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Commentary on Isaiah 62 verses 10–12
This, as many like passages before, refers to the deliverance of the Jews out of Babylon, and, under the type and figure of that, to the great redemption wrought out by Jesus Christ, and the proclaiming of gospel grace and liberty through him. 1. Way shall be made for this salvation; all difficulties shall be removed, and whatever might obstruct it shall be taken out of the way, Isa 62:10. The gates of Babylon shall be thrown open, that they may with freedom go through them; the way from Babylon to the land of Israel shall be prepared; causeways shall be made and cast up through wet and miry places, and the stones gathered out from places rough and rocky; in the convenient places appointed for their rendezvous standards shall be set up for their direction and encouragement, that they may embody for their greater safety. Thus John Baptist was sent to prepare the way of the Lord, Mat 3:3. And, before Christ by his graces and comforts comes to any for salvation, preparation is made for him by repentance, which is called the preparation of the gospel of peace, Eph 6:15. Here the way is levelled by it, there the feet are shod with it, which comes all to one, for both are in order to a journey. 2. Notice shall be given of this salvation, Isa 62:11, Isa 62:12. It shall be proclaimed to the captives that they are set at liberty and may go if they please; it shall be proclaimed to their neighbours, to all about them, to the end of the world, that God has pleaded Zion's just, injured, and despised cause. Let is be said to Zion, for her comfort, Behold, thy salvation comes (that is, thy Saviour, who brings salvation); he will bring such a work, such a reward, in this salvation, as shall be admired by all, a reward of comfort and peace with him; but a work of humiliation and reformation before him, to prepare his people for that recompence of their sufferings; and then, with reference to each, it follows, they shall be called, The holy people, and the redeemed of the Lord. The work before him, which shall be wrought in them and upon them, shall denominate them a holy people, cured of their inclination to idolatry and consecrated to God only; and the reward with him, the deliverance wrought for them, shall denominate them the redeemed of the Lord, so redeemed as none but God could redeem them, and redeemed to be his, their bonds loosed, that they might be his servants. Jerusalem shall then be called, Sought out, a city not forsaken. She had been forsaken for many years; there were neither traders nor worshippers that enquired the way to Jerusalem as formerly, when it was frequented by both. But now God will again make her considerable. She shall be sought out, visited, resorted to, and court made to her, as much as ever. When Jerusalem is called a holy city, then it is called sought out; for holiness puts an honour and beauty upon any place or person, which draws respect, and makes them to be admired, beloved, and enquired after. But this being proclaimed to the end of the world must have a reference to the gospel of Christ, which was to be preached to every creature; and it intimates, (1.) The glory of Christ. It is published immediately to the church, but is thence echoed to every nation: Behold, thy salvation cometh. Christ is not only the Saviour, but the salvation itself; for the happiness of believers is not only from him, but in him, Isa 12:2. His salvation consists both in the work and in the reward which he brings with him; for those that are his shall neither be idle nor lose their labour. (2.) The beauty of the church. Christians shall be called saints (Co1 1:2), the holy people, for they are chosen and called to salvation through sanctification. They shall be called the redeemed of the Lord; to him they owe their liberty, and therefore to him they owe their service, and they shall not be ashamed to own both. None are to be called the redeemed of the Lord but those that are the holy people; the people of God's purchase are a holy nation. And they shall be called, Sought out. God shall seek them out, and find them, wherever they are dispersed, eclipsed, or lost in a crowd; men shall seek them out, that they may join themselves to them, and not forsake them. It is good to associate with the holy people, that we may learn their ways, and with the redeemed of the Lord, that we may share in the blessings of the redemption.
“And salvation, along the way of his steps.” Note the exact words, “his steps,” where there are no rocks, where there are no thorns or thistles, where the path is even, where he may walk, where he cannot stumble. Let us, therefore, make way for the Lord in our heart, that way for which John [the Baptist] was giving his life’s effort.… Although formerly we faced obstacles of thorns and thistles, although we had stones, he declares to us in Isaiah, “clear the highway of stones.” He proclaims this, furthermore, lest he stumble on them when he is ready to walk in the way of our heart. Now the stones that he bids us to throw out from our way are our sins. Christ does not walk in our heart if there is any sin there. He stumbles at once against these stones. “And salvation along the way of his steps.” Let us prepare the way, and Jesus will set his steps in it.
