Chapter 62

1 The fervent desire of the prophet to confirm the church in God’s promises. 5 The office of the ministers (unto which they are incited) in preaching the gospel, 10 and preparing the people thereto.

1. For Zion’s sake. This chapter continues the theme of ch. 61, without interruption—the glorious future of Israel as God’s chosen messenger of truth to the world, on condition that she remain faithful to Him (see pp. 26–30). Israel failed to live up to her exalted privileges, therefore the promises must find their fulfillment in the church today (see pp. 35, 36). Christ is still the speaker, as in ch. 61:1, and tells what He will do in behalf of Zion (see on Ps. 48:2). Zion was a poetic name for Jerusalem.

I will not rest. Christ pledges Himself not to cease working in behalf of His people until His eternal purpose for them shall have been accomplished (see on ch. 42:4).

2. Gentiles shall see. See on ch. 60:3–5.

A new name. Anciently, a new name was given—or assumed, as the case might be—to commemorate an event of major significance (Gen. 17:5; 32:28; Ruth 1:20; cf. Hosea 1:6, 9; 2:1). Here God’s people receive a new name appropriate to their new experience, to the glorious state to which they, as a nation, have attained. Concerning the nature of their new name see Isa. 62:4, 12. Compare Rev. 2:17; 3:12; 19:12.

3. A crown of glory. In the day when God’s glorious purpose for Israel becomes a reality, His name will be honored as all men see the unparalleled success and prosperity with which He has blessed them (see pp. 28–30). God intends that the church today shall likewise become an instrument of praise and beauty in His hand (see pp. 35, 36).

4. Forsaken. See on chs. 49:14; 54:6, 7.

Hephzi-bah. Literally, “my delight is in her.” This name betokened restoration to divine favor. Hephzibah was the name of Hezekiah’s wife (2 Kings 21:1), as Azubah, “forsaken,” was of of Jehoshaphat’s mother (2 Chron. 20:31).

Beulah. Literally, “possessed,” or “married” (see Eze. 16:8). She who had been in a state of widowhood and desolation would become the honored wife of King Messiah! Compare Hosea’s child, whose name was changed from Loammi, “not my people,” to Ammi, “my people” (Hosea 1:9, 10; 2:1).

5. As a young man. The marriage relationship is often used in the Bible to represent the covenant relationship between God and His people (see Isa. 54:5; Jer. 3:14; Eze. 16:8–14; Hosea 2:19; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:23, 27; Rev. 19:7; 21:2). As a bride brings joy to her husband, so the church brings joy to the heart of God. He will care for them as a faithful husband provides for and protects his beloved bride.

6. Watchmen. It is the duty of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to guard its people against danger. In the ancient Orient danger constantly threatened, and it was necessary for watchmen to be ever on the alert. Every spiritual leader is a watchman, whose duty it is to stand guard upon the walls of Zion. See on ch. 21:11.

Day nor night. The work of a faithful minister is never done (see 2 Tim. 4:2). When others sleep he must remain on guard. When others are weary he must have courage and strength. He must be vigilant, industrious, unselfish, and alert, for on his fidelity depends the safety of the church. If he sleeps or falters, the enemy may gain a victory, and souls may be lost.

Make mention of the Lord. Literally, “causing to remember the Lord.” The spiritual watchman is accountable not only to his flock but also to God. He must at all times keep close to God, look to Him for counsel, and depend upon Him for strength. Day by day it is his task to present before the Lord the needs of his people and to make certain that their needs will be supplied. For Christ’s personal example see on Isa. 50:4; Mark 3:13; Luke 2:49.

7. Give him no rest. God’s servants are neither to take rest themselves nor, as it were, to give God rest till His purpose for them is accomplished. They are to take a deep personal interest in their work, not as hirelings (see on John 10:12, 13), but as men who must give an account (see on Heb. 13:17). Compare Christ’s lesson in the parable of the importunate widow (Luke 18:1–8).

Till he establish. See on v. 1.

8. Lord hath sworn. Upon taking an oath a man was to raise his right arm in solemn affirmation of his truthfulness and sincerity (Deut. 32:40; Eze. 20:5, 15). Because Israel had sinned, God withdrew His protecting care and allowed their enemies to triumph over them and to despoil the land (see on Isa. 59:1–15). Henceforth, He would defend them against their foes (see on vs. 15–20). God would supply their necessities and bless them abundantly (see pp. 27, 28).

9. Courts of my holiness. That is, in the sanctuary. The Levitical law provided for peace offerings and first fruits to be brought to the Temple in thankful acknowledgment of the blessings of Heaven (Deut. 12:5–18; 14:23). If the people had always continued to be grateful and faithful to God, their blessings would have continued and their enemies would not have triumphed over them (see on Rom. 1:21).

10. Go through the gates. Isaiah refers prophetically to the coming of Messiah (see on ch. 40:3–5). All obstructions are to be removed; everything that might give offense is to be put aside.

Prepare ye. See on chs. 40:3; 57:14.

Cast up. See on ch. 57:14.

Lift up a standard. That is, a “flag,” or “ensign.” A flag stands for authority and challenges men to be loyal to that authority. God’s law is a spiritual ensign. Similarly, the Scriptures as a whole bear the stamp of Heaven and call for loyal obedience. It is the solemn duty of God’s spiritual watchmen to lift high the standard of truth God has entrusted to them.

11. End of the world. That is, to its farthest extremity. The message of salvation is to go to the most distant parts of earth. For the manner in which this work was to have been accomplished anciently by literal Israel, had they been faithful, see pp. 27–30. In our day, it is the great task of the church to work together with God for the fulfillment of these glorious promises (see pp. 35, 36).

Thy salvation cometh. At His first coming Christ offered salvation to the daughter of Zion (Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:5–9; John 12:15), but at His second coming He will reward His people, each according to his works (Isa. 40:10; Matt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12).

Work. Heb.peФullah, “recompense,” or “reward [for labor performed]” (see on ch. 61:8).

12. The holy people. Christ transforms His people into a “glorious church,” “holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:26, 27). When probation closes, Christ’s work of sanctification in behalf of His people will have been completed, and those who are holy will forever remain “holy still” (Rev. 22:11).

Redeemed of the Lord. It is Christ who redeems, or ransoms, His people, a thought Isaiah frequently stresses. In ch. 35:8, 10 he speaks of a “way of holiness” over which “the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion.” In ch. 43:1 he comforts Israel with the thought that He who created her is the One who redeemed her, and in ch. 51:10, 11 he declares that the redeemed will “come with singing unto Zion.” See also chs. 44:6, 23; 52:3.

A city not forsaken. See on v. 4. Zion had sinned, and because of her sins the Lord had allowed judgments to fall upon her. She thought herself forsaken and forgotten by the Lord (chs. 49:14; 54:6, 7), but Isaiah brings a message of comfort and reassurance (see on ch. 40:1).

Ellen G. White comments

1    AA 571; CE 32; CM 38; CT 398, 548; CW 15; Ev 70, 87, 425, 578; FE 532; LS 394; TM 459; 4T 595; 6T 253, 481; 7T 54, 138; 8T 90, 211; 9T 64, 140

3     GC 676

4     DA 103

4, 5 DA 151; GC 302; PK 733

5     COL 207

6     CE 8; 1T 469; 2T 706; 4T 402, 527; 5T 263, 530; 8T 195, 248, 304; 9T 29

10–128T 253

12   COL 180; GC 650; PK 724