Isaiah 62 - Introduction

Intercession for the Salvation of Zion, with further Predictions of her Glory

Although the chapter is commonly treated as forming along with ch. 61 a single discourse, it has a distinct character of its own, and is perhaps better regarded as the last member of the Trilogy commencing with ch. 60. There are three clearly marked sections:

i. Isa 62:1-5. The prophet announces his purpose to labour unremittingly on behalf of Zion (Isaiah 62:1), assured that the time is at hand when her righteousness shall be manifested to all the world, and a new name shall symbolize her new relation to Jehovah (Isaiah 62:2). Instead of being forsaken and desolate she shall be reunited to her Husband and her children, and her God shall rejoice over her as a bridegroom over his bride (Isaiah 62:4).

ii. Isa 62:6-9. Even now the prophet sees in vision the walls of the city crowned with faithful "watchers," whose function is to remind Jehovah unceasingly of His promises to Jerusalem (Isaiah 62:6). For the encouragement of the "remembrancers" these promises are supplemented by the oath of Jehovah, that strangers shall no longer be permitted to rob the community of the fruit of its labours (Isaiah 62:8).

iii. Isa 62:10-12. A last summons to "prepare the way of the people," i.e. the returning exiles (Isaiah 62:10). The proclamation has gone forth to the end of the world; Zion's salvation draws near and her sentence of rejection is finally reversed (Isaiah 62:11). This last section is almost wholly made up of reminiscences of earlier passages.