IV. THE FUTURE SPLENDOR OF ZION IS PROMISED (54:1-55:13)
Many will attempt to interpret this chapter as a prophecy of the exiles return and the rebuilding of physical Jerusalem and ultimately physical Israel. However, it is more likely that this chapter shows us the results of the suffering and victory of the Servant (as seen in chapter 52 and 53). The symbolic wife of Jehovah mentioned in this chapter is spiritual Jerusalem-Zion (see Isa. 51:17,18). She will be restored by the Servant and raised to a state of glory.
A. The Lord Will Have Great Mercy And Enlarge Zion (54:1-8)
(1) Compare (vv. 1-5) to (49:14-23). The time of devastation and barrenness caused by the judgment against them is over. The children born here are the ones of the spiritual promise to Abraham. This can be shown by taking into account Paul's quotation of this passage (Gal. 4:21-31; Gen 12:3; 22:18). The spiritual offspring from Jehovah's renewed relations with Jerusalem-Zion will far outnumber the fleshly family of that same union.
(2) This large spiritual family will outgrow the boundaries of physical Jerusalem. She must spread the curtains of her tent to make room. She must enlarge her boundaries to accommodate her new family and make those accommodations strong enough to withstand any storm.
(3) Spiritual Zion will spread out in every direction. Those redeemed by the Servant will bring the Gentiles into the fold through spiritual conquest.
(4) In her renewed relationship with Jehovah, no external force will overcome her, put her to shame, or cause her to be embarrassed. The shame of her youth that she will not forget is a reference to her idolatry; the thing that separated her from Jehovah in the first place.
(5) In addition to being the husband of Jerusalem-Zion, Jehovah is her Maker. Note the three additional titles here: 1, The Holy One of Israel (the standard of absolute holiness), 2, Redeemer, and 3, God of the whole earth (Rom. 3:29).
(6) Previously abandoned by a husband who could not abide her wicked ways, the marriage is renewed by her repentance.
(7,8) Her abandonment was for a brief time (50 years in Babylonian exile), but her renewed relationship will last forever ( read Ps. 30:5).
B. Jerusalem Will Have Glory And Permanence In The Messianic Age (54:9-17)
1. "As the waters of Noah" (54:9-10)
(9) As Jehovah will never again destroy the physical earth by water (in light of His oath to Noah), He will never remove Himself from spiritual Zion. He is not promising that the church will not be severely tested, unmercifully persecuted, or passed through the floods and fires of tribulations; but spiritual Zion will never be the object of God's wrath.
(10) Jehovah's loving-kindness and covenant of peace will never depart from the true church no matter what takes place on the physical earth (Mt. 24:35). Some things that will never change include: God's being and character; Christ's deity, victory, and rule; an unshakeable kingdom (Heb. 12:28); God's seal upon the firm foundation (2 Tim. 2:19); and Christ's blood-sealed covenant of peace (Mt. 26:28)
2. Glory and permanence in the Messianic age (54:11-17)
(11,12) The affliction that has come upon the city will not last forever. Viewed from the outside, the new city will be beautiful and permanent beyond imagination. Precious stones will be set into the foundations of the walls, the walls themselves, and the gates of the city. All of these things will be accomplished by the Lord, not by men. The portrait painted here by Isaiah is one of the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph. 1:18); it is the church of Christ.
(13) Viewed from the inside, the inhabitants have been taught concerning Jehovah (Jer. 1:34). The source of their knowledge is God's word. This knowledge plus forgiveness of sins makes up the foundation on which the church will be built. Peace will come to the children of Zion. This stands in contrast to their condition under Babylonian oppression and exile.
(14) The church will be founded on the righteousness of Jehovah and His righteousness is the basis of the righteousness and salvation of the church. There will be no oppression that can destroy spiritual Zion.
(15) If oppression does come against the church it will not be at God's instigation. If man stands firm in God's righteousness and law they cannot be defeated.
(16) With Jehovah as the Protector of the righteous the potential destroyers are impotent against them. He created those that become evil and He can and does control them as well as the righteous.
(17) If the smiths, weapons, and wasters of (v.16) are under the control of God, then he will not allow them to form a weapon that can destroy His church. The truth abiding in the saved will condemn the false accusers. All of these promises hold true in the spiritual Jerusalem of the New Testament. [TOP OF THIS PAGE]
C. The Great Invitation: All Who Thirst Are Invited To Come (55:1-13) - This chapter foreshadows the invitation of Jesus to come unto Him and find rest (Mt. 11:28-30), the invitation to the marriage feast (Mt. 22:1-14), and the abundant offer of God's grace to the Jews and the Gentiles (Acts 15:11). (Hailey)
1. Mercy is free to all who accept (55:1-5)
(1) It is by the grace of God that He now provides the previously promised ( Isa. 41:17,18) living water. The water, along with wine and milk, are freely given by God to quench man's spiritual thirst, make his heart glad (Ps. 104:15), and provide food for growth (1 Pet. 2:2).
(2) The worldly will waste their money on things that are not spiritually satisfying. They must set aside the things of the world and partake of the things of the Spirit. The Servant will provide everything that is necessary for believers to be filled unto the fulness of God (Eph. 3:19).
(3) God's grace is free, but free upon a set of conditions. These include coming to the Lord, hearing His words, and obeying those words. God has prepared an age-lasting covenant (legally binding obligation) for man. This new covenant will be established through the sure mercies of David, that is, through David's Seed. We can see from (Jer. 22:30 and Ezek. 21:27) that Jehovah did not have in mind a physical king, but instead a spiritual one. The earthly kingdom of God's people ended with Coniah and Zedekiah. Besides Isaiah, three other prophets speak of the Messiah as David: Hosea (Hos. 3:5), Jeremiah (Jer. 30:9), and Ezekiel (34:23,24; 37:24-26). Paul quotes this verse in (Acts 13:34-39) and declares its fulfillment in Christ.
(4) The second David (the Messiah) has been given to the world as a witness that can give firsthand testimony concerning the truth (Rev. 1:5; Jn. 18:37). In addition to being a witness He will also be a leader and a commander, or a ruler and one who gives the orders.
(5) The nation of the new David will be a new nation. This nation will be called by means of the gospel from among the nations (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15,16). People who have not previously sought Jehovah will seek Him now because they will see for themselves the glorification of the new David by His Father.
2. Seek the Lord while He may be found (55:6-13)
(6) To seek Jehovah while He may be found would include inquiring after Him and His will with care and concern. Note the time limit: while He may be found. The time to seek is now (Lk. 13:25), because the Lord might withdraw Himself so that He cannot be found (Hos. 5:6).
(7) Those that want to act contrary to God's character and will must repent in both their lifestyle and their heart. God shows His Divine grace, mercy, and loving-kindness by promising to completely forgive the repentant heart.
(8) Here begins a list of four reasons to seek Jehovah and repent. 1, Man cannot achieve the ideal of God's thoughts and ways. Man's mistake is thinking that God is on our level (Ps. 50:21).
(9) 2, God's ways and thoughts are greatly superior to man's. This is illustrated by the infinite dimensions of His dwelling place.
(10,11) 3, God's Word will fulfill His purposes in the hearts of those that draw near to hear, to give heed, and to change their ways and thoughts. The heeded word of God will completely change man's heart and therefore his life.
(12) 4, God will provide a joyful exodus. Those that are freed will go out with joy and will be led forth with peace. Once again Isaiah alludes to nature as sharing in the joy of the freed people (Isa. 35:1,2; 41:17-20; 44:23; 49:13).
(13) Jehovah will replant His uprooted vineyard with fir trees and myrtle trees. The myrtle was used in making the booths for the feast of the Tabernacles (Neh. 8:15) and the fir is a symbol of Jehovah Himself (Hos. 14:8). The Lord's redemptive work and deliverance of His people will be for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
V. THOSE WHO TRUST IN THE LORD SHALL POSSESS THE LAND AND INHERIT HIS HOLY MOUNTAIN (56:1-57:21)
A. Foreigners Are Exhorted To Preserve Justice And Do Righteousness (56:1-8) - This passage looks to a time when restrictions that have hindered certain groups from joining God's assembly will be removed.
(1) Once again we see Jehovah's demand that his followers emulate His character of justice (making equitable dealings and impartial decisions) and righteousness (behavior in accordance with God's moral and ethical standards). The time of salvation is near,as is the time for righteousness to be revealed.
(2) There are three conditions a man must meet to be blessed. 1, He must hold fast the commandment of (v.1). 2, He must keep the sabbath. Of all of God's commands, keeping the Sabbath seems to be one that was kept during the Babylonian captivity. It was during this time that the use of synagogues as a place of worship began. There are three basic reasons for setting aside the sabbath: (a), it was sacred to Jehovah (Gen. 2:2); (b), it was a reminder to the Jews of their deliverance by Jehovah from Egypt (Deut. 5:15); (c), it was a sign to the Jews that they had been specially sanctified as Jehovah's people (Ex. 31:12-17; Ezek. 20:12). 3, He must not do anything contrary to God's will.
(3) Those that were Gentiles and those that had been mutilated were generally excluded (Deut. 23:1) from the congregation under the Old Law (see Num. 15:14; 1 Ki. 8:41-43 for some exceptions), but a time was at hand when they would be welcomed into the fold.
(4) Eunuchs could now be accepted into the congregation under these conditions: 1, they keep the sabbaths, 2, they choose the things that please the Lord, and 3, hold fast the covenant made at Sinai.
(5) If they meet these conditions the following blessings will come to them: they will have a memorial within God's house and a name better than of sons and daughters. The Ethiopian nobleman of (Acts 8) is a prime example of a eunuch who took advantage of these God-given blessings.
(6) The Gentiles now receive similar words of encouragement. The true spiritual relationship that He is offering them includes an opportunity for them: 1, to minister unto Him, 2, to love the name of Jehovah, 3, to be His servants. Additionally, they must keep the Sabbath.
(7) Anyone can now join themselves to Jehovah at His holy mountain Jerusalem-Zion (Zech. 8:1-3; Heb. 12:22-24). This promise is fulfilled in the return from Babylon (when a new emphasis was given to receiving all who would seek after Jehovah) and under the Messiah.
(8) It is clear from this verse that the Lord has Gentiles in mind when he says I will gather others to Him. This corresponds to what Jesus said in (Jn. 10:16). The large number of responses from among the Gentiles to the Lord's invitation is evident as we look back through time.
B. Israel's Watchmen Are Rebuked For Having Sought Their Own Gain (56:9-57:2) - Isaiah returns from his prophecy concerning the release of the exiles and the days of the Ideal Servant to his own day. Here he once again rebukes the people of his own time for sin such as idolatry.
1. A Rebuke of the blind watchmen (56:9-12)
(9) Jeremiah expands on the thought of this verse in (Jer. 12:7-10). Both the wild beasts of the field and of the forest are called to devour Judah.
(10) The watchmen of Judah are blind. The purpose of a watchman is to keep guard on a wall and warn of approaching danger, check on certain developments (Isa. 21:6-9), and announce good tidings (Isa. 52:7,8). Though they were stationed to serve Jehovah and lead the people, they have become worthless.
(11) Even though they are not doing their job, the watchmen or shepherds, are greedy for their pay. The word shepherds primarily refers to the kings of the people. Their greedy spirit extended down from their station to that of the prophets, priests (Jer. 6:13), and finally, the people.
(12) Those that try and cover their woes and stimulate false hopes through drinking and living from day to day with no concern for the future are condemned.
2. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord" (57:1,2)
(1) In contrast to the faithless watchmen and shepherds of (ch. 56) are the righteous. If the righteous should die before the calamity strikes Judah it would actually be a blessing for him (Mic. 7:2; 2 Ki. 22:20).
(2) In addition to avoiding the calamity, the righteous dead would partake in the well-being and completeness for which the soul of all the truly righteous yearn. Beds represents the resting place of the dead (Ps. 139:8). Eternal rest in Jehovah is the ultimate reward for any who walks in his uprightness.
C. Serving Idols Had Profited Them Nothing And Cost Everything (57:3-13)
(3) Those listed here stand in stark contrast to the righteous of (vv.1,2). The prophet repeats the charges made against the people in (ch.s 1 and 2). Their rejection of Jehovah and of true worship had led them after heathen witchcraft, made them the offspring of spiritual adulterers, and caused them to become spiritual adulterers themselves.
