READ: Isa. 62:1–12: … And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness … And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you … I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem … Say to the daughter of Zion, “Surely your salvation is coming” …
Here the LORD Himself speaks. He will fulfill His glorious covenant promises. He grants Himself no rest until His dwelling place—Zion, His church—is redeemed and renewed (v.1). This will be acknowledged by the nations.
The LORD, in His love for her, makes His church a radiant beauty (v.3), comparable to the description in Rev.12:1: “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (see also 1 Thess. 2:19).
The church is no longer abandoned by the LORD in exile but is once again fully received as His bride (v.4). The LORD shows that He loves her fervently and rejoices over her (v.5). He will also ensure that the love of His bride continues to go out toward Him as she is rebuilt.
For this purpose, the LORD places watchmen upon her walls. They not only warn her of external dangers such as persecution but also continually turn her loving attention toward the LORD, her Husband (v.6).
Who are these watchmen? Not the Old Testament prophets, but the New Testament preachers of the Gospel of redemption in His Son, who also warn against false doctrine. Thus the church may indeed be “a praise in the earth” (v.7).
The church receives from the LORD a sworn assurance that she may always expect His favor and care, for He dwells within her as His sanctuary and protects her with His mighty arm (vv.8–9).
Let all who belong to the church and join themselves to her prepare to meet the LORD there: to repent of their sins (cf. Isa. 40:4). Then they may rejoice in the salvation that the LORD gives them in His Son.
What meaning does this chapter have for today?
Sing: Ps. 106:20