The Herald's Commission: Proclaiming Good Tidings from the Mountains

Isaiah 40:9 presents a textual rendering of profound importance: 'Thou that bringest good tidings to Zion.' The best authorities—the Jewish Targum, Vitringa, and Bishop Lowth—confirm that the prophet addresses a herald instructed to ascend high mountains so that Jewish captives in the remotest corners of Chaldea might hear the proclamation of liberty and prepare to return home.

This commission extends to the Christian Church with urgent force. Where Jewish prophets heralded a Saviour to come, the Church proclaims the actual accomplishment of salvation—a Saviour incarnate, crucified, and enthroned. The tidings we bear are four-fold:

First, a system of truth opposed to heathen error; truth precious as life to the eye, more needful than life itself. Second, a system of devotion opposed to superstitious absurdity, revealing the attributes of acceptable worship before Elohim. Third, a system of purity opposed to the shameless vices of idolatry, where morality itself triumphs through missions. Fourth, knowledge of life and immortality brought to light by the Gospel, replacing obscure and degrading notions of futernity.

These tidings demand proclamation from the heights. 'Lift up thy voice with strength: say, Behold your God.' The herald's feet are beautiful upon the mountains—not silent, not hidden, but urgently and universally proclaimed to every nation, kindred, and tongue.