Isaiah 54

Isaiah 54:1-17

1. Married wife] referring to the days of Jerusalem’s prosperity.
2. The figure is that of a tent which must be enlarged to take in increasing numbers (Isaiah 33:20). The ultimate fulfilment is seen in the extension of the religion of Zion so as to embrace the nations in the Christian dispensation.
3. Break forth] RV ‘spread abroad.’ Make the desolate cities, etc.] (cp. Isaiah 49:8; Isaiah 58:12; Isaiah 61:4) i.e. reoccupy cities which had suffered from Babylonian invasions.
4. Shame of thy youth] i.e. desertion of Jehovah for other gods in her earlier history. Thy widowhood] the period of the exile, when Jehovah seemed to have f orsaken her.
5. Thine husband] and therefore faithful, even though Israel may be faithless.
6. Called thee] i.e. back again to take thy place as wife. When.. refused] RV ‘when she is cast off.’
7. A small moment] i.e. during the 70 years’ exile in Babylon: cp. Isaiah 26:20.
8. In a little wrath] ‘in overflowing wrath’ (RV), i.e. in transient outburst.
9. Referring to Genesis 9:1110. Covenant.. peace] RM ‘covenant of peace.’
10. The restoration of Jerusalem. Fair colours] lit. ‘antimony,’ to set off their brilliancy: mentioned elsewhere as used for painting the eyelids, to enhance the brilliancy of the eyes (2 Kings 9:3 RV).
11. Windows of agates] RV ‘pinnacles of rubies.’ See similar symbolism in connexion with the new Jerusalern, Tob 13:16-17; Revelation 21:19, etc.
12. The outward splendour is to be worthy of the citizens (Jeremiah 31:34).
13. They shall surely] RV ’they may.’ This refers to Zion’s enemies. Not by me] i.e. not at Jehovah’s bidding, as was the case with Sargon and Sennacherib, who were divinely appointed instruments of chastisement: cp. Isaiah 10:5; Isaiah 37:26. For thy sake] RV ‘because of thee.’
14. I have created, etc.] and therefore they cannot work against My will.
15. This is the heritage] viz. the discomfiture of their enemies. Righteousness i.e. justification in the eyes of the world through Jehovah’s faithfulness to His promises.