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{{DOD-August}}
Chapters 40--66 are often called the [[New Testament]] section of this book. Its 27 chapters are similar to the 27 books of the New Testament. It begins by speaking of the ministry of [[John]] the Baptist (chapter 40:3,4) and its emphasis is on Christ and salvation. At the very heart of this section is chapter 53, which is the greatest Old Testament prediction of Christ's [[death]] on the cross. Chapters 40--66 emphasize a note of comfort and redemption for [[God]]'s people. It was written to encourage the Jewish remnant that they would be delivered from [[Babylon]]ian captivity after their 70 years of exile. It covers the period after the [[Babylon]]ian captivity, and [[Isaiah]] wrote this amazing prophecy more than 150 years before the remnant would need it for encouragement.
Chapter 40 contrasts the greatness of [[God]] with the feebleness of man (verses 6-8), and also His greatness is contrasted with the weakness of idols (verses 18-20).
In chapter 41 we see the greatness of [[God]]'s purpose. [[Jehovah]] is not simply the [[God]] of the [[Jews]]; He is the controller of the nations. Notice that [[God]] used the heathen King Cyrus to conquer [[Babylon]] and enable the [[Jews]] to return to their land. [[God]]'s ways are not our ways and are not always understandable to us, but He has a purpose in everything. We should simply trust Him explicitly to do His work in His way.
The greatness of [[God]]'s pardon is seen in chapter 42. In verses 1-9 we are introduced to [[Jesus Christ]]. We see His first coming in humility and [[grace]]; His second coming in power and [[judgment]]. Of course, between these two events we have the present age in which we live. [[God]] had permitted the [[Jews]] to be captured and exiled to chasten them for their sins, but it would not last forever. He would come in [[judgment]] and destroy [[Babylon]] (verses 10- 17), using Cyrus as His toll.
