Isaiah 62
Isaiah 62 focuses on the future glory of Jerusalem and God's unwavering love for His people. It depicts the transformation of Zion, from desolation to delight, and emphasizes God's commitment to vindicate His people. The chapter highlights a renewed relationship between God and Israel, where God rejoices over His people as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, and promises salvation, righteousness, and restoration.
Isaiah 62:1-2 (NKJV)
1 For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace,
And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
And her salvation as a lamp that burns.
2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness,
And all kings your glory.
You shall be called by a new name,
Which the mouth of the Lord will name.
God declares His unwavering dedication to Zion’s restoration. He will not remain silent until Jerusalem’s righteousness is as evident as light and her salvation is as clear as a shining lamp. The nations and their rulers will witness this transformation, and Jerusalem will be given a new name by God, symbolizing a renewed identity and divine favor.
Isaiah 62:3-5 (NKJV)
3 You shall also be a crown of glory
In the hand of the Lord,
And a royal diadem
In the hand of your God.
4 You shall no longer be termed Forsaken,
Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate;
But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah;
For the Lord delights in you,
And your land shall be married.
5 For as a young man marries a virgin,
So shall your sons marry you;
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So shall your God rejoice over you.
Jerusalem is described as a royal crown in God's hand, symbolizing honor and beauty. The city, once labeled "Forsaken" and "Desolate," will be renamed "Hephzibah" (My delight is in her) and "Beulah" (Married), signifying God’s pleasure and commitment to His people. God’s love for Jerusalem is likened to a bridegroom’s joy over his bride, reflecting the deep relationship between God and His people.
Isaiah 62:6-7 (NKJV)
6 I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
They shall never hold their peace day or night.
You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,
7 And give Him no rest till He establishes
And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
God has placed watchmen on Jerusalem’s walls, symbolizing constant intercessors who will not rest until the city is fully restored. These intercessors are instructed to continually remind God of His promises and to persist in prayer until Jerusalem becomes a source of praise and renown throughout the earth.
Isaiah 62:8-9 (NKJV)
8 The Lord has sworn by His right hand
And by the arm of His strength:
“Surely I will no longer give your grain
As food for your enemies;
And the sons of the foreigner shall not drink your new wine,
For which you have labored.
9 But those who have gathered it shall eat it,
And praise the Lord;
Those who have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts.”
God swears by His strength that Israel’s enemies will no longer steal their harvest. The people of Jerusalem will enjoy the fruits of their own labor and will praise God in His sanctuary for His blessings. This is a promise of security and prosperity under God’s protection.
Isaiah 62:10-12 (NKJV)
10 Go through,
Go through the gates!
Prepare the way for the people;
Build up,
Build up the highway!
Take out the stones,
Lift up a banner for the peoples!
11 Indeed the Lord has proclaimed
To the end of the world:
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Surely your salvation is coming;
Behold, His reward is with Him,
And His work before Him.’ ”
12 And they shall call them The Holy People,
The Redeemed of the Lord;
And you shall be called Sought Out,
A City Not Forsaken.
A call to prepare the way for God’s people to return to Jerusalem is made. The stones of obstruction are to be removed, and a banner is to be raised for all to see. The Lord’s salvation is proclaimed to the world, bringing reward and renewal. Jerusalem will be known as a holy city, sought after, and no longer forsaken, reflecting the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.