John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 40:11

"He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, [and] will gently lead those that have their young." — Isaiah 40:11 (ASV)

As a shepherd. In this verse, he declares the nature of that work of the Lord. Since God works in various and, indeed, innumerable ways, the hearer might have been kept in suspense about the work God intended to accomplish. Consequently, the general doctrine would have been less effective in inspiring hope.

Though he does not describe every part, yet he states in a few words that God has determined to protect and guard his Church. For this reason, he compares him to “a shepherd.” Under this designation, he expresses his infinite love towards us, when he does not refuse to stoop so low as to perform for us the office of “a shepherd.” In other passages, and even a little before (Isaiah 34:2 and following), he described himself as armed with terrible power for the defense of his people, and a little after this, he repeats the same statement. Here, however, he ascribes to him a more amiable character, so that believers may sweetly repose under his protection.

He will feed his flock. Now, although by the word “flock” he describes an elect people whom God had undertaken to govern, we are reminded that God will be a shepherd only to those who, in modesty and gentleness, imitate the sheep and lambs. For this reason, we ought to observe the character of the flock, for God does not choose to feed savage beasts, but lambs. We must therefore lay aside our fierceness and allow ourselves to be tamed if we wish to be gathered into the fold of which God promises that he will be the guardian.

He will carry them in his bosom. These words describe God’s wonderful condescension. For not only is he moved by a general feeling of regard for his whole flock, but in proportion to the weakness of any one sheep, he shows his carefulness in watching, his gentleness in handling, and his patience in leading it. Here he leaves out nothing that belongs to the office of a good shepherd. For the shepherd ought to observe every sheep, so as to treat it according to its capacity; and especially, they ought to be supported if they are exceedingly weak. In a word, God will be mild, kind, gentle, and compassionate, so that he will not drive the weak harder than they are able to bear.