This research paper by Matthew Robinson, submitted to Dr. William Ross for OT5350 – Isaiah–Malachi at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, explores Isaiah 40:1–5 as the theological and prophetic foundation for the Gospel writers’ identification of Jesus as the Lord who comes to His people. Robinson argues that the New Testament cites Isaiah 40 not merely to describe John the Baptist’s ministry but to proclaim the divine kingship of Jesus, the one whose coming fulfills Isaiah’s vision of comfort and restoration.
Through detailed analysis of authorship, literary structure, and theological unity within Isaiah, Robinson defends single authorship and emphasizes the continuity of prophecy from Isaiah’s historical setting through the exile and into the Messianic era. He demonstrates that Isaiah 40:1–5 inaugurates a new message of hope—Yahweh’s return as King to redeem His people. The “voice in the wilderness,” therefore, anticipates not only John’s call to repentance but the greater revelation of divine glory in Christ, whose coming embodies the fulfillment of the promise that “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
Robinson concludes that the New Testament’s use of Isaiah 40:1–5 is profoundly Christological: John’s mission prepares the way, but Jesus is the coming Lord Himself. The passage unites prophetic promise, covenantal faithfulness, and eschatological fulfillment in the person of Christ—the divine King whose glory is revealed to all nations.
Course and semester: OT5350 Isaiah–Malachi — Spring 2019
