Daily Bible Reading

God’s Guiding Word: Hope Introduction Isaiah 45:1–13: Today’s reading picks up the theme from Isaiah 44:28 in yesterday’s reading. Cyrus, the Persian ruler, is chosen by God to pave the way for the exiled Israelites to return home. Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 45:5 [To Cyrus the LORD says:] “I am the LORD; there is no […]

God’s Guiding Word: Hope Introduction Isaiah 44:21–28: The LORD alone is God, creator and savior. God’s greatness is described. Today’s reading concludes with a reference to the Persian ruler Cyrus, who defeated the Babylonians in 539 B.C. and gave permission to the Israelites, who had been living in exile in Babylonia, to return home to […]

God’s Guiding Word: Hope Introduction Isaiah 43:1–13: God promises to rescue the people from Babylonian captivity and allow them to return to Judah. The people of Israel are summoned to be witnesses to their belief in God. Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 43:1b [The LORD says]: “Do not be afraid—I will save you. I have called […]

God’s Guiding Word: Hope Introduction Isaiah 42:1–17: Verses 1–4 comprise the first of four “Servant Songs” in the book of Isaiah (see also 49:1–6; 50:4–9; 52:13—53:12). In this passage, the servant is described as one whom God chose to see that justice is done on earth. The reading concludes with God’s promises to help his […]

God’s Guiding Word: Hope Introduction Isaiah 40:18–31: Today’s reading is in the form of a hymn celebrating God as creator of the all the world and to whom nothing can be compared. Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 40:31a Those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. Reading 18 To whom can God […]

God’s Guiding Word: Hope Introduction Isaiah 40:1–17: Chapter 40 begins a new section addressing the people of Judah in exile in Babylon, crushed and hopeless. Isaiah proclaims that God will set the people free and bring them home to Jerusalem to begin a new life. In today’s reading, the prophet speaks words of hope, comfort, […]

God’s Guiding Word: Hope Introduction Isaiah 35:1–10: The land of God’s people is pictured as blooming and rejoicing because the LORD will bring his people back from exile. The people will return on a highway called “The Road of Holiness” that the LORD will prepare. Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 35:2b Everyone will see the LORD’s […]

God’s Guiding Word: Hope Introduction Isaiah 33:17–24: In today’s reading, Jerusalem’s glorious future is described, and a righteous king will rule the land. Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 33:22b The LORD himself will be our king; he will rule over us and protect us. Reading 17 Once again you will see a king ruling in splendor over […]

God’s Guiding Word: Hope Introduction Isaiah 26:1–19: Today’s reading describes the city of Jerusalem and the land of Judah as it will be when the exiled people have returned home, obeying the laws of the LORD. Those who oppressed them will be punished and the people will enjoy prosperity. Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 26:3 You, […]

God’s Guiding Word: Hope Introduction Isaiah 25:1–9: Today’s reading celebrates God’s victory over the forces of evil—and God’s destroying the power of death. On Mount Zion, in Jerusalem, Israel’s God will give a royal banquet for all the nations. God will remove sorrows and wipe away tears and disgrace. Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 25:9b “He […]