He gives strength to the weary,
and to one without vigor, He adds might. Isaiah 40:29, TLV
Strength to the Weary. Shabbat Shalom and Happy Gregorian New Year! This passage is directed as an encouragement—for Israel. Still, we can also be encouraged particularly when we understand its context. The chapter begins with:
“Comfort, comfort My people,”
says your God.
“Speak 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 [the LORD’s] hand
double for all her sins.” (vss. 1-2)
In the previous chapter, King Hezekiah’s pride caused the eventual downfall and captivity of Israel. And he was one of the “good” kings of Judah. Other chapters in the book of Isaiah featured great judgments for Israel’s disobedience.
But God’s covenant with His people is eternal—even with their disobedience. And it is within this context that He speaks through Isaiah, that He gives strength and comfort to the weary.
But what about those who didn’t sin?
I’ve always wondered about those believing remnant
who weren’t disobedient. Who were faithful, but still had to weather through all the judgments. Have you? Perhaps this verse is especially for them. It’s like God is saying, “I see your faithfulness, take heart, I’ll give you the strength to get through this.”
Sometimes those in authority make decisions that affect us negatively. We reap judgments for sins we did not sow—even if those judgments affect us indirectly. Know this, that our Heavenly Father sees. He will give us strength to walk it through with integrity. And somehow, someway, there will be a blessing.
