Isaiah 54:1-4

The Future Glory of Zion

1 “Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.
2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.
3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.
4 “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.

Isaiah 54:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 54

As the former chapter is a prophecy of the humiliation and exaltation of Christ, of his sufferings and death, and the glory that should follow; this is a prophecy of that part of his glory which relates to the flourishing estate of his church, as the fruit of his death, and explains and enlarges upon the promise of his having a numerous seed. The prophecy reaches from the death and resurrection of Christ to his second coming; and describes the state of the church during that time, which had been like a barren woman, but now fruitful, which was matter of joy; and would increase, and have yet a more numerous issue, through the conversion and accession of the Gentiles; and therefore is bid not to fear, since she should not bear the shame and reproach of widowhood, Isa 54:1-4, the reason confirming which is, because Christ was her husband, who was her Maker and Redeemer, the God of Israel, and of the whole earth, Isa 54:5, and though she might for some time be under some dark providences, and seem to be forsaken of God, and lie under his displeasure; yet she is assured of the love of God towards her, that it is constant and perpetual; which is illustrated by the oath and covenant of God with Noah, and by its being more immovable than mountains and hills, Isa 54:6-10, and though she would sometimes be in a very afflicted and uncomfortable condition, yet should be raised again to a state of great honour and splendour, of spiritual knowledge, peace, and safety, Isa 54:11-14 and that all her enemies, that gathered together against her, should perish, and all their attempts be unsuccessful, since the Lord was on her side, and would defend her cause, and protect her, Isa 54:15-17.

Cross References 17

  • 1. S Genesis 30:1
  • 2. S Genesis 21:6; S Psalms 98:4
  • 3. Isaiah 66:7
  • 4. Isaiah 49:20
  • 5. S Isaiah 49:19
  • 6. S 1 Samuel 2:5; Galatians 4:27*
  • 7. S Genesis 26:22; Isaiah 26:15; Isaiah 49:19-20
  • 8. Exodus 35:18; Exodus 39:40
  • 9. S Genesis 13:14; S Isaiah 48:19
  • 10. S Job 12:23; S Isaiah 14:2; Isaiah 60:4-11
  • 11. S Isaiah 49:19
  • 12. Jeremiah 30:10; Joel 2:21
  • 13. S Isaiah 28:16; S Isaiah 29:22
  • 14. S Genesis 30:23; S Psalms 119:39; S Isaiah 41:11
  • 15. S Psalms 25:7; S Jeremiah 2:2; S Jeremiah 22:21
  • 16. S Isaiah 51:7
  • 17. S Isaiah 47:8
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