Isaiah 54

Isaiah 54:1

5. The Messiah as Redeemer and Restorer (Chap. 54)54:1-3 It is not a coincidence that chapter 54 should begin with the word “Sing!” Coming immediately after the 53rd chapter with its presentation of Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and exaltation, no word could be more appropriate. The first verse contrasts Israel in captivity, barren and desolate, with the restored and redeemed nation, prolific and rejoicing. Paul applied the verse in Gal_4:21-31 to the heavenly Jerusalem versus the earthly city. The borders of the land will be considerably enlarged to accommodate the population explosion, Israel will be the leader of the nations, and God’s people will inhabit cities that had been abandoned. 54:4-8 All the shame connected with enslavement in Egypt (youth) and captivity in Babylon (widowhood) shall be forgotten because Jehovah will bring the nation back into fellowship with Himself. The captivity expressed God’s momentary wrath; the restoration will demonstrate His great compassion and everlasting kindness. 54:9, 10 Just as God made a covenant with Noah, so He now promises that when Israel enters the Millennium, she will never experience His rebuke or wrath again. 54:11, 12 Though Jerusalem has been afflicted and tossed with tempest, yet God will restore and beautify her. Her stones will be set with colorful gems, and her foundations will be laid with sapphires. Her pinnacles, gates, and walls will be precious stonesfigurative language expressive of extreme beauty. Dean Alford expressed Jerusalem’s future in English verse: Far o’er yon horizon Rise the city towers, Where our God abideth; That fair home is ours! Flash the streets with jasper, Shine the gates with gold, Flows the gladdening river, Shedding joys untold. 54:13-15 Divine education will be given to all, and prosperity will abound. Righteousness will prevail. No longer will there be fear of invasion, exile, or oppression. Anyone who causes trouble with Israel will be tried and punished. 54:16, 17 The God who created the munitions-maker (blacksmith) and the conqueror (spoiler) is well able to control His creatures. Jehovah has decreed that no weapon formed against Israel shall succeed, and that Israel herself shall condemn . . . every accuser. This freedom from condemnation and certain victory are the heritage of the servants of the LORD. This is how God will vindicate them in the golden era of peace and prosperity.