, "A voice cries," implying an immediate, almost startling, announcement. This isn't just a plan, but a divine intervention, using the imagery of ancient kings clearing roads to signify God Himself is about to make a direct path for His people.
The prophet Isaiah is starting a new section of his message, moving from judgment to comfort. He begins by describing a powerful herald's voice calling out in the wilderness, commanding that a pathway be cleared and leveled in the desert. This imagery evokes ancient royal processions, where roads were prepared for a king's journey, suggesting God himself is about to make a triumphant return for His people.
Understand the original words
midbar · Hebrew Noun
An uncultivated, desolate place; in Scripture, it is often a place of testing, transformation, and a setting where God manifests His presence away from the distractions of civilization.
This verse beautifully bridges two pivotal moments in Israel's history: the return from Babylonian exile and the coming of the Messiah. Both involved a miraculous, divinely prepared journey through challenging terrain, whether literal desert or a spiritually barren land.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Jerusalem falls to Nebuchadnezzar, and many Judeans are deported to Babylon, marking the beginning of a 70-year exile.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers the Babylonian Empire, paving the way for the return of exiled peoples to their homelands.
c. 538 BC— this verse
Edict of Cyrus allowing return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple. This marks the start of the return journey.
Early 1st century AD
Ministry of John the Baptist
John the Baptist preaches repentance in the wilderness of Judea and baptizes people, preparing the way for Jesus' ministry.
This passage directly quotes Isaiah 40:3, applying the 'voice crying in the wilderness' to John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus.
Mark 1:1-3Similar to Matthew, Mark also quotes Isaiah 40:3 to introduce John the Baptist and his role in preparing the people for the coming of Jesus.
Luke 3:4-6Luke further expands on the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3, quoting it and explaining how John the Baptist's ministry of repentance and filling valleys and leveling mountains was a spiritual preparation for the Lord's arrival.
Malachi 3:1This earlier prophecy speaks of sending a messenger to prepare the way before the Lord, paralleling the theme of preparation found in Isaiah 40:3 for the coming of God.
Isaiah 35:8-10This earlier passage in Isaiah describes a 'way of holiness' that will be made, with obstacles removed for God's people, directly echoing the imagery and promise of a prepared highway in Isaiah 40:3.
bensonIsaiah 40:3: "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
Isaiah 40:3-4 . The voice of him that crieth — Or, as the Hebrew may be properly rendered, A voice crieth; an abrupt and imperfect speech, implying, “Methinks I hear a voice;” or, “A voice shall be heard;” in the wilderness — Which word signifies the place, either where the cry was made, or where the way was to be prepared, as it is expressed in the f…
clarkeIsaiah 40:3: "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
The voice of him that crieth to the wilderness "A voice crieth, In the wilderness" - The idea is taken from the practice of eastern monarchs, who, whenever they entered upon an expedition or took a journey, especially through desert and unpractised countries, sent harbingers before them to prepare all things for their passage, and pioneers to open the…
The prophecy isn't just announcing a message, but an audible call, "A voice cries," implying an immediate, almost startling, announcement. This isn't just a plan, but a divine intervention, using the imagery of ancient kings clearing roads to signify God Himself is about to make a direct path for His people.
The prophet Isaiah is starting a new section of his message, moving from judgment to comfort. He begins by describing a powerful herald's voice calling out in the wilderness, commanding that a pathway be cleared and leveled in the desert. This imagery evokes ancient royal processions, where roads were prepared for a king's journey, suggesting God himself is about to make a triumphant return for His people.
The prophet Isaiah is starting a new section of his message, moving from judgment to comfort. He begins by describing a powerful herald's voice calling out in the wilderness, commanding that a pathway be cleared and leveled in the desert. This imagery evokes ancient royal processions, where roads were prepared for a king's journey, suggesting God himself is about to make a triumphant return for His people.
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c. AD 27-30
Public Ministry of Jesus
Jesus begins his public ministry, fulfilling prophecies and inaugurating the new covenant with God.
"A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God." — The prophecy isn't just announcing a message, but an audible call, "A voice cries," implying an immediate, almost startling, announcement. This isn't just a plan, but a divine intervention, using the…
