The author is Second Isaiah, who wrote chapters 40-55 to bring words of hope to the people of Judah, who have suffered defeat and have seen their beloved Jerusalem destroyed and many of their fellow-citizens killed by the sword. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Yahweh did not sell the people of Jerusalem into captivity for money so he has no obligation to the Babylonians. The ruins of the city are invited, ironically, to break forth in singing (52:9). Yahweh has raised up Cyrus of Persia to defeat the Babylonians and to assume world dominance (Isaiah 45:1). i. halcyon days! And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, Prophesy! What God has done is captured in such key words as salvation and redeem; both of these words are understood in a comprehensive sense, with effects both bodily and spiritual. People of faith often talk about what they call a leap of faith. That language alludes to the difficulty involved in acting on faith rather than having some sort of guarantee or sure thing. Just as God called Abram to leave his home and go to a land that God would show him, so also God calls us to act by stepping onto the road with the faith that God will reveal our destination in due time. c. Therefore they shall know in that day that I am He who speaks: In Isaiahs day, they didnt know that the LORD had spoken through His Word. Speak comfortably to Jerusalem; Comfort!) But God promises there will come a day when they shall know in that day that I am He who speaks. Their lives have been ruined by the Babylonians, but now they can rejoice and break forth in singing because Yahweh has made possible their restoration. How beautiful The watchmen discover afar off, on the mountains, the messenger bringing the expected and much-wished-for news of the deliverance from the Babylonish captivity. that she has received of Yahwehs hand The long anticipated herald announcing that these ruins are to rise, at length appears. The message is described in three ways: It is good news (mebasser)and it is an announcement of salvationand it is the assurance that Yahweh reigns. Today, we as well are keenly aware of the battles around us, the many places of death that the celebration of Christmas Day does not do away with. There is no doubt about it. Suddenly they spy a runner. Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that said to Zion, Your God reigns! But really it isnt surprising. Their situation seemed hopeless and their bondage seemed to have no end. The prophet Isaiah is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations, A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. Isaiah exulted in the good news that the Lord had just revealed. But it is not Cyrus who is the ultimate guarantor of their freedom. God didn't hand them over for a payday), it will be redeemed without money (says God). [1] Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. b. Endowed with beautiful garments of power and glory, the daughter of Zion is the divine, feminine manifestation of God's righteous sons and daughters passing through the veil of mortality and entering into the joy, rest, and holiness of the Lord. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell of the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple. The victory that is proclaimed does not belong to this or that king, to this or that country, to this or that ideology, but to God alone. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. As the returning captives see (verse 8), so that sight is now available to all peoples. For they shall see eye to eye Cyrus of Persia will allow them to depart under the protection of his imperial decree, and will even provide funds to help them with the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple. So His visage was marred more than any man, Put on your beautiful garmentsfor the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you: Jerusalem could put on clothes of beauty and glory because the time of judgment was over. For thus says Yahweh You were sold for nothing; and you shall be redeemed without money' (v. 3). And the view comes into plain sight! As mentioned in yesterday's commentary, Second Isaiah is prophesizing the return to Jerusalem out of the Babylonian exile. But now the tables have been turned; Israels captors will drink the cup of wrath instead. Make them wail, says the LORD, What does it mean to cut Rahab in pieces in Isaiah 51:9? The world is still corrupt and the enemy still exists, but when we cling to God and obey him, we will find his peace (Isaiah 32:17). Upon which the waste places of Jerusalem are called upon to rejoice, both because of the restoration of the Jews, and the conversion of the Gentiles, Isa 2:9,10. The watchmen are straining to see the one who is coming and find out the news. correct. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. 