What is the context?
After chapter 39 announces loss and exile to Babylon, the book turns to words of comfort for God’s people. Jerusalem is to hear that her forced labor has ended and her iniquity has been pardoned. The announcement addresses the suffering without making it the final word.
A voice calls for a highway in the wilderness for the Lord Himself. Valleys rise, mountains and hills are lowered, and rough ground becomes smooth. Every obstacle is pictured giving way before His coming.
The result is the revelation of the Lord’s glory, which all humanity will see together. The final reason for confidence is not the people’s ability to reshape the landscape: the Lord has spoken.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley and the USCCB notes connect the comfort and wilderness road with return from Babylon. Wesley also looks principally to redemption through the Messiah, whose coming John the Baptist announces. Henry likewise joins the historical return with the greater comfort made known in Christ.
For double in verse 2, Wesley explains a measure of chastisement sufficient for God’s purpose, rather than punishment beyond what is deserved. Gill discusses both sufficient chastisement and abundant grace, preferring to connect the fullness with Christ’s satisfaction for sin.
The explanations differ over how the language of pardon and double is developed. The shared direction is comfort grounded in God’s action, leading into the announcement of His coming.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
All four Gospels connect the wilderness voice with John the Baptist preparing for Jesus: Matthew 3:1–3, Mark 1:1–8, Luke 3:1–6 and John 1:19–28. John’s call to repentance is preparation to receive the One coming after him.
Luke includes the valleys, mountains and rough paths, ending with all humanity seeing God’s salvation. John’s own testimony directs attention away from his status and toward the One whose way he prepares.
The New Testament therefore places this promise directly in the announcement of Jesus. Comfort is more than reassurance that difficult circumstances will improve; it is bound to the coming of the Lord and the salvation He brings.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.