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"Learned men have made many attempts to reconcile the significations of making like
and ruling . . . . . however, I have no doubt, but that from the signification making like, is
derived that of judging, forming an opinion, to think, to suppose, to think fit."
In the O.T. the symbol of righteousness is the plummet and the balance, and mashal,
with its root idea of equality, is a splendid conception out of which grew the flower and
fruit of righteous rule and equity. "In righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove
with equity for the meek of the earth" (Isa. 11: 4). But at the coming of the Lord there is
not only "rule", there is "recompense": "Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work
before Him" (Isa. 40: 10).
The opinion of commentators as to the "reward" here is divided, some maintaining
that it is Christ's own recompense, and others that it relates to His recognition of the
acceptable service of His children. Possibly there is no need to attempt a decision, for
"He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied". He endured for "the joy
that was set before Him". His glorious exaltation in that day is in direct sequence to His
humiliation and death and, inasmuch as the redeemed of all ranks and callings are to
share His glory, so the faithful servants of all ranks and callings may "enter into the joy
of their Lord" and, in His crowning day also find their own. "With Me in My throne",
"Reign with Him" are words that do not permit of a separation between the triumph of the
Leader and the awards of His followers. This passage, Isa. 40: 10, was very evidently in
the mind of the Apostle when he wrote, "Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is
with Me, to render to every one as His work shall be" (Rev. 22: 12). By a recognized
figure of speech the word translated "work" in Isa. 40: 10 is often rendered "reward"
(Psa. 109: 20; Isa. 49: 4, Margin); "recompense" (Isa. 40: 10, 62: 11, margin); and
"hire" (Ezek. 29: 20, margin).
As we have already seen, the section ends on a tender note. The Lord God is the Lord
of Hosts, His arm is an arm of shattering might and, in the opening of the next section,
the mind is staggered at the description of His omnipotence. "The hollow of His hand"
measures the waters, His "span" metes out the heavens. Yet this selfsame, mighty, arm
"gathers the lambs" that He might carry them in His bosom. Israel have wandered alone
and in misery for centuries, they knew not their Shepherd's voice. One day, and that
soon, they shall acknowledge Him, and, with that acknowledgment, their sorrows shall be
turned into joy, the wilderness shall blossom as the rose, and peace shall flow like a river.
"Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God" (Isa. 40: 1).