King James Version
What Does Isaiah 40:16 Mean?
“And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.”
Context
14
With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? instructed: Heb. made him understand understanding: Heb. understandings?
15
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
16
And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.
17
All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.
18
To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **Lebanon is not sufficient.**—The thought is the same as that of Psalm 50:10-12. Lebanon is chosen as the type of the forests that supply the wood for burnt-offerings, in which Judah was comparatively poor. In Nehemiah’s organisation of the Temple ritual the task of supplying wood for this purpose was assigned by lot to priests or Levites (Nehemiah 10:34).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Isaiah 40:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Isaiah 40:16
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge