54:1 Sing for joy Using the imperative verb forms, the prophet commands Zion to rejoice and celebrate in light of the redemptive work of the Servant in ch. 53.

barren woman Refers to Zion’s loss of inhabitants. The city is metaphorically depicted as abandoned, deserted, and vacant in 49:19–21 and 51:2–3. Personified Zion describes herself as one barren and bereaved of children in 49:21. The analogy also points to the reference to Abraham and Sarah in 51:2—the nation of Israel was built on the promise of offspring to one who was barren. Paul quotes this verse in Gal 4:27, arguing that those who believe in Christ are the true children of promise predicted in the ot oracles of salvation (see note on Gal 4:27).

she who has not been in labor See Isa 49:21. Zion receives her children with astonishment because she had not given birth.

54:2 Enlarge the site of your tent Zion needs to prepare for a growth in population. Metaphorically, she is instructed to add on to the available living space. See 49:19–20.

54:3 your descendants God promised Abraham that all the nations would be blessed through his descendants (Gen 12:3; 28:14). Israel’s possession of the nations should be understood in light of this idea of blessing, especially the spread of the knowledge of God throughout the world (Isa 11:10). The righteous reign of the Messiah involves the nations who will one day acknowledge the supremacy of Yahweh (see 2:2–4; 11:1–10). The blessing to the nations through the offspring of Israel comes by means of the work of the Servant (see 53:10–11).

54:4 You must not fear Often when Yahweh promises salvation and restoration, He also encourages Israel to set aside their fear and trust Him (see 7:4; 8:12; 35:4; 40:9; 41:14; 43:1, 43:5; 44:2, 44:8; 51:7).

the shame of your youth Refers to Israel’s idolatry (see 42:17; 45:16). Jeremiah also acknowledges this shameful behavior had begun in Israel’s earliest days (see Jer 3:24–25). The prophets often likened idolatry to sexual infidelity (see Jer 13:26–27; Ezek 16).

the disgrace of your widowhood Israel’s idolatry caused Yahweh to judge them and temporarily abandon His people. God’s withdrawal of His blessing is compared to a wife without a husband (see Isa 54:5–7; 47:9 and note).

54:5 your husband is your maker Zion’s shame and widowhood are removed—she is once again reunited with her husband, God. In 50:1, Yahweh insists He did not divorce Israel but that they would be reconciled soon (compare 62:4–5; Hos 2:7).

54:6 like a wife forsaken and hurt of spirit, like The reconciliation of God and His people is compared to a joyful marriage union. Compare Rev 19:7–9 and Isa 21:2–9, where the Church is the Bride of Christ.

54:7 for a short moment For one generation of Israelites, the Babylonian exile lasted an entire lifetime. Though God describes the exile as a “brief moment,” time did not pass quickly for the exiles—they viewed their punishment as endless (see Psa 74:1). But in God’s timing—especially compared to the eternal nature of His covenant (Isa 54:10)—the span of a generation was only a short time.

54:9 Noah God used Noah to preserve life during the great flood (Gen 6–9). This analogy involves both God’s just requirement to punish human wickedness as He did in the flood of Gen 6–9 and His assurances of future grace and restoration after the flood (Gen 8:21; 9:11).

54:10 my faithfulness shall not depart Alludes to the ultimate fulfillment of the salvation accomplished by the Messiah (see 16:5; 55:3). The Hebrew word chesed (“love; kindness”) often describes Yahweh’s attitude of covenant love or loyalty toward Israel. The Hebrew word encompasses the concepts of loyalty, faithfulness, benevolence, and kindness.

Chesed Word Study

my covenant of peace The renewed covenant with Israel is unlike the first covenant; it will be eternal and permanent.

54:11 who is not consoled The salvation Yahweh promises will bring the comfort they’ve been waiting for (see 40:1 and note).

54:13 pupils of Yahweh Yahweh’s direct instruction of the people will ensure the future blessing He has promised. Learning from God contrasts with the empty religiosity taught by people (29:13).

54:17 the servants of Yahweh Refers to Yahweh’s true followers who will receive the benefits of all the promises in Isa 54:1–17. The role of the servant transitions from the individual Servant of chs. 49–53 to a group of faithful followers awaiting the promised salvation in chs. 56–66.