Isaiah Chapter 62

In the last chapter, we read of the prophecies concerning the coming of Jesus, the Christ, both in His ministry in the world and the second time He will be here.

Isaiah spoke of the Messiah would come as God’s anointed servant and He would preach good tidings to the meek, heal and bind up the broken hearted. He will deliver His people from sin and free them from captivity, comforting all those who mourn (Isaiah 61:1-2).

We know that God, through His wonderful promises, also caused the king of Babylon to allow the captive Israelites to return to the Promised Land to rebuild both the nation and temple once again. The people would become “priests of the Lord… servants of our God” (Isa 61:6) and they are to rejoice greatly in the Lord for the garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness (Isa 61:10).

In today’s chapter, verses 1 to 5, we read the powerful prophecy of the day of the Lord when He returns in all His heavenly glory and reign in Jerusalem.

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.
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.

~ Isaiah 62:1-5 ~

Can you feel the undying passion of these words from God?

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.

Everything Israel could long for was promised to her: Righteousness and salvation (62:1); Glory (62:2); and the righteous reign with the LORD as King (62:3).

Israel was once labeled “Forsaken” and “Desolate” due to their rebellious and lawless ways (62:4). But when they return and accept the Lord as their King in their land, they will be bestowed with a new name, “Hephzibah,” signifying “my delight is in her.”

Similarly, the land of Israel receives the name “Beulah,” which means “married.”

Just see the great difference!

There was sorrow and shame caused by Israel’s rebellion and separation from the LORD. But now there’s a heartfelt promise of restoration which is likened to a groom joyfully embracing his bride, symbolizing a loving reunion (62:5).

And when this happens, a further promise is made to His beloved people:

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.

~ Isaiah 62:6-7 ~

God will set watchmen over their walls… watching, caring and protecting.

May we all hold onto the promises of God and be His delight.

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