Power and Tenderness
Isaiah 40:10-12
Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him…


The beauty and peculiarity of these words consist in the combination of the might of Adonai-Jehovah (ver. 10), with the gentleness of the Shepherd, carrying in His bosom the weak and weary of the flock (ver. 11).

I. "Behold your God," FULL OF MIGHT AND MAJESTY (ver. 10). To Christ all power has been committed. He is "the arm of God" (Isaiah 51:9), "the Man of Jehovah's right hand," etc. (Psalm 80:17). His name is "Immanuel."

II. HE COMBINES WITH THE POWER OF THE VICTORIOUS KING, THE GENTLENESS OF THE TENDER AND LOVING SHEPHERD. "He shall feed His flock." That word is a comprehensive one. It means that He shall act all the part of a shepherd towards them; leading them, protecting them, providing alike the green pastures and the still waters, Nay, as if this were not enough, He is beautifully represented as "gathering the lambs in His arms"; — making a pillow for them in the folds of the loose "abbeh," or shepherd's mantle, as they nestle close in His bosom. And while thus He deals with the tender lambs, He is equally merciful and considerate not to overdrive their nursing mothers. Exult in this twofold word of comfort, "Behold thy King cometh, meek and lowly." Behold your God! Behold your Shepherd!, strong to smite, strong to save.

(J. R. Macduff, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

WEB: Behold, the Lord Yahweh will come as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him. Behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.




Consolation from the Thought of God's Omnipotence
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