Waiting on the LORD (Isaiah 40:31)

Isaiah 40:31 ESV but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 is often used to encourage people that God will give them strength and energy. However, what does it mean in context?

The Book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel. Isaiah 40:27–31 was addressed to the Israelites who were living in exile outside the Promised Land. God had promised to restore them from exile (Isa. 1:26–27; 11:11–12; 14:1–2). However, by this time, they had already been in exile for many years and had grown weary while waiting for that promised restoration.

In Isaiah 40:27, we see the result of their weariness: the Israelites had begun to feel that the God was neglecting them and not treating them rightly. They were feeling this way because they had forgotten who the God was and what he had done for them. So, in verse 28, Isaiah reminded the Israelites that God is the Eternal Creator who never grows weary.

God knew that the Israelites were suffering, and he was able to restore them from exile whenever he decided to. However, Isaiah reminded them that God’s understanding is unsearchable, so they should not assume that God was neglecting them just because he had not acted yet.

In verse 29, Isaiah reminded the Israelites that God was not only strong, but he can give strength to people who are weary. Here, “being weary” means to have no strength. This was good news for the Israelites, since they had become weary from waiting for so many years.

In verse 30, Isaiah explained why it was important to receive strength from God: Even youths grow weary. Youths are known for being strong and energetic (Prov. 20:29), yet even they will eventually become weary when they use up all their strength. No amount of natural human strength will be enough.

In verse 31, Isaiah declared that only one category of people will not become weary: those who “wait on the LORD” (ESV). This does not mean doing nothing until God acts. The Hebrew word for “wait” here is qāwāh (קָוָה), which means “to hope”—confidently expecting that God will fulfil his promises. For the Israelites, this meant that they must correct their attitude that God was neglecting them. Instead, they must trust that God will restore them from exile in his own time and in his own way.

If the Israelites would wait or “hope on the LORD”, then they will “renew their strength” (ESV). The Hebrew word for “renew” here is heḥĕliyp̄ (הֶחֱלִיף), which means “to replace”. They will receive strength from God in place of their natural human strength. Then, they will not grow weary—no matter how much they run or walk while waiting for the promised restoration!

The mention of “eagles’ wings” would have reminded the Israelites of Exodus 19:4, where God told their ancestors, “You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” God had saved the Israelites from Egypt before, and he will save the Israelites again.

As Christians, we are living in exile in the world (1 Pet. 1:1, 17; 2:11; Heb. 11:13–16). Like the Israelites, we might feel weary from all the difficulties that we experience. Yet, God has promised that one day, our exile will end. Jesus will come back, and he will bring us to the true Promised Land: everlasting life with God in a Renewed Creation forever. While we wait, let us hope on the LORD!