In my last post, we learned about God’s Announcement of Good News in Yesha’hayu 61:1-11. In this post, we examine Tziyon’s Restoration in Yesha’hayu 62:1-12. In this post, we will see more Hebrew words (with English translations) than we usually do.
The theme of the transformation of God’s people continues in this chapter. Pastor Tony Evans opines that: “This chapter is one of the crown jewels of prophecy in terms of the glorious future awaiting Isra’el when Jesus Christ returns and establishes his kingdom.” [1]
1 For Tziyon’s sake, I will not be silent; for Yerushalayim’s sake, I will not rest until her vindication shines out brightly and her salvation like a blazing torch.
The first-person speaker (I) is either the Yeshua or the prophet Yesha’hayu. He will speak until Yerushalayim’s spiritual transformation is complete. Since the entire prophecy has as yet to be fulfilled entirely, I tend to think it represents Yeshua.
2 The nations will see your vindication and all kings your glory. Then you will be called by a new name which Adonai himself will pronounce. 3 You will be a glorious crown in the hand of Adonai, a royal diadem held by your God. 4 You will no longer be spoken of as ‘Azuvah [Abandoned] or your land be spoken of as ‘Sh’mamah [Desolate]; rather, you will be called Heftzi-Vah [My-Delight-Is-In-Her] and your land Be’ulah [Married]. For Adonai delights in you, and your land will be married – 5 as a young man marries a young woman, your sons will marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, your God will rejoice over you.
Names and their meaning often related to a person’s character or reputation. Name changes were not uncommon. For instance, Naomi (“pleasant”) changed her name to Mara (“bitter”) when her fortunes turned bad (Ru 1:20). Isra’el’s new divinely given name indicates a change of condition for the people of God ( see vv. 4,12).
Isra’el’s names are changed from ones that indicated her loneliness (Deserted and Desolate) to those that show the intimate relationship (My Delight is in Her and Married). The metaphor of God married to His people as a husband is to his bride communicates the intimacy and exclusivity of the relationship. As a bride can have only one husband, so Isra’el can have only one God.
6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, Yerushalayim; they will never fall silent, neither by day nor by night. You who call on Adonai, give yourselves no rest; 7 and give Him no rest till He restores Yerushalayim and makes it a praise on earth.
The watchmen on the walls were those who kept an eye out to alert the inhabitants of the city about news or danger. The leaders of God’s people are compared to watchmen whose responsibilities included the encouragement of the people’s relationship with God. Yesha’hayu urged them to keep after God to maintain His efforts at restoring Yerushalayim until it was indeed the city of our God, His holy mountain. ~ Psalm 48:1 (CJB)
8 Adonai has sworn by His right hand and by His mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain to your enemies as food; nor will strangers drink your wine, for which you worked so hard; 9 but those who harvest the grain will eat it with praises to Adonai; those who gathered the wine will drink it in the courtyards of my sanctuary.”
Attacking armies would steal the crops of people they conquered. God had allowed a succession of foreign powers to invade His people because of their sin (Assyria, Babylon, and Roman, most notably). Still, their plundering will be brought to an end.
10 Go on through, go on through the gates, clear the way for the people! Build up a highway, build it up! Clear away the stones! Raise a banner for the peoples!
A highway is a frequent image in Yesha’hayu for the removal of barriers between God and His people (see 11:16; 19:23; 33:8; 35:8; 40:3; 49:11). Banners in ancient Isra’el were used for marking tribes. They appear to have been used most often in military contexts, either to rally troops together or to identify regiments of troops.
11 Adonai has proclaimed to the end of the earth, “Say to the daughter of Tziyon, ‘Here, your Salvation is coming! Here, His reward is with Him, and His recompense is before Him.'” 12 They will call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of Adonai. You will be called D’rushah [Sought-After], ‘Ir Lo Ne’ezvah [City-No-Longer-Abandoned]. [2] ~ Isaiah 62:1-12 (CJB)
The Lord will answer the prayers of His people, in this case, for Yerushalayim and all of Isra’el to be restored and thrive in the kingdom age. Because this is true, the Lord can make this announcement: Say to the daughter of Tziyon, ‘Here, your Salvation is coming! Here, His reward is with Him, and His recompense is before Him. The new names God gave to his people (vv. 4-5) are not enough. He has a few more: D’rushah [Sought-After], ‘Ir Lo Ne’ezvah [City-No-Longer-Abandoned]. Those are names that guarantee a glorious future.
In my next post, we will explore The Lord’s Day of Vengeance in Yesha’yahu 63.
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[1] Tony Evans Bible Commentary, The: Advancing God’s Kingdom Agenda.
[2] I thought it might be more convenient to provide a modern English translation for the entire verse. They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD, and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted. ~ Isaiah 62:12 (NIV)
My Heart is for Israel 