See on Ps. 48:2. Her “good tidings” are the message of God’s goodness and forgiveness. In a time of peril and darkness Zion has a message of hope and light. For a discussion of Israel as the messenger ordained to carry these tidings to the world see pp. 26-30.

 Again and again in this section of the book, Isaiah points to evidences of the infinite power of God, by way of encouraging the disconsolate people of Judah to believe that the glorious promises might yet be theirs (see chs. 40:4, 5, 8, 10, 15, 17, 18, 26-29; 41:20; 42:13, 14; 43:13-19; 44:6; etc.). The great mistake of the professed people of God was that they took their eyes away from their Lord and Maker, and looked to themselves instead. Their great need was a vision of God and of His mercy and justice.

 Isaiah was given such a vision at the time of his call to prophetic office (ch. 6:1, 3).

Having seen God himself, he was henceforth to help the people to see Him also, for only thus could they have life and hope. The grandest work ever entrusted to mortals is that of calling lost men and women to behold their Redeemer.