About Isaiah

Isaiah proclaims both judgment and salvation, containing the most detailed messianic prophecies in the Old Testament.

Author: IsaiahWritten: c. 740-680 BCReading time: ~2 minVerses: 12
HolinessJudgmentSalvationMessiahServantRestoration

Places in This Chapter

View map →
Jerusalem(Settlement)Zion(Settlement)

King James Version

Isaiah 62

12 verses with commentary

Zion's New Identity

1

For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.

View commentary
The prophet (or God speaking through him) declares unwavering commitment: 'For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.' The Hebrew 'charash' (hold peace/be silent) is negated - there will be no silence until restoration is complete.
2

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

View commentary
'And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.' The public, universal recognition of Zion's transformation includes a new name - signifying new identity and status. The Hebrew 'naqab' (name/designate) emphasizes divine initiative in renaming.
3

Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.

View commentary
'Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.' Zion becomes God's prized possession - a crown ('atarah') of glory and a royal turban ('tsaniyph'). The repeated 'in the hand of' shows intimate possession. God treasures and displays His redeemed people.
4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. Hephzibah: that is, My delight is in her Beulah: that is, Married

View commentary
'Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah ('my delight is in her'), and thy land Beulah ('married').' These new names reverse the old condition. From abandoned to beloved, from desolate wasteland to fruitful marriage - the Hebrew conveys intimate relationship.
5

For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. as the: Heb. with the joy of the bridegroom

View commentary
'For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.' The joy of new marriage pictures God's delight in restored Zion. The Hebrew 'sus' (rejoice) and 'masis' (joy) emphasize exuberant gladness. God rejoices over His people like a bridegroom over his bride.
6

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, make: or, are the LORD's remembrancers

View commentary
'I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence.' These watchmen are intercessors - praying continuously for Jerusalem's welfare. The Hebrew 'mazkir' (those who remind) suggests they remind God of His promises. Constant prayer characterizes their ministry.
7

And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. rest: Heb. silence

View commentary
'And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.' The bold call continues: give God 'no rest' through persistent prayer until He acts. This is holy persistence, not irreverence - God invites such tenacity. The Hebrew 'domiy' (rest/silence) is to be denied God through unceasing intercession.
8

The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: Surely: Heb. If I give, etc

View commentary
'The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured.' God swears an oath - the highest guarantee. The 'right hand' and 'arm of strength' represent His power. No more will enemies consume Israel's produce.
9

But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.

View commentary
'But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.' Agricultural blessing is linked to worship - eating and praising, drinking in 'courts of my holiness.' The harvest festivals celebrated God's provision in His presence. Labor and worship unite.
10

Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

View commentary
'Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.' The doubled commands ('go through, go through'; 'cast up, cast up') emphasize urgency. This highway preparation echoes 40:3 - preparing for God's people to return. Stones are cleared; a banner is raised.
11

Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. work: or, recompence

View commentary
'Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.' Universal proclamation announces salvation's coming. The Hebrew 'yasha' (salvation) is personified - 'thy salvation cometh.' This anticipates Christ's triumphal entry where this verse was echoed.
12

And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

View commentary
'And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.' Four new names summarize Zion's identity: 'holy people' (set apart), 'redeemed of the LORD' (purchased/delivered), 'sought out' (pursued with love), and 'not forsaken' (never abandoned). Identity is completely transformed.

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 62 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter
Isaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 63All Isaiah ChaptersIsaiah 62 QuizComplete Isaiah QuizAll Bible QuizzesBible CharactersBible TopicsNave's Topical Bible