Isaiah

CHAPTER 62

A New Name for Zion

1^* For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,

for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep still,

Until her vindication shines forth like the dawn

and her salvation like a burning torch.^a

2Nations shall behold your vindication,

and all kings your glory;

You shall be called by a new name

bestowed by the mouth of the LORD.^b

3You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,

a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

4No more shall you be called “Forsaken,”

nor your land called “Desolate,”

But you shall be called “My Delight is in her,”

and your land “Espoused.”

For the LORD delights in you,

and your land shall be espoused.^c

5For as a young man marries a virgin,

your Builder shall marry you;

And as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride

so shall your God rejoice in you.

6Upon your walls, Jerusalem,

I have stationed sentinels;

By day and by night,

they shall never be silent.

You who are to remind the LORD,

take no rest,

7And give him no rest,

until he re-establishes Jerusalem

And makes it the praise of the earth.

The Blessings of Salvation for God’s People

8^* The LORD has sworn by his right hand

and by his mighty arm:

No more will I give your grain

as food to your enemies;

Nor shall foreigners drink the wine,

for which you toiled.^d

9But those who harvest shall eat,

and praise the LORD;

Those who gather shall drink

in my holy courts.^e

10^* Pass through, pass through the gates,

prepare a way for the people;^f

Build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones,

raise up a standard over the nations.

11The LORD has proclaimed

to the ends of the earth:

Say to daughter Zion,

“See, your savior comes!

See, his reward is with him,

his recompense before him.”^g

12They shall be called “The Holy People,”

“The Redeemed of the LORD.”

And you shall be called “Cared For,”

“A City Not Forsaken.”^h

* [62:1–12] As in chap. 60, the prophet addresses Zion, announcing the reversal of her fortune. Several motifs reappear: light and glory (60:1–3, 19–20), tribute of nations (60:11), and especially the marriage (61:10; cf. also 54:5–8).

* [62:8–9] Peace and prosperity are indicated by the absence of invaders who would live off the land.

* [62:10–11] The gates of Babylon are to be opened for the exiles to return, led by the Lord, as in 40:3–5, 10.

a. [62:1] Is 42:14; 64:11.

b. [62:2] Rev 2:17; 3:12.

c. [62:4] Is 49:15–16; 54:7–8.

d. [62:8] Is 52:10.

e. [62:9] Dt 12:17–18; 14:23.

f. [62:10] Is 58:14.

g. [62:11] Is 40:10.

h. [62:12] Is 62:4.