Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 54

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.

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).

This is an invitation to participate in the restoration to God’s favor made possible through the ministry of the promised servant.

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).

• 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).

• 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).

• 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).

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).

• 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).

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).

• The Lord himself would rebuild the city (see Hebrews 11:10).

• Sapphires are a semi-precious stone.

• 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).

Jerusalem would again be a righteous city, secure under a government that is just and fair (see Isaiah 1:26).

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).

• 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.