Lift
up your eyes on high, and see who has created these, who brings out their army by number. He calls them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is lacking.
Isaiah 40:26
Isaiah 40 [25.] “To whom then will you liken me?
Who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high,
and see who has created these,
who brings out their army by number.
He calls them all by name,
by the greatness of his might,
and because he is strong in power,
not one is lacking.
Why do you say, Jacob,
and speak, Israel,
“My way is hidden from Yahweh,
and the justice due me is disregarded by my God?”
Haven’t you known?
Haven’t you heard?
The everlasting God, Yahweh,
The Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn’t faint.
He isn’t weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak.
He increases the strength of him who has no might.
Isaiah 40 [30.] Even the youths faint and get weary,
and the young men utterly fall;
But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength.
They will mount up with wings like eagles.
They will run, and not be weary.
They will walk, and not faint.
Meaning:
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah invites us to contemplate the wonders of God's creation, specifically the celestial bodies in the heavens. He encourages us to look up and behold the vast expanse of the universe, including the stars, planets, and galaxies. By doing so, we are reminded of the greatness and majesty of the Creator who brought all these things into existence.
The significance of Isaiah 40:26 lies in its portrayal of God as the supreme and sovereign Creator of the universe. It emphasizes His power, wisdom, and authority over all creation. The verse highlights several key aspects of God's role as Creator:
Creator of all things: Isaiah affirms that it is God who has created the heavens and the earth, along with everything in them. This echoes the opening words of the Bible in Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
Sovereign over His creation: Not only did God bring the universe into existence, but He also sustains and governs it with His providential care. He controls the movements of the stars and planets, numbering them and calling them each by name. This speaks to God's intimate knowledge and personal involvement in His creation.
Mighty and powerful: The verse emphasizes the greatness of God's might and His strength in power. He is not only the Creator of the universe but also its sustainer and ruler. His power knows no bounds, and nothing is beyond His control.
Cross-referencing with Psalm 147:4-5, we find a similar declaration of God's sovereignty over the heavens: "He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite."
As we meditate on Isaiah 40:26, we are reminded of our smallness in comparison to the vastness of God's creation. Yet, despite our insignificance, God cares for each one of us individually and intimately. Just as He knows the stars by name, so too does He know us and call us by name. This echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:29-31, where He reassures His disciples of God's care and providence:
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
In conclusion, Isaiah 40:26 invites us to contemplate the majesty and sovereignty of God as the Creator of the universe. It reminds us of His power, wisdom, and intimate involvement in His creation. As we lift our eyes to the heavens and behold the wonders of God's handiwork, may we be filled with awe and reverence for the Creator who knows us by name and cares for us deeply.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible