http://biblehub.com/niv/isaiah/40.htm
The first line of Blake's poem references the Bible, specifically Isaiah 40. This verse is a prophesy which some believe referred to John the Baptist. Blake chose this reference for the beginning of his poem in order to strengthen his argument that all religions are one. The fifth line of Isaiah 40 says that "all people will see it together." I think that this is part of the message that Blake is trying to convey. If all of the people are to see it together, they will all be linked to together in their religion.
The first line of Blake's poem references the Bible, specifically Isaiah 40. This verse is a prophesy which some believe referred to John the Baptist. Blake chose this reference for the beginning of his poem in order to strengthen his argument that all religions are one. The fifth line of Isaiah 40 says that "all people will see it together." I think that this is part of the message that Blake is trying to convey. If all of the people are to see it together, they will all be linked to together in their religion.
Isaiah 40: 1-5
"Comfort, comfort my people,says your God.
2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lorda ;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.b
4Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
"Comfort, comfort my people,says your God.
2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lorda ;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.b
4Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”