The purpose of this short note is to restate an old explanation of the first clause of Isaiah 40:20.

What is nationalism and how did it play a role in the life of Israel as the people of God? This article examines the characteristics of neo-Babylonian nationalism before looking at two biblical examples of nationalism. The focus is on some of the eschatology concerned with Israel's future, which also involves the nations.

Many commentators agree that the prophecies in Isaiah 40-Isaiah 55 were written to a group of Hebrew exiles living in Babylon about 150 years after the time of Isaiah. However, this article wrestles with this point of view and therefore reassess the interpretation of seven passages that do not seem to address Hebrew exiles in Babylon.

Does God ever punish double the sins of his people? How should "kepel" in Isaiah 40:2 and the rest of the Old Testament be translated and interpreted? Is God really just? Kline's conclusion is that a double payment is never required for any passage.