Isaiah 40:3

Prepare ye. It was God’s purpose that, upon restoration from Babylonian captivity, Israel as a nation should bend every effort to its own preparation and that of the nations about for the coming of Messiah. A glorious future awaited the nation, as the divine program was to proceed apace and without interruption until Messiah should appear and His eternal kingdom be set up (see pp. 29, 30). The process of preparation was to reach its climax in the life and ministry of John the Baptist, to whose work these words specifically pointed forward (see on Matt. 3:3). Likewise it is the privilege of the church today to “prepare... the way of the Lord,” that He may return to earth in power and glory. As with Israel of old, this work of preparation is twofold, and consists first of a transformation of character, and second, of the proclamation of the gospel message to all mankind. Compare Isa. 62:10-12; Mal. 3:2.

A highway. For the symbolism here used see on Matt. 3:3.