Isaiah 62:11

KJV

Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the LORD {H3068} hath proclaimed {H8085} unto the end {H7097} of the world {H776}, Say {H559} ye to the daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726}, Behold, thy salvation {H3468} cometh {H935}; behold, his reward {H7939} is with him, and his work {H6468} before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI has proclaimed to the end of the earth, "Say to the daughter of Tziyon, 'Here, your Salvation is coming! Here, his reward is with him, and his recompense is before him.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: See, your Savior comes! Look, His reward is with Him, and His recompense goes before Him.”

American Standard Version

Behold, Jehovah hath proclaimed unto the end of the earth, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 62:11 is a powerful prophetic declaration, announcing a universal proclamation from the Lord concerning the imminent salvation and glorious restoration of Zion. It vividly portrays God's active intervention, bringing not only comprehensive deliverance to His people but also divine recompense and the definitive fulfillment of His sovereign purposes. This verse encapsulates the climax of God's unwavering commitment to Jerusalem, promising a future where His righteousness and salvation are openly revealed to the entire world, signaling a new era of divine favor and established glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the latter portion of Isaiah, specifically within chapters 60-62, often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or the "Little Apocalypse of Isaiah." Following earlier prophecies of judgment and the desolation of Jerusalem (e.g., the lament in [Isaiah 59](/isaiah/59 "Isaiah 59 - Sin and Redemption")), these chapters mark a dramatic pivot to themes of divine restoration, resplendent light, and everlasting joy for God's covenant people. Chapter 60 initiates this shift by describing the glorious light that will dawn upon Zion, attracting the nations to her splendor. Chapter 61 then details the Spirit-anointed messenger—a figure widely interpreted as the Messiah—who brings good news to the afflicted and proclaims the year of the Lord's favor. Chapter 62, where our verse resides, intensifies God's personal commitment, portraying Him as a tireless watchman who will not rest until Zion's righteousness shines forth like the dawn and her salvation is fully realized. The verses immediately preceding [Isaiah 62:11](/isaiah/62-11 "Isaiah 62:11 - The Proclamation of Salvation") emphasize God's unceasing intercession for Zion and His solemn oath to make her a praise in the earth, setting the stage for this climactic announcement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the immediate historical backdrop for much of Isaiah's prophecy includes the Assyrian threat and the Babylonian exile, the language and imagery of chapters 60-62 transcend these specific events, pointing towards a grander, eschatological fulfillment. The "daughter of Zion" represents Jerusalem and, by extension, the covenant people of Israel, who had endured periods of subjugation, destruction, and dispersion. The promise of "salvation cometh" would have resonated deeply with a people yearning for liberation from oppression, offering profound hope for a return from exile and the rebuilding of their nation and spiritual life. Culturally, the concept of a king or conqueror returning from battle with "reward" and "work" was a familiar motif, signifying the spoils of victory, the establishment of a new order, and the dispensing of justice. However, in this prophetic context, the imagery is elevated to a divine, cosmic scale, where the Lord Himself is the returning deliverer and judge, bringing His sovereign will to fruition for all the world to witness.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 62:11](/isaiah/62-11 "Isaiah 62:11 - The Proclamation of Salvation") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Sovereignty and Faithfulness of God**, demonstrating His active and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Zion. He is not a passive observer but the divine initiator of salvation. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Salvation and Restoration** is paramount, portraying God as the sole source of comprehensive deliverance, extending beyond mere physical rescue to encompass spiritual renewal and flourishing. This salvation is not hidden but is intended for **Universal Proclamation**, reaching "unto the end of the world," echoing the global scope of God's redemptive plan seen elsewhere in Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")). Finally, the mention of "his reward" and "his work" highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Recompense**, indicating that God's arrival brings both blessings for the faithful and righteous judgment for the wicked, aligning with the broader prophetic vision of God's ultimate reign found throughout the Old Testament and culminating in the New Testament (e.g., [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Return with Reward")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One," emphasizing God's unchanging nature, His absolute sovereignty, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The use of _Yᵉhôvâh_ here underscores that the grand proclamation and the coming salvation originate not from human decree but from the very essence of divine, eternal power and covenant fidelity, guaranteeing its certainty and efficacy.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yeshaʻ'_):** Derived from the root _yashaʻ_, meaning "to be open, wide, free," this noun conveys the comprehensive idea of liberty, deliverance, prosperity, safety, and saving. It encompasses not just physical rescue from enemies or oppression but also spiritual well-being, liberation from bondage, and holistic flourishing. In this context, it points to God's complete and all-encompassing deliverance for Zion, moving beyond mere political freedom to a state of spiritual flourishing, divine favor, and lasting peace.