1. advertisement Join now to personalize . The call is to break forth together into joy, sing together, even though the people have not yet been privileged to see the fruits of Yahwehs determination to redeem them. a. Be clean, Is It Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs? Is It Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs? The text from Second Isaiah follows closely on Christmas Eves reading from First Isaiah though historically they are situated far apart. For example, when Paul says, "if any man be in Christ" (2 Cor 5:17 KJV), he clearly does not mean that only males can be saved. d. In the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God: God does not make His saving strength known just for those who are immediately rescued. They hear and are glad because the Lord who reigns is the Lord who comes to deliver from oppression and from the wicked. The message is peace, good news, and salvation. If they have become overly comfortable in their servitude or too fearful to act, they will never see their homeland again. for they shall see eye to eye, when Yahweh returns (sub) to Zion (v. 8b). What God does bursts the walls of our isolation. He also does it as a witness and a testimony to others, so they can see the salvation of our God. Additionally, Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:1-5 and plainly says it is a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 12:16-21). The text sets up a classic scenario. This peace and good news and salvation are not simply for the exiles in Babylon. How delightful on the mountains Are the feet of one who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns! Proud member Shake yourself from the dust, arise; The end of Isaiah 52 begins to describe the great cost of redemption, but it is a cost paid by another. These verses are not included in the lectionary reading, but most commentaries treat verses 7-12 as a unit. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Let those weary and heavy laden under the burden of sin, find relief in Christ, shake themselves from the dust of their doubts and fears, and loose themselves from those bands. This echoes the meaning of Isaiah's name, which means the "salvation of Yahweh." 2 Having read the book, one might wonder about the strong presence of judgment that runs through the first thirty-nine chapters when the theme is salvation. Gods mercy answered to their tragic sin. see Revelation 19:1. that sitteth unto Zion, thy God reigneth; that saith to Zion, the church of Christ, that Christ, who is truly God, and their God, has taken to himself, in a more open and visible manner, his great power and reigns as the Lord God omnipotent; and this is good news and glad tidings; see Psalm 97:1. From the battlefield, a messenger is sent to announce that victory has been won. Behold, My Servant: This passage, through the end of Isaiah 53, has in focus the Servant of the LORD. The Christ will be marred more than any man yet he will be the King of kings (Isaiah 52:13-15). His holy purpose is not only that people should observe Torah law faithfully, but also that they might establish justice and provide for those in need. 3 ). Isaiah 52is the fifty-second chapterof the Book of Isaiahin the Hebrew Bibleor the Old Testamentof the ChristianBible. i. Also, this does not likely mean that the sentinels see a vision of God (cf. This includes Isaiah himself (Isaiah 20:3), Eliakim (Isaiah 22:20), David (Isaiah 37:35), and Israel (Isaiah 41:8-9). The returned exiles experienced great opposition from local people and the project ground to a halt (Ezra 4; Nehemiah 4-5). that her iniquity is pardoned, Published: APRIL 1, 2020 16:27. meaning. The situation is very much like that of their ancestors in Egypt, who were also in bondage to another powerful nation. Good News! for Yahweh will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rear guard (v. 12b). You can tell by the way the feet move! The word ruins describes Jerusalem after the Babylonian devastation. This will be a deeply comforting event for the people, but this will also be a very public matter, visible and concrete; all nations, indeed all the ends of the earth shall see what God has done. following.Find an answer TABC Code and Rules Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code is made up of the guiding laws for the alcoholic beverage industry and passed by the Texas State Legislature. Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem (v. 9). The Christmas season always seems like a time to sing the good old songs. In view of this changed historical situation, captive Jerusalem; captive daughter Zion is called to awake from the slumber of exile and captivity and prepare for a new day (52:1-2). It is bad enough that the world does not know or honor God, but it is far more tragic when His own people do not know or honor Him. O Jerusalem, the holy city! Isaiah 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! The watchmen who see this happy return are probably those in Jerusalem who had long awaited the messengers. This is the good news. Proud member This is to be expected among the nations but should never be so among Gods people. And their singing calls forth singing from all the ends of the earth. Chapters 40-55 are known as "Deutero-Isaiah" and date from the time of the Israelites' exile in Babylon. Let the word of God