Isa 40:3-5 | NET2full | STEP | A voice cries out , “In the wilderness clear a way for the Lord ; build a level road through the rift valley for our God .

‏ Isaiah 40:3-5

3 A voice cries out,
“In the wilderness clear a way for the Lord;
build a level road ^{▼▼tn Heb “make level a built road.” The verb יָשַׁר (yashar) in the Piel means “to make smooth, or straight.” The noun מְסִלָּה (mesillah) typically refers to a main road, possibly paved with stones or made level with fill (see HALOT 606 s.v. and The Concise DCH 230 s.v.).} through the rift valley ^{▼▼sn Most translations render this as “desert” (KJV, NASB, ESV, NRSV, NIV11, HCSB), “wilderness” (NIV84), or “wasteland” (NLV). The rift valley (עֲרָבָה, ʿaravah), which extends from Galilee to the Gulf of Aqaba, is quite arid and desert-like in the areas near the Dead Sea and southward (see the note at Num 22:1). But the point here has more to do with preparation for a royal visit. To come to Jerusalem from the east requires coming through the rift valley (or Jordan Valley). Thematically, God is typically portrayed as coming to Israel from the east. Similarly in the Gospel accounts Jesus approaches Jerusalem from the east.} for our God.
4 Every valley must be elevated
and every mountain and hill leveled.
The rough terrain will become a level plain,
the rugged landscape a wide valley.
5 The splendor ^{▼▼tn Or “glory.” The Lord’s “glory” is his theophanic radiance and royal splendor (see Isa 6:3; 24:23; 35:2; 60:1; 66:18-19).} of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people ^{▼▼tn Heb “flesh” (so KJV, ASV, NASB); NAB, NIV84 “mankind”; NIV11 “people”; TEV “the whole human race.”} will see it at the same time.
For ^{▼▼tn Or “indeed.”} the Lord has decreed it.” ^{▼▼tn Heb “the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (so NASB, NIV, NRSV).}