Isaiah 52:8-15

8 Those who guard the city are shouting, shouting together for joy. They can see with their own eyes the return of the Lord to Zion.

9 Break into shouts of joy, you ruins of Jerusalem! The Lord will rescue his city and comfort his people.

10 The Lord will use his holy power; he will save his people, and all the world will see it.

11 Be sure to leave Babylonia, ¹ all you that carry the Temple equipment. Touch no forbidden thing; keep yourselves holy and leave.

12 This time you will not have to leave in a hurry; you will not be trying to escape. The Lord your God will lead you and protect you on every side.

13 The Lord says, "My servant will succeed in his task; he will be highly honored.

14 Many people were shocked when they saw him; he was so disfigured that he hardly looked human.

15 But now many nations will marvel at him, ² and kings will be speechless with amazement. They will see and understand something they had never known."

Isaiah 52:8-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 52

This chapter is a prophecy of the glorious state of the church in the latter day, typified by the deliverance of the Jews from Babylon. The church, under the names of Zion and Jerusalem, is exhorted to awake and clothe herself with strength, and with beautiful garments, to shake off her dust, and loose her bands, since she should become a pure and separate people, Isa 52:1,2 and whereas the Lord's people had been afflicted formerly by the Egyptians, and more lately by the Assyrians, a free redemption is promised them; and the rather they might expect it, since the Lord was no gainer by their affliction, but a loser in his name and honour, as well as they distressed, Isa 52:3-5. And it is suggested, that the knowledge of the Lord should be spread, the good tidings of peace and salvation be delightfully published, and that the ministers of the Gospel should have clear light, and be harmonious and unanimous in the publishing of it, Isa 52:6-8. Upon which the waste places of Jerusalem are called upon to rejoice, both because of the restoration of the Jews, and the conversion of the Gentiles, Isa 2:9,10. And the people of God are called to go out of Babylon, the manner of their departure is directed, and something said for their encouragement, Isa 52:11,12. And the chapter is concluded with some account of the Messiah, of his humiliation and exaltation, and of his work and office, Isa 52:13-15, and which are enlarged upon in the next chapter, which ought properly to begin with these last verses.

Cross References

• 1. 52.112 Corinthians 6.17.
• 2. 52.15Romans 15.21.

Footnotes

• [a]. forbidden thing: [Any object that was considered ritually unclean.]
• [b]. he will be highly honored; [or] he will be restored to greatness and honor.