54:1
In the ancient world, a woman who had not given birth after marriage would feel ashamed. Isaiah compares Jerusalem to a woman without children who celebrates when she finally has them (see Galatians 4:27).
Study notes
Isaiah 54
54:1–3
The prophet encourages Jerusalem, likened to a barren woman, to rejoice because its fate was changing very quickly. She would have so many children that she would outgrow her home (see Galatians 4:27).
54:1–17
Salvation flows from the vindication of the suffering servant. The promises mentioned here go beyond the return from Babylonian exile and apply to the coming of Jesus Christ, the extension of the kingdom to the church, the benefits of the second coming of Jesus Christ as the bridegroom of the church, and the new Jerusalem.
54:1–55:13
This is an invitation to participate in the restoration to God’s favor made possible through the ministry of the promised servant.
54:1–66:24 Section
The last chapters in Isaiah described what would happen to people who did things God hated. God hated it when his people only acted as if they worshipped and obeyed him. But what they actually did was commit murder. They told lies and treated needy people badly. God hated it when people made evil plans and worshipped false gods. God longed for his people to stop sinning and to obey him. God described his longing like holding out his hands to welcome a stubborn nation.
God promised to bring judgement against his people for their sins. They would suffer and would be put to shame. He also invited them to change so that they could live. He described this like buying food and drink from him at a market. But God gave the food and drink for free. That showed how deeply God wanted them to turn back to him and be forgiven.
The last chapters in Isaiah also described what would happen to people who obeyed God. People who obeyed were humble, trusted God and wanted to be taught by him. They would be blessed and would be welcome in God’s house. That was another name for the temple. God promised to live with anyone who turns away from their sins. This promise applied to people from Jacob’s family line, to outsiders and to people from all nations. They would possess God’s holy mountain of Zion. This meant that they could live in the land where God ruled as King.
God described the light and brightness and new day of Jerusalem. He was talking about something more than the time when people returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. God described a completely new work that he would do. He would create new heavens and a new earth. In the new heavens and new earth, everyone would honour God. This was described as people from all over the world coming to Jerusalem. They would worship God there. This Jerusalem that God described would be full of joy. There would be no more crying. No one would cause harm or destroy anything or anyone. Everyone would do what was right and fair. God would do this new work when it was the right time.
Many years later Jesus said that God was starting that new work through him. Jesus used the words of Isaiah 61:1–2 to describe the work he was doing on earth (Luke 4:14–21). In Revelation, John also described the new heavens and new earth. The city where God ruled for ever as King was called the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–5).
54:3
The descendants of Israel (compare Isaiah 53:10) would take over other nations, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 22:17) and Jacob (Genesis 28:14).
As desolation occurred (Isaiah 6:11; 14:21), God's people would inherit the earth and rebuild the ruined cities (51:6; 52:10; 65:17; see also Matthew 5:5; Romans 4:13).
54:5
husband … Maker: The Lord committed to the abandoned woman (his people in exile) as her maker (Isaiah 44:24) and husband (see also Isaiah 62:4–5; Hosea 2:19–20).
The Redeemer transforms misery into freedom and fulfillment (see also Isaiah 41:14).
54:7–8
The pain of separation would be brief compared to the depth of the renewal of love and compassion.
The Lord abandoned Israel in exile for a little while because of the people’s sins.
everlasting kindness: The Lord is always committed to his people, making the 70-year exile seem brief (see Isaiah 25:1; Hosea 2:1).
54:9
The exile was similar in both drama and trauma to the flood in the time of Noah. In both instances, people sinned grievously against the Lord, but the Lord renewed his commitment to creation (after Noah’s flood) and to his people (after the exile).
54:10
God's faithful love for his people continues even when they are unfaithful.
God's covenant of blessing assures his presence, bringing wholeness, blessing, and protection. It replaces the shame and disgrace of the exile in Babylon (see Ezekiel 34:25; 37:26).
54:11
The Lord himself would rebuild the city (see Hebrews 11:10).
Sapphires are a semi-precious stone.
54:11–17
This describes a vision of Jerusalem renewed as a city under God's protection, a place of peace and righteousness (see Isaiah 59:21–60:22). This section provides the background for John's vision of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10–21).
54:13
will be taught: Jesus alluded to this verse in John 6:45.
They will experience great peace, along with the benefits of God's presence and protection (Isaiah 53:5; see 48:17–18; 54:10).
54:14
Jerusalem would again be a righteous city, secure under a government that is just and fair (see Isaiah 1:26).
54:15
God assures that no nation can defeat his people. The Lord promises to protect them, just as he promised Abraham (Genesis 12:3; see Isaiah 49:25).
54:17
No weapon … shall prosper … accuses … vindication: God will protect his people in war and in the courtroom.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD: Only the true children of God, from Israel and other nations, will enjoy the promised blessings of the future age that God establishes.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources