How will God bless Jerusalem in a prophecy so far only partially fulfilled in history? Do we look forward to the final fulfillment of this? Let’s look at Isaiah 62.
Does God have plans to bless Zion, a hill in Jerusalem, and the city itself?
For Zion’s sake I won’t keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I won’t sit still until her righteousness shines out like a light, and her salvation blazes like a torch. Nations will see your righteousness, all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name, which the Lord’s own mouth will determine. You will be a splendid garland in the Lord’s hand, a royal turban [crown] in the palm of God’s hand. (Isa 62:1-3 CEB)
Will Jerusalem have some new names which picture a new relationship with God?
Your name will no longer be “Deserted and Childless,” but “Happily Married.” [Hephzibah and Beulah] You will please the Lord; your country will be his bride. Your people will take the land, just as a young man takes a bride. The Lord will be pleased because of you, just as a husband is pleased with his bride. (Isa 62:4-5 CEV)
Will God set watchmen to protect Jerusalem from foreign invaders?
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm:
“I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” (Isa 62:6-9 ESV)
Is this prophecy just for the return from Babylon or also looking far into the future, when Jesus returns?
Go out, go out through the gates; prepare a way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones! Raise a banner for the peoples. Look, the Lord has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: Look, your salvation is coming, His reward is with Him, and His gifts accompany Him.” And they will be called the Holy People, the Lord’s Redeemed; and you will be called Cared For, A City Not Deserted. (Isa 62:10-12 HCSB)
Is the theme of being given a new name carried elsewhere in scripture?
‘Let everyone listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who overcomes.’ I will also give him a white stone. On the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the person who receives it. (Rev 2:17 ISV)
How will God bless Jerusalem in a prophecy so far only partially fulfilled in history? Do we look forward to the final fulfillment of this? You decide!