* **work (Hebrew, _pᵉʻullâh'_):** This term refers to the result of labor or deeds, signifying an accomplished act, the outcome of an effort, or the tangible manifestation of a purpose. When applied to God, it speaks of His active involvement in history and the concrete realization of His divine plans. Here, it indicates that God's coming is not merely a promise but an active, effective realization of His intentions, bringing about the intended results of His redemptive and restorative actions for Zion and, by extension, for the world. It implies a completed and effective divine undertaking.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and universal scope of the message. "Behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) is a powerful interjection used to draw immediate and emphatic attention, signaling the profound importance and absolute certainty of what follows. The "LORD" (_Yᵉhôvâh_) is the sovereign initiator of this grand declaration, underscoring its authority. The phrase "unto the end of the world" (literally "end of the earth," _qâtseh ʼerets_) signifies that this is not a localized or hidden message, but one intended for all humanity, reaching the farthest geographical and temporal boundaries. It highlights the global impact and undeniable nature of God's impending action, ensuring no one is beyond its reach or awareness.
* **"Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh;"**: This is the direct message being proclaimed. The command "Say ye" (Hebrew: _ʼâmar_) indicates a divine imperative for God's messengers to convey this good news with urgency and clarity. The "daughter of Zion" is a tender and affectionate personification of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, representing God's chosen people, to whom this message of hope is specifically addressed. The second "behold" reiterates the certainty and immediacy of the event, emphasizing its imminent arrival. "Thy salvation cometh" (Hebrew: _yeshaʻ bôwʼ_) is the core of the message, promising comprehensive deliverance and restoration. The use of the present participle "cometh" implies an ongoing or imminently active arrival, emphasizing the dynamic and unfolding nature of God's saving work.
* **"behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him."**: This concluding clause describes the nature of God's arrival and the consequences that accompany it. The third "behold" further underscores the reality and tangible manifestation of this divine advent. God does not come empty-handed or without purpose. "His reward" (Hebrew: _sâkâr_) refers to recompense, wages, or payment, implying both blessings for the faithful and just judgment for the disobedient, reflecting God's perfect justice. "His work" (Hebrew: _pᵉʻullâh_) refers to the accomplished deeds or the tangible results of His divine plan, indicating the fruit of His labor. The phrase "before him" (Hebrew: _pânîym_) suggests that His work is already prepared and ready to be manifested, indicating the completion and effectiveness of His purposes. Together, these phrases signify God's full and just administration of His kingdom upon His arrival, bringing all things to their divinely appointed conclusion.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 62:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with striking impact and theological depth. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the emphatic interjection "Behold" (_hinneh_) appearing three times. This rhetorical device serves to draw immediate attention, underscore the certainty, and highlight the profound significance and dramatic nature of the divine proclamation, compelling the audience to fully grasp the unfolding revelation. **Personification** is clearly evident in the tender address to "the daughter of Zion," which imbues Jerusalem and its inhabitants with human-like qualities, allowing for a more intimate and direct communication of God's deep affection and promises to His people. The phrase "unto the end of the world" utilizes **Hyperbole** to powerfully convey the universal scope and undeniable nature of God's proclamation, emphasizing that no corner of the earth or span of time is beyond its reach. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Proclamation**, a formal, authoritative, and public declaration from the sovereign Lord, imbuing the message with divine authority, inevitability, and a sense of cosmic decree. The vivid imagery of "salvation cometh" and "his reward [is] with him, and his work before him" creates a strong sense of **Anticipation** and a dramatic unveiling of God's active presence and ultimate redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 62:11 stands as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering commitment to His people and His ultimate, comprehensive plan for redemption. It highlights that salvation is not a passive hope or a distant possibility, but an active, divinely initiated event, universally proclaimed and definitively accomplished by God Himself. The verse emphasizes God's perfect justice and sovereignty, as He comes with both "reward" for the righteous and the execution of His "work" of judgment and restoration for all. This prophetic vision stretches beyond the immediate historical context of the return from Babylonian exile, pointing to a future, comprehensive fulfillment that encompasses both the first and second comings of the Messiah. It assures believers across all generations that God's promises are certain, His purposes are unshakeable, and His arrival brings the full realization of His kingdom, where righteousness and peace will prevail eternally, and His glory will be fully revealed to all creation.

* [Luke 2:30](/luke/2-30 "Luke 2:30 - Simeon's Declaration of Salvation")
* [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Return with Reward")
* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming King of Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 62:11 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and a stirring call to hopeful expectation for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that our God is not silent, distant, or inactive, but is intimately and actively engaged in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating His grand, redemptive plan of salvation throughout history. The universal proclamation ("unto the end of the world") signifies that the glorious good news of God's coming salvation is intended for all peoples, urging us, as His witnesses, to participate wholeheartedly in this divine declaration by sharing the Gospel to the farthest reaches of the earth. Knowing that God comes with "his reward" and "his work" encourages us to live faithfully, diligently pursuing righteousness, trusting in His ultimate justice, and resting in the certainty that all things will be made right in His perfect timing. This verse fosters a deep and vibrant sense of anticipation for Christ's glorious return, when His salvation will be fully and finally realized, every tear will be wiