Isaiah 40:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Baptism brings about a profound transformation, as those deemed worthy of this sacred rite experience rejuvenation and renewal. It is proclaimed: those who persevere. Can you not appreciate the immense value of patience? Thus, we must remain resolute, unafraid, and always filled with hope, regardless of our circumstances; we should not be disheartened, but rather remain steadfast, enduring all trials with patience. Here we also find an illustration of faith. If renewal occurs in eagles, how much greater will be the renewal in humanity when enlightened through baptism? They shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not faint. Do you not recognize that God's power is evident in both divine judgment and salvation?

Those who persevere in the Lord, meaning those who labor for Christ and align their thoughts with Him, will find their strength transformed. They will no longer be trapped in the weakness of their former state, deceived and burdened by Satan and the allure of worldly desires. Instead, they will receive a new strength, for Christ empowers them to conquer every vile temptation and break free from the shackles of sin; as it is written, “My strength and my song is the Lord” (Psalm 117:14). They will be revitalized, like eagles, as stated in scripture, “Your youth will be renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 102:5). They will run without weariness; they will walk joyfully and with youthful energy along the paths of divine righteousness.

Those who exhibit patience with the Lord shall transform their stronghold; in other words, the upright who place their trust in the Lord, akin to Moses and Caleb, will change their refuge. They will soar with wings like doves, they will glide and not grow weary.

Those who place their faith in the Lord will find their strength renewed; they will soar on wings like eagles, run without becoming weary, and walk without fainting. Many, however, are fixated on physical well-being and mistakenly believe that their youth will never fade. Therefore, it is noteworthy that the flourishing season of life quickly diminishes, and what once was a robust body inevitably grows weak. Yet, those who depend not on their own abilities but on God, continually trusting in His mercy, experience renewal of strength as they advance from one measure of strength to another. They take flight like doves, hearing the promise, "Your youth shall be renewed like an eagle" (Psalm 102:5).

The transformation of the spirit occurred among the Jewish people and the holy apostles. Those who lacked faith faced trials such as famine, conflict, and bondage; in contrast, the faithful, revitalized by the Holy Spirit, soared across the expanse of creation as if they were soaring in unfamiliar forms, akin to the fleetness of eagles.

If you find yourself feeling weary or hindered by temptations and difficulties while striving to fulfill the commandments, call upon the love of God to bolster your spirit: “for strong as death are its flames; its wings are the wings of fire” (Song of Songs 8:6). By this love, “those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Those who steadfastly await divine assistance find their strength renewed and triumph over all challenges in pursuit of their aspirations. The exiles of Babylon should consider this example if they desire to break free from bondage and return to their homeland.