United Commentaries

Isa.62.1-12

The servant here commits himself to proclaiming the good news continuously until the glory of Zion is realized.

Isa.62.2

The real beauty and glory of God’s people would not be seen in earthly treasures or a rebuilt city but would shine forth from their righteousness. Others would be drawn by this divine gift.

A new name reflects the change in Zion’s status (see 62:4).

Isa.62.4

The Forsaken City: In the Exile, the Lord abandoned his people to the judgment they deserved (54:7).

The Bride of God: The people will be “married” to the Lord—an appropriate image for the close covenant relationship (54:5; Hos 1–3).

Isa.62.6-7

The watchmen probably represent the prophets.

they will pray day and night: They will continually seek the full restoration and blessing of Zion, unlike the destructive watchmen of 56:10.

Isa.62.8

The Lord swore an oath just as he did when he had sworn an oath to Noah (Gen 8:20–9:17), to Abraham (Gen 22:16; see also Luke 1:73; Heb 6:13), and to David (Ps 89:3).

I will never again hand you over: In order to punish and purge a remnant from his people, God had intentionally brought in the Assyrians and Babylonians to decimate them (see Isa 6:12-13). He would never do this again.

Isa.62.9

The people would eat and drink the fruit of their labor (65:13, 22; see Lev 23:39-40; Deut 14:22-26). This is the opposite of what happened when God judged them (see Deut 28:38-40; Amos 5:11; Mic 6:14-15).

Isa.62.10-12

This call to prepare for God’s coming salvation combines elements from all parts of Isaiah: the proclamation (the signal or banner, see 5:26), the preparation of the road (40:3; 57:14), the coming of God with his reward (40:5, 9-10), and the holy and redeemed citizenry (35:8-10).

Isa.62.10

highway: See also 40:3; 57:14.

A flag for all the nations to see is a signal that directs foreigners to come to Zion for God’s salvation. Earlier, a similar signal was used to call for the nations to attack Judah (5:26).