(4) Opening the mouth wide and sticking out the tongue are signs of derision (Ps. 22:7). In doing these signs Judah is scorning Jehovah. The transgression and falsehood represent idolatry and the idols. Then as now, we are the offspring of him whose will we do (Jn. 8:44; Rom. 6:16).
(5) Idolatry was rampant among the people prior to the Babylonian captivity, yet there are no records of it after the return. The Israelites had never destroyed the Canaanite holy places as they were instructed (Deut. 12:2). In fact they even erected more altars as the years passed. The people practiced all the abominations of the Canaanite gods including sexual perversions and child sacrifice.
(6) Their only inheritance will be found here on this earth. They have nothing more to look forward to; this will be their portion.
(7) Idolatry was practiced everywhere in the land in those days. From the valley below to the mountains above, the false-worshipers sought the bed of idolatry.
(8) In their houses the idolaters had made memorials to their gods. Their behavior is like an adulterous spouse who forsakes the marriage covenant and takes up with another. This spiritual adultery was not a spur of the moment thing, but a premeditated and preplanned affair.
(9) When the people rejected Jehovah, it was natural for them to seek help elsewhere. We do not know exactly which king is in view here, but we do know that Ahaz and the ambassadors of Hezekiah looked to foreign kings for help (2 Ki. 16:7; Isa. 30:1-6). The people have reached the lowest depths of debasement.
(10) Even though their attempts to receive help from outside sources always failed, Judah would not give up their idols. Today, many refuse to give up their cults and false religions and turn to Jehovah for their spiritual needs. They may find momentary rest and strength in their false beliefs, but these beliefs will have no staying power or eternal blessings.
(11) Because the people's attitude toward Jehovah had been one of negligence, indifference, and outright rebellion they had put their reverential awe at the feet of their idol-gods. Their false righteousness led them to live a lie.
(12) ... Thy righteousness is really no righteousness at all. Jehovah will expose it as a false righteousness. Their activities on behalf of their idol-gods will only bring judgment and destruction down on their heads.
(13) When the people finally realize that they have sinned it will be too late for their salvation. Now contrast this to the blessings promised to the righteous. While Jehovah had promised Israel that they would hold the land "forever," this promise was conditional (Ex. 32:13; Lev. 26:14-45; Deut. 28:63,64). Israel had not kept the covenant of Jehovah, therefore they were plucked off the land and scattered. Isaiah came offering the people one last chance to keep possession of the land.
D. The Humble And Contrite Will Receive Blessings (57:14-21)
(14) The Lord now calls for the preparation of a highway for His people. Anything that would stand in the way of the people's safe return must be removed; this would include: idolatry, unbelief, hard hearts, and evildoers.
(15) Jehovah styles Himself as the high and lofty One, the only One who has the right to make such demands as in (v. 14). Though Jehovah dwells in heaven itself, he condescends to dwell among those of a contrite and humble spirit. His very presence will bring that person out from under the weight of his sins. A man's spirit is his immaterial consciousness, the seat of his conscience; while his heart is the seat of his knowledge, emotions, and will.
(16) Jehovah's unrestrained wrath would ultimately consume the world. He therefore will choose to defer His anger (Isa. 48:9), allowing His longsuffering to become our salvation (2 Pet. 3:15).
(17) In addition to sins such as idolatry, faithlessness, and forgetting God, the people are also guilty of covetousness - greed or lust for personal gain. Micah calls these greedy ones cannibals (Mic. 2:1,2; 3:1-4). Regardless of the discipline administered by Jehovah, the covetous heart would not be swayed from its path of destruction.
(18) In spite of all of these shortcomings, Jehovah will heal Israel. This healing will take place after the days of wrath. 1, He promises forgiveness of sins and a restoration of a proper relationship with Him. 2, He will lead the people, directing them in the right path. 3, He will restore their spiritual comforts. The mourning here is probably over the condition that the nation found itself in.
(19) The Lord will bring true peace into existence for those that follow Him; those that are nearby and those that are far away, both of the Jews and the Gentiles.
(20) The wicked, in their restless and unregenerated condition, contribute nothing to moral and spiritual life; proving the Lord's statement of (Mt. 12:30): He who is not with me is against me.
(21) The wicked can find neither rest nor peace in their separation from God.