With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding?
instructed him.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit…
Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
and who taught Him the paths of justice?
Here, the focus is on God's inherent understanding of justice. In the ancient Near Eastern context, justice was a central theme, often associated with the role of kings and deities. Unlike human rulers who might need advisors or legal experts, God embodies perfect justice and righteousness. This is echoed in Psalm 89:14, which describes righteousness and justice as the foundation of God's throne. The phrase also foreshadows the messianic role of Jesus Christ, who is depicted as the ultimate judge and king in passages like Isaiah 11:3-4.
Who imparted knowledge to Him
This question further asserts God's self-sufficiency and the completeness of His wisdom. In the cultural context of Isaiah's time, wisdom was highly valued and often associated with age and experience. However, God's wisdom is eternal and unbounded, as seen in Proverbs 2:6, which states that the Lord gives wisdom. This phrase also connects to the New Testament, where Christ is described as the embodiment of divine wisdom in 1 Corinthians 1:24.
and showed Him the way of understanding?
The final phrase reinforces the theme of God's unparalleled understanding. In biblical literature, understanding is often linked with discernment and insight into the true nature of things. God's understanding is perfect and comprehensive, as affirmed in Psalm 147:5, which declares that His understanding is infinite. This concept is also reflected in the life of Jesus, who demonstrated divine understanding in His teachings and interactions, as seen in Luke 2:47, where even as a child, He amazed the teachers with His understanding.
“Whom did He consult to enlighten Him” (Isaiah 40:14) is a rhetorical question that assumes the obvious: no one.
• Isaiah had just asked, “Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or who gave Him counsel?” (Isaiah 40:13).
• Job heard the same challenge: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (Job 38:4).
• Paul echoes Isaiah: “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” (Romans 11:34-36).
The point is clear—God possesses perfect, self-existent wisdom. He never needs advice, input, or collaboration. This assures us that His plans cannot be thwarted, His promises cannot fail, and His Word is utterly trustworthy.
“Who taught Him the paths of justice?” (Isaiah 40:14). Justice is not a standard outside of God that He studies; it flows from His very nature.
• “All His ways are justice” (Deuteronomy 32:4).
• “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” (Psalm 89:14).
• “The LORD is righteous; He loves justice” (Psalm 11:7).
Because He defines justice, His judgments are always right. Human courts may err, but the Lord’s verdicts stand forever. We can rely on Him to set things right in His time.
“Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?” (Isaiah 40:14). God’s knowledge is limitless and innate.
• “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:5).
• “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).
• “Declaring the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10).
Nothing surprises Him, nothing is hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13). Because His understanding is perfect, His guidance is perfect. When He speaks, we can obey with full confidence.
Isaiah 40:14 drives home one truth: God needs no counselor, teacher, or tutor. His wisdom, justice, and knowledge are intrinsic and absolute. That reality invites humble trust—resting in the One whose ways are higher than ours and whose Word is unfailingly true.
(14) Counsel . . . judgment.--The cluster of words belonging to the sapiential vocabulary of the Book of Proverbs is to be noted as parallel with Proverbs 11:23, Isaiah 33:15.