(Vers. 10-12.) Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people, make the road smooth, and choose stones, raise a signal for the people. Behold, the Lord has made his message heard to the ends of the earth: say to the daughter of Zion, Behold, your Savior comes: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them the holy people, redeemed by the Lord. But you shall be called a sought-after city, and not forsaken. LXX: Go through my gates and make a way for my people. Cast stones out of the way. Lift up a sign among the nations. For behold, the Lord has made his hearing reach to the ends of the earth. Say to the daughters of Zion: Behold, your Savior comes, having his reward with him, and his work before his face. And he will call them a holy people, redeemed by the Lord. But you will be called a sought-after city, and not forsaken. He commanded the keepers of the walls of Jerusalem, to whom he had previously commanded not to keep silent, not to cease praying, so that they may pass through the gates of Jerusalem and make a way for the people. The statement argues that in the last days, when Israel is to be saved after the fullness of the Gentiles, the semi-Jews believe that they will return to the Lord. However, others think that it will be fulfilled in the kingdom of heaven, when there will be true joy and each person will receive according to their merit. They will not see the Lord in humility, but will feel His judgment when He comes on the clouds with a multitude of angels to render to each person according to their works. But according to the explanation given, we can understand these things at the first coming, so that we may say that the Apostles and the men who succeeded them, should enter and pass through the gates which hell cannot prevail against, and remove all obstacles from the path, so that the people may enter the Church of the Savior without any stumbling block. Therefore, John cried out in the wilderness: I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, as Isaiah said: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low (John 1:23, Isaiah 40:3-4). And in other words, the man of the Church has chosen stones that soften the hardness of the hearts of the believers. Of these stones, John the Baptist said: God is able to raise up children of Abraham from these stones (Matthew 3:9). Or according to the Septuagint, he throws stones from the path that separate the unbelievers from the believers. So that the Jews would not think that this is about them, it is added: Raise a sign to the nations, and to the peoples of the nations, so that the narrowness of salvation is not provoked only in the land of Judea, but let it be heard in the ends of the earth, so that the whole world may hear the passion of the Creator. Say, he says, to the daughter of Zion. She is called the daughter of Zion because she was first born from the Jews, as it says in the Song of Songs: The sons of my mother fought against me (Song of Songs 1:5); or certainly because she received the name of daughter from God through adoption. For as many as received him, he gave them power to become children of God (John 1). But what is it that the teachers and doctors of the daughter of Zion are commanded to announce? Behold, your Savior comes, who is called Jesus in Hebrew. Thus Gabriel said to Joseph: And you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). This Savior is the judge of all believers, to render to each according to their works: rewards to the righteous, and eternal punishments to the sinners (Matt. 16). And he shall call them Lord and Savior himself. Or, according to the Hebrew, the Apostles and Apostolic men shall call them, the holy and redeemed people of the Lord, who are redeemed by the blood of Christ. Moreover, the city itself will not be called abandoned, as it had been previously, either among the Jews due to commerce, or among the Gentiles due to idolatry, but rather sought after, as it is said in Hebrew, Drusa (); so that for the increase and variety of virtues, they always receive new names.
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SUMMARY
Isaiah 62:10 is a vibrant prophetic summons for God's people to actively prepare the way for the glorious return and gathering of Zion's inhabitants. It envisions a grand procession, urging the clearing of obstacles, the construction of a clear path, and the raising of a visible standard to guide and rally the redeemed, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to the restoration and vindication of His chosen city and people.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-66), a section of Isaiah's prophecy characterized by themes of hope, restoration, and divine comfort for Israel after exile. Specifically, chapter 62 focuses on God's passionate commitment to Zion's vindication and future glory, promising her a new name and an everlasting covenant. The preceding verses Isaiah 62:1-9 describe God's relentless zeal for Jerusalem's salvation and the appointment of watchmen who will not rest until her righteousness shines forth. Verse 10, therefore, serves as a direct, urgent command to the people to participate in the physical and spiritual preparations necessary for this promised ingathering, echoing the earlier call to prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness.
Historical & Cultural Context: The immediate historical backdrop for Isaiah 40-66 is the Babylonian exile and the anticipation of return. The imagery of building a "highway" and clearing stones would have resonated powerfully with a people who had experienced forced displacement and yearned for a safe and unobstructed journey home. Ancient Near Eastern kings often had roads prepared for their triumphal entries or for the movement of large armies or populations. The concept of a "standard" (banner or ensign) was common in military and tribal contexts, serving as a rallying point, a symbol of identity, and a guide for movement, particularly for large groups of people traversing open or difficult terrain. This imagery speaks to the practical necessities of a mass return, but also carries profound spiritual implications for God's sovereign leading.
