Isaiah 52
-The LORD’s Word continues with
exhortation to “awake” and “clothe yourself” with the beautiful garments of
strength and redemption (see Matthew 22:1-14, Revelation 3:17-22, and Isaiah
52:1; 61:10). God’s people are told to shake themselves from the dust and rise
up. They are to loose themselves from the chains of sin around their neck and
be released from captivity. Their redemption is free (no monetary cost) through
the Savior. The blasphemers (here named as the Egyptians and Assyrians who
captured the Jews) will be brought to justice; but in contrast, the people of
God will know their LORD by Name and realize that He is present with them. “How
lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces
peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation and says to
Zion, ‘Your God reigns (Isaiah 52:7)!’” The watchmen will see with their own
eyes the restoration of Zion and break forth with joyful shouting and praise
because of the LORD’s comfort for His people. “He has redeemed Jerusalem. The
LORD has bared His Holy Arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends
of the earth may see the salvation of our God (Isaiah 52:9b-10).” *Application*
Christ Jesus is the One who can truly set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1-2,
Luke 4:16-21). His work of death, burial, and resurrection has purchased our
salvation (1 Corinthians 6:20). Trust in Him who saves! This good news is for
all the nations of the world!
-The exiles are told to go at
their appointed time from Persia taking and touching nothing unclean. They were
told to purify themselves with this prophetic word, especially those who would
carry the vessels of the LORD. They were instructed to not go out in haste, but
in carefulness. They were not to leave as fugitives (flight), for the LORD
would go before them and He would be their rear guard too (Isaiah 52:11-12).
-In the ending verses of this
chapter, the exalted Servant is again mentioned by the prophet Isaiah. The
Messiah would prosper being high, lifted up, and greatly dignified. His
appearance, as we know from His crucifixion and predicted here by the prophet,
would be marred (disfigured, corrupted) more than any other man and His form
would be more than the sons of men. But, His offering would sprinkle many
nations, Kings are prophesied to shut their mouths on account of Him; “for what
had not been told them they will see (awakening), and what they had not heard
they will understand (transformation, Isaiah 52:13-15).” So interpreting this
text in verse fourteen we see that the Christ would suffer, just as the exiles
has suffered in their distress. Many people were astonished at the level of
suffering in both instances. The Messiah truly bore all their sins and took the
penalty of their idolatry on His fleshly body. *Application* Amazing grace, how
sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! The Suffering Servant helps us
understand the love of the Divine.
Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 52:7
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