Isaiah 62:1–12

God’s Saving Word: Joy

Introduction

Isaiah 62:1–12: Today’s reading is the third in the series of prophecies that began two days ago. It celebrates Jerusalem’s restoration. Jerusalem’s former names, “Forsaken” and “The Deserted Wife” (verse 4), describe the city’s status during the time of exile. Now, Jerusalem will be called by a new name.

Scripture Reading

62 I will speak out to encourage Jerusalem;
I will not be silent until she is saved,
And her victory shines like a torch in the night.
² Jerusalem, the nations will see you victorious!
All their kings will see your glory.
You will be called by a new name,
A name given by the Lord himself.
³ You will be like a beautiful crown for the Lord.
⁴ No longer will you be called “Forsaken,”
Or your land be called “The Deserted Wife.”
Your new name will be “God Is Pleased with Her.”
Your land will be called “Happily Married,”
Because the Lord is pleased with you
And will be like a husband to your land.
⁵ Like a young man taking a virgin as his bride,
He who formed you will marry you.
As a groom is delighted with his bride,
So your God will delight in you.

⁶ On your walls, Jerusalem, I have placed sentries;
They must never be silent day or night.
They must remind the Lord of his promises
And never let him forget them.
⁷ They must give him no rest until he restores Jerusalem
And makes it a city the whole world praises.

⁸ The Lord has made a solemn promise,
And by his power he will carry it out:
“Your grain will no longer be food for your enemies,
And foreigners will no longer drink your wine.
⁹ But you that planted and harvested the grain
Will eat the bread and praise the Lord.
You that tended and gathered the grapes
Will drink the wine in the courts of my Temple.”

¹⁰ People of Jerusalem, go out of the city
And build a road for your returning people!
Prepare a highway; clear it of stones!
Put up a signal so that the nations can know
¹¹ That the Lord is announcing to all the earth:
“Tell the people of Jerusalem
That the Lord is coming to save you,
Bringing with him the people he has rescued.”
¹² You will be called “God’s Holy People,”
“The People the Lord Has Saved.”
Jerusalem will be called “The City That God Loves,”
“The City That God Did Not Forsake.”

Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 62:12a

You will be called “God’s Holy People,” “The People the LORD Has Saved.”

Reflect

In yesterday’s reading, Jerusalem was described as a bride clothed with “salvation and victory” (Isaiah 61:10). In Isaiah 52:1, the city is described as being clothed with “splendor.” How is Jerusalem described in verse 5 in today’s reading? What are the new names by which Jerusalem will be called (verses 4, 12)? How do these names reflect Jerusalem’s transformed status? What do these verses say about God’s relationship with his people?

Pray

Almighty God, you call each of us by name and invite us to be in relationship with you. You have promised never to forsake us. Renew my soul with the transforming power of your love. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Isaiah 63:1–14: The LORD is victorious over the nations.