FRAMEWORKS:
Isaiah 62 :
Yearning for the
new day with the Lord
[Preliminary
notes: It is difficult sometimes to discern whether
it is the prophet speaking inspired words, or the words are to
be directly attributed to God. However, in the absence of a “The
Lord says….” we will assume this chapter is the prophet pouring
out what he feels [especially when he speaks objectively of ‘the
Lord' – e.g. v.2,3]
If
Isaiah brought this word directly following on the previous chapter,
then it is his response to the Servant declaring a new day of
God's favour. Here he determines to cry out for it [v.1], a glorious
new day recognised by the whole world [v.2], revealing Israel
in a glorious new light [v.3], a day when they are clearly restored
in their relationship with the Lord [v.4,5]. He has called prophetic-intercessors
into being [v.6,7] to cry for and watch for its signs of coming.
He is sure the Lord intends blessing [v.8,9] and so he calls on
the people to prepare for His coming [v.10] as their Saviour [v.11]
and to reveal their glory [v.12]. A heart cry of faith.]
v.1
The prophet yearns for Jerusalem to be right with God
v.1
For
Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain
quiet,
till her vindication shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.
v.2
He senses a new day is coming
v.2
The
nations will see your vindication,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.
v.3
It will reveal them gloriously
v.3
You
will be a crown of splendour in the Lord's hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
v.4,5
It will be a day of new relationship with the Lord
v.4
No
longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah, [i.e.
‘my delight is in her']
and your
land Beulah; [i.e. ‘married']
for the Lord will take delight in
you,
and your land will be married.
v.5 As
a young man marries a young woman,
so will your Builder marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your God rejoice over you.
v.6,7
There are to be those looking for this, crying out to God for
it
v.6
I
have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem;
they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the Lord,
give yourselves no rest,
v.7 and
give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem
and makes her the praise of the earth.
v.8,9
God promises security
v.8
The
Lord has sworn by his right hand
and by his mighty arm:
‘Never again will I give your grain
as food for your enemies,
and never again will foreigners drink the new wine
for which you have toiled;
v.9 but
those who harvest it will eat it
and praise the Lord,
and those who gather the grapes will drink it
in the courts of my sanctuary.'
v.10
Make preparation for a way to this time
v.10
Pass
through, pass through the gates!
Prepare the way for the people.
Build up, build up the highway!
Remove the stones.
Raise a banner for the nations.
v.11
The Lord declares it to the whole world
v.11
The
Lord has made proclamation
to the ends of the earth:
‘Say to Daughter Zion,
“See, your Saviour comes!
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.”'
v.12
His people will be seen to be a holy people with God
v.12
They
will be called the Holy People,
the Redeemed of the Lord;
and you will be called Sought After,
the City No Longer Deserted.