Peace Within the Land
October 8, 2022
Commentary
Much of this chapter speaks of preparation being made for the coming of the Lord and for the restoration of His people. The Lord announced that He will continue to work on Jerusalem’s behalf until her righteousness, salvation, and glory are observed by the rest of the world (vv. 1-5). The city is called by a new name. In the ancient Near East names often signified one’s anticipated or present character. So Jerusalem’s having a new name means it will have a new righteous character. It will be named Hephzibah (“My delight is in her”) and Beulah (“Married one”). The words imply that people again will live in Jerusalem and God will be happy about the wonderful state of affairs.
In the ancient world watchmen were stationed on city walls (often in towers) to watch for any approaching enemy. While on guard they were never to sleep. Righteous Israelites, like watchmen, were to be alert on Jerusalem‘ s behalf (vv. 6-9). They were to give themselves and God no rest till He establishes Jerusalem, so blessed by God that people everywhere would extol her. The “watchmen” were to hold God to His promises, knowing that is what He desires.
This passage was written as if the Lord were on His way, so His people should be ready (vv. 10-12). It conveys a sense of urgency; the people are to prepare themselves spiritually for His coming. When He arrives, word is to be given throughout the world that He, Israel’s Savior, has come to reward Jerusalem with His blessings. Giving the people new names (The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord, and Sought After) speaks of the new character Israel will have.
Application
I want to be prepared spiritually for the Lord to return in the rapture and eagerly waiting for Him.
Isaiah 62:1– 12 (NET)
1 For the sake of Zion I will not be silent; for the sake of Jerusalem I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines brightly and her deliverance burns like a torch.
2 Nations will see your vindication, and all kings your splendor. You will be called by a new name that the Lord himself will give you.
3 You will be a majestic crown in the hand of the Lord, a royal turban in the hand of your God.
4 You will no longer be called, “Abandoned,” and your land will no longer be called “Desolate.” Indeed, you will be called “My Delight is in Her,” and your land “Married.” For the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married to him.
5 As a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you. As a bridegroom rejoices over a bride, so your God will rejoice over you.
6 I post watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they should keep praying all day and all night. You who pray to the Lord, don’t be silent!
7 Don’t allow him to rest until he reestablishes Jerusalem, until he makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.
8 The Lord swears an oath by his right hand, by his strong arm: “I will never again give your grain to your enemies as food, and foreigners will not drink your wine, which you worked hard to produce.
9 But those who harvest the grain will eat it, and will praise the Lord. Those who pick the grapes will drink the wine in the courts of my holy sanctuary.”
10 Come through! Come through the gates! Prepare the way for the people! Build it—Build the roadway! Remove the stones. Lift a signal flag for the nations.
11 Look, the Lord announces to the entire earth: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘Look, your deliverer comes! Look, his reward is with him, and his reward goes before him!’”
12 They will be called, “The Holy People, the Ones Protected by the Lord.” You will be called, “Sought After, City Not Abandoned.”
Illustration: Hard to Beat The Pony Express
When it comes to being on the alert and ready at any moment to do the job, it’s hard to beat the Pony Express. This historically famous mail service between St. Joseph, Missouri, and California depended on constant movement and readiness. Relay stations were established every ten to fifteen miles. A rider would shout aloud as he approached a station, giving the station master very short notice that he needed to be outside waiting with a fresh mount. We have this service’s intriguing example of what it means to be ever watchful. (Today in the Word, December, 1997, p. 17).