Isaiah 62:10

KJV

¶ Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go through {H5674}, go through {H5674} the gates {H8179}; prepare {H6437} ye the way {H1870} of the people {H5971}; cast up {H5549}, cast up {H5549} the highway {H4546}; gather out {H5619} the stones {H68}; lift up {H7311} a standard {H5251} for the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Go on through, go on through the gates, clear the way for the people! Build up a highway, build it up! Clear away the stones! Raise a banner for the peoples!

Berean Standard Bible

Go out, go out through the gates; prepare the way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones; raise a banner for the nations!

American Standard Version

Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up an ensign for the peoples.

Commentary

### 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](/isaiah/62-1-9 "Isaiah 62:1-9 - God's Zeal for Zion") 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](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - 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](/isaiah/35-8 "The Highway of Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go through (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, this primitive root signifies "to cross over" or "to pass through." Its repetition ("Go through, go through") emphasizes urgency, thoroughness, and the necessity of traversing a threshold. It implies an active, deliberate movement, not merely passive waiting, suggesting the people themselves are to participate in this movement and facilitate the passage of others.
* **Cast up (Hebrew, _çâlal'_):** From H5549, this primitive root means "to mound up," specifically referring to the construction of a raised road or turnpike. The repetition ("cast up, cast up") intensifies the command, highlighting the strenuous, deliberate, and extensive effort required to build a substantial, elevated highway. It speaks to the removal of depressions and the creation of a smooth, prominent path.
* **Standard (Hebrew, _nêç'_):** From H5251, this word denotes a flag, banner, or signal pole. It serves as a visible rallying point, a sign of identity, and a guide for a group, particularly in the context of movement or battle. Lifting up a standard signifies a clear direction, a point of assembly, and a declaration of God's presence and authority over His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go through, go through the gates":** This imperative command, repeated for emphasis, urges the inhabitants of Jerusalem to exit the city gates and initiate the preparatory work. It signifies a movement outward, beyond the confines of the city, to meet those who are returning or to prepare the way for their arrival. It implies a proactive stance in facilitating the divine plan.
* **"prepare ye the way of the people":** This clause directs the preparation of a path specifically for "the people," referring to the returning exiles or the broader community of God's redeemed. "Prepare" (H6437, _pânâh'_) means to "turn" or "face," implying a deliberate turning of attention and effort towards making the path ready and accessible.
* **"cast up, cast up the highway":** This repeated command, using the intensive verb "cast up" (H5549, _çâlal'_), calls for the construction of an elevated, prominent road. A "highway" (H4546, _mᵉçillâh'_) is a main thoroughfare, signifying a clear, unobstructed, and perhaps even elevated path, making the journey easy and visible. This implies significant engineering effort to ensure a smooth passage.
* **"gather out the stones":** This specific instruction details a crucial part of road preparation: removing impediments. "Stones" (H68, _ʼeben'_) represent literal obstacles that would hinder travel, but metaphorically, they symbolize anything that obstructs the spiritual journey or the gathering of God's people—sin, doubt, opposition, or disunity.
* **"lift up a standard for the people":** This final command instructs the raising of a banner or ensign. This "standard" (H5251, _nêç'_) serves as a visible sign, a rallying point, and a beacon for the returning or gathering people. It provides direction, signifies identity, and declares God's presence and sovereignty over the entire process of restoration.

#### 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.

* [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord"): A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
* [Isaiah 11:12](/isaiah/11-12 "Isaiah 11:12 - God's Standard for the Nations"): He will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
* [Luke 3:4-6](/luke/3-4 "Luke 3:4-6 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way"): As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

### 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
* **What "stones" (obstacles, sins, distractions) in my own life need to be "gathered out" to make my spiritual path clearer for the Lord?**
* **In what practical ways can I "prepare the way of the people" for Christ in my community or sphere of influence?**
* **How can I be a more visible "standard" for Christ in the world, guiding others towards Him through my words and actions?**

### 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](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Christ Himself declared, "[I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")." 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](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - The Son of Man Lifted Up") on the cross, becoming the rallying point for all who believe, drawing [all people to himself](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People"). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 57:14

And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.

Isaiah 40:3

¶ The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Hebrews 12:13

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Isaiah 49:22

Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in [their] arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon [their] shoulders.

Isaiah 11:10

¶ And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Matthew 22:9

Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

Isaiah 11:12

And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.