Key Themes: Isaiah 62:10 contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah. Divine Initiative and Human Participation is prominent, as God's promises of restoration are met with a call for human action in preparing the way. The theme of Restoration and Return is central, focusing on the physical and spiritual ingathering of God's scattered people. Zion's Glory and Vindication is also key, as the prepared way and lifted standard point to the magnificent future awaiting Jerusalem. Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of Obstacle Removal and the Establishment of a Clear Path, both literally and metaphorically, for the journey of faith and redemption. This preparation is not just for a physical return but for a spiritual renewal, making the way clear for God's redemptive purposes to be fully realized, much like the vision of a highway for the redeemed.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Isaiah 62:10 is rich in Imperative Mood, with a series of direct commands ("Go through," "prepare," "cast up," "gather out," "lift up"). This creates a sense of urgency and direct instruction, emphasizing the active role the people are to play in God's redemptive plan. The Repetition of "Go through, go through" and "cast up, cast up" serves to intensify the commands, underscoring the thoroughness, strenuous effort, and unwavering commitment required for the task. This literary technique highlights the importance and magnitude of the preparation. Furthermore, the verse employs powerful Symbolism. The "gates" symbolize boundaries and access points, while the "way" and "highway" represent the path of return and salvation. "Stones" symbolize obstacles and impediments, both physical and spiritual. Most significantly, the "standard" is a potent symbol of divine guidance, a rallying point, a declaration of God's presence, and a visible sign of hope and direction for the scattered people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 62:10 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to the restoration of His people and the establishment of His kingdom. It reveals a divine partnership where God initiates the grand plan of salvation, and His people are called to actively participate in preparing the way. This preparation involves both the removal of impediments and the construction of a clear path, signifying the spiritual and practical work necessary to facilitate the ingathering of the redeemed. The "highway" symbolizes a divinely ordained and protected path for those returning to God, free from the hindrances of sin and opposition. The "standard" serves as a visible sign of God's sovereign call and a rallying point for all who belong to Him, emphasizing His faithfulness to gather and guide His flock.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 62:10 serves as a profound call to spiritual readiness and active participation in God's ongoing work in the world. Just as the ancient Israelites were commanded to prepare a physical highway for the returning exiles, so too are believers today called to prepare the way for the Lord in their own lives and in the lives of others. This involves diligently examining our hearts and removing any "stones"—sins, distractions, idols, or unresolved conflicts—that hinder our walk with God and obstruct the flow of His Spirit. It also calls us to be proactive in clearing spiritual paths for others, making the Gospel accessible and understandable to those who are lost or seeking. We are to be like the "standard" lifted high, living lives that visibly bear witness to Christ, serving as beacons of hope and truth that draw others to Him. This prophetic vision reminds us that our faith is not passive; it demands active engagement in building up the kingdom, anticipating God's future work, and participating in His divine purposes of gathering and redeeming humanity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "the people" for whom the way is to be prepared?
Answer: In its immediate context, "the people" primarily refers to the exiled Israelites who are prophesied to return to Jerusalem after their captivity in Babylon. However, in the broader prophetic scope of Isaiah, and especially in light of New Testament fulfillment, "the people" can also be understood as the redeemed of the Lord from all nations—those whom God gathers into His kingdom. This includes both believing Jews and Gentiles who are called to salvation and return to God's presence. The preparation of the way is for all who are called to experience God's restorative grace.
What is the significance of "casting up the highway" and "gathering out the stones"?
Answer: "Casting up the highway" (H5549, çâlal') signifies the arduous but necessary work of building a raised, prominent road, making it easy and safe for travel. This is not a mere path but a grand thoroughfare, implying a significant, divinely ordained movement. "Gathering out the stones" (H5619, çâqal') is a specific instruction to remove impediments. Literally, stones would make travel difficult or dangerous. Metaphorically, these represent any obstacles—spiritual, social, or personal—that hinder the journey of faith or the gathering of God's people. Together, these commands emphasize the importance of removing all hindrances and creating a clear, unobstructed path for God's redemptive purposes to unfold and for His people to return and gather.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 62:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very "way" that is prepared, the new and living way through which humanity can approach God. John the Baptist, in fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3, explicitly prepared the way for Christ, calling people to repentance and making straight the paths for the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Christ Himself declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me." He is the "highway" that has been cast up, made smooth by His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, removing the "stones" of sin, condemnation, and death that once obstructed humanity's journey to God. Moreover, Jesus is the ultimate "standard" lifted high for all nations. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man was lifted up on the cross, becoming the rallying point for all who believe, drawing all people to himself. Through His cross, He gathers His people from every tribe and tongue, establishing the church as the new community of God, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a people assembled under His glorious banner.