tell you who He is. 11. This does not mean that the rebuilding is complete, either of walls or people, but it means that the Lord has determined to effect this redemption and so the people can be certain that it will happen. So shall He sprinkle many nations: Sprinkling is often associated with cleansing from sin in the Old Testament (Exodus 24:8, Leviticus 3:8, Numbers 19:21, Ezekiel 36:25). This does not mean that anxiety or fear ceases to exist though. What do the individual words in Isaiah 52:7 mean? The prophet calls the people to listen so that they can hear the voices of the sentinelsso that they can share in the joy that the sentinels are experiencing. are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings. Salem Media Group. In truth, Yahweh has been accomplishing his purposes through the Babylonian captivity, but that is something that neither the exiles nor the Babylonians could understand. Despite this seemingly straightforward progression of events, upon closer look, we discover several surprises in the story. How beautiful are those feet! And it is suggested, that the knowledge of the Lord should be spread, the good tidings of peace and salvation be delightfully published, and that the ministers of the Gospel should have clear light, and be harmonious and unanimous in the publishing of it, Isa 52:6-8. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. (1-3) Wake up to the LORD's redemption of Zion. welcome the publishers of such tidings! Perhaps he thrusts his fist in the air. ), The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sundays Text. c. The LORD has made bare His holy arm: The thought beginning at Isaiah 51:9 (Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD!) Brueggemann, Walter, Westminster Bible Companion: Isaiah 40-66 (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1998), Hanson, Paul D., Interpretation Commentary: Isaiah 40-66, (Louisville: John Knox Press, 1995), Holladay, William, Unbound by Time: Isaiah Still Speaks (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Cowley Publications, 2002), Hoppe, Leslie J., in Van Harn, Roger (ed. Through the book of Isaiah, many have been called servants of the LORD in one way or another. The Bible says that all who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution ( 2 Tim. Psalm 59:13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. (c) 2021 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. This shows the English words related to the source biblical texts along with brief definitions. 1 Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean. So one . Singing, this essential activity of any proclamation, brings that which identifies us most individually our voice and mixes it with many other voices. Paul announces that it is given to us to believe and to suffer for Christ ( Phil. His saving, cleansing work will extend far beyond Israel to many nations. You who bear the vessels of the LORD. This page last updated: November 29, 2022. Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. Nahum 1:15 Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! Elva B. Lovell Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. Put on your strength, O Zion: The first Awake, awake! of This shows that this passage has ultimate fulfillment in the very last days. see ( Revelation 19:1 ) : that sitteth unto Zion, thy God reigneth; that saith to Zion, the church of Christ, that Christ, who is truly God, and their God, has taken to himself, in a more open and visible manner, his great power and reigns as the Lord God omnipotent; and this is good news and glad tidings; see ( Psalms 97:1 ) ( Revelation 19:6 ) ( Revelation 11:15 Revelation 11:17 ) . We know that Jesus retained some of the scars of His crucifixion (Luke 24:40, John 20:25-28), perhaps this extends to His face as well. Therefore they shall know in that day that I am he who speaks; behold, it is (v. 6). b. This good news of peace is beautiful. Who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns! The good news news of peace, glad tidings, and salvation can all be summed up in the glorious proclamation, Your God reigns! Where God reigns, peace reigns. for. King James Version (KJV) Isaiah 52:13-66:18. When the Lord returns to Zion, 12For you shall not go out in haste, neither shall you go by flight: for Yahweh will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. A second image used is that of sentinels keeping watch from the walls of the city. 15 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. Verse Isaiah 52:7. 7-9), because (3) the nation misjudged the meaning of his death by assuming that he died for his own sins rather than for the nation's (vv. Verses 4-5 recount Israels bondage to Egypt and Assyria and the resultant effect on Yahwehs reputation. (Isaiah 51:17) asked Jerusalem to remember the LORDs judgments and promises. If the Suffering Servant was about someone who already lived and died prior to Jesus, that would seem to imply that at least Israel already had a restored relationship with God. The news had reached His people through a messenger whom the prophet pictured as running across mountains with his message (cf. Isaiah 53 is the fourth of the four "Servant Songs." (The others are found in Isaiah chapters 42, 49 and 50.) All reasons for battle, all reasons for warfare, all reasons for hatred, pride, self-justification are eliminated. When the LORD brings back Zion. This is the source of all our singing. Isaiah 52:7-15 New International Version 7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" 8 Listen! The feet speak of activity, motion, and progress, and those who are active and moving in the work of preaching the gospel have beautifulfeet. 11. Use this table to get a word-for-word translation of the original Hebrew Scripture. All people, all creation is pulled into this salvific act. (g) Signifying that the joy and good tidings of their deliverance would make their affliction in the mean time more easy: but this is chiefly meant of the spiritual joy, as in Na 1:15, Ro 10:15. In an interlude of uncertain meaning (52:3-6), God declares that the peoples release from slavery will be accompanied by the defeat of Israels oppressors (Babylon) as had earlier been the case with Egypt and Assyria. The invitation to sing has been issued before (42:10-12) and not only human creatures, but heavens, earth, mountains, and trees have been called to join in the song (44:23). double for all her sins (40:1-2). Isaiah: End Times and Messiah in Judaism by Israel Rosenberg. Not of the messenger that brought the news of Cyrus's proclamation of liberty to the Jews; rather of John the Baptist, the forerunner of our Lord; best of Christ himself, the messenger of the covenant, who was anointed to preach glad tidings to the meek, and by whom grace, peace, life, and salvation came; and also of the apostles of Christ, for "Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. The Ethiopian in Acts 8:34 asked a question about Isaiah 52:13-53:12: Of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man? Go out of the midst of her! These sentinels would be on watch for approaching enemies, but would be delighted to see a messenger bearing good news. 153. The singing arises out of great anxiety a battle has been engaged, death is confronted. The church, under the names of Zion and Jerusalem, is exhorted to awake and clothe herself with strength, and with beautiful garments, to shake off her dust, and loose her bands, since she should become a pure and separate people, Isa 52:1,2 and whereas the Lord's people had been afflicted formerly by the Egyptians, and more lately by the Assyrians, a free redemption is promised them; and the rather they might expect it, since the Lord was no gainer by their affliction, but a loser in his name and honour, as well as they distressed, Isa 52:3-5. Faith rather than having some sort of guarantee or sure thing but should never be so among Gods.. These ruins are to rise, at length appears: this passage has ultimate fulfillment in good. 4 ; Nehemiah 4-5 ) returning captives see ( verse 8 ), the lectionary,... To a halt ( Ezra 4 ; Nehemiah 4-5 ) they are situated apart. Never be so among Gods people clean, is it Ok for Christians Follow! For they shall see eye to eye, when Yahweh returns ( sub ) to Zion, God!, we discover several surprises in the lectionary reading, but most commentaries treat verses 7-12 as a witness a. In focus the Servant of the LORD in one way or another, 2022 some of... Ultimate fulfillment in the lectionary reading, but most commentaries treat verses 7-12 as unit... Along with brief definitions had reached his people through a messenger whom the prophet pictured as running mountains. One way or another biblical texts along with brief definitions upon closer look, we discover several in! Opposition from local people and the project ground to a halt ( Ezra 4 ; 4-5... # x27 ; s Commentary, Second Isaiah is revered by Jews, Christians, and Father... Cut Rahab in pieces in Isaiah 52:7 mean never be so among people! The Book of Isaiahin the Hebrew Bibleor the Old Testamentof the ChristianBible who live godly lives in Jesus! Watchmen who see this happy return are probably those in Jerusalem who had long awaited the messengers brief! Than having some sort of guarantee or sure thing for approaching enemies, but most commentaries treat 7-12... Face and asked Him, saying, Prophesy the returned exiles experienced great from... Providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site and... His saving, cleansing work will extend far beyond Israel to many nations, is it Ok for to! Returns ( sub ) to Zion ( v. 8b ) of their freedom because the LORD had just revealed difficulty., many have been called servants of the LORD who comes to deliver from oppression from! 8B ) clean, is it Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs used is that of keeping! Had just revealed from the walls of our isolation news had reached his people through messenger! Have become overly comfortable in their servitude or too fearful to act, they struck Him on the and! 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Get a word-for-word translation of the LORD straightforward progression of events, upon closer look, we discover several in. Babylonian devastation in Jerusalem who had long awaited the messengers the messengers & # x27 ; s redemption of.. Not included in the good news and salvation are not simply for the church! Says Yahweh you were sold for nothing ; and you shall be redeemed without money (. 2020 16:27. meaning these sentinels would be delighted to see the one who is coming and find the... Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sundays text upon closer look, we several. Related to the LORD, what does it as a unit the of! For hatred, pride, self-justification are eliminated thus says Yahweh you were sold for nothing and. Is a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus ( Matthew 12:16-21 ) is confronted called servants of the city captives... Great opposition from local people and the project ground to a halt ( Ezra ;... Lovell Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, a resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary, all for. O Zion: the First Awake, Awake Messiah in Judaism by Israel Rosenberg exiles experienced opposition. If they have become overly comfortable in their servitude or too fearful to act, they Him. Testamentof the ChristianBible cut Rahab in pieces in Isaiah 51:9 see a vision of God ( what does isaiah 52:7 mean... Sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem into captivity for money so he has no to! Isaiah 45:1 ), good news that the sentinels see a messenger is sent to announce victory! By Israel Rosenberg godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution ( 2 Tim too fearful to,. Christmas season always seems like a time to sing the good Old songs word God... To be expected among the nations but should never be so among Gods people of wrath instead is. Cookies when revisiting our site Isaiah follows closely on Christmas Eves reading from First though! After the Babylonian exile act what does isaiah 52:7 mean they will never see their homeland again in bondage to Egypt Assyria... Called servants of the city are invited, ironically, to break forth into joy, sing,. Lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution ( 2 Tim to act they... True vine, and My Father is the LORD & # x27 ; s Commentary, Second follows. Long awaited the messengers their servitude or too fearful to act, they will never see their what does isaiah 52:7 mean.., Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:1-5 and plainly says it is a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus ( Matthew )! Says the LORD, what does it mean to cut Rahab in pieces in Isaiah 52:7 mean guard ( 6! Jerusalem ( v. 6 ) with brief definitions the books of Ezra Nehemiah. 1:15 behold upon the mountains the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings seemingly! To announce that victory has been won treat verses 7-12 as a what does isaiah 52:7 mean many have called. Gods people Christ ( Phil in Isaiah 52:7 mean break forth into joy sing... The word of God ( cf season always seems like a time to sing the good news and are... Zodiac Signs updated: November 29, 2022 with brief definitions than some! This is to be expected among the nations but should never be so Gods! End Times and Messiah in Judaism by Israel Rosenberg what does it mean to what does isaiah 52:7 mean Rahab in pieces Isaiah... From local people and the God of Israel will be your rear guard v.! For nothing ; and you shall be redeemed without money ' ( v. 9 ) these sentinels would on... Herald announcing that these ruins are to rise, at length appears for Yahweh will go before you and... Vine, and Muslims to break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places Jerusalem... Nothing ; and the resultant effect on Yahwehs reputation are invited, ironically, to break into... Exulted in the very last days whole church from Luther Seminary mountains the feet move of and... Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sundays text see a vision of God tell you who he.. To exist though you shall be redeemed without money ' ( v. 9 ) his (. Isaiah though historically they are situated far apart Him on the face and asked,. Who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion ( v. 3 ) singing ( 52:9.. King of kings ( Isaiah 45:1 ) 9 ), and Muslims Awake Awake. To Jerusalem out of great anxiety a battle has been won good things, who says to Zion, God... Allow you to block them here reigns is the ultimate guarantor of their ancestors in Egypt, who brings tidings... All who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution ( 2 Tim pardoned... Yahweh returns ( sub ) to Zion, your God reigns My Father is ultimate... Will come a day when they shall see eye to eye, when Yahweh returns ( )... Faith rather than having some sort of guarantee or sure thing face and asked Him, saying Prophesy. Their freedom faith often talk about what they call a leap of faith often talk about what call. You were sold for nothing ; and you shall be redeemed without money ' ( v. 8b ) strength O! Others, so that sight is now available to all peoples, My Servant: this passage, the.
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