Isaiah 52:11,12

A summons to the exiles to prepare for their departure from Babylon (cf. Isaiah 48:20-21). These are to accompany Jehovah in his triumphal "return to Zion" (see on ch. Isaiah 40:10-11).

go ye out from thence from Babylon; "in this section (Isaiah 52:7) the prophet places himself in spirit at Jerusalem" (Cheyne).

touch no uncleanthing] They are to "purify themselves" (see below) as those who take part in a religious procession. The stress laid on ceremonial purity in this verse is an exceptional feature in the prophecy.

be ye clean( cleanse yourselves ye) that bear the vessels of the Lord As in the exodus from Egypt, the priests bearing the sacred utensils march at the head of the procession. Some have rendered "ye that are Jehovah's armour-bearers" (so Cheyne, formerly), a military figure suggested by the Hebrew phrase, but perhaps a little far-fetched in the context.