King James Bible
"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
God is portrayed as actively nourishing His people, using the shepherd metaphor that resonated deeply in ancient Near Eastern culture. This feeding encompasses both physical provision and spiritual sustenance, emphasizing God's role as provider after the preceding verses declare His mighty power. The imagery shifts to God's tender care for the most vulnerable—young lambs unable to keep pace are physically lifted and held close to the shepherd's chest. This intimate picture contrasts with God's cosmic power described earlier in Isaiah 40, showing His strength expressed through gentleness. God adjusts His pace for nursing ewes who move slowly due to their condition, demonstrating patient accommodation of weakness. This completes the portrait of divine compassion, showing God's leadership style adapts to the varying needs and capacities within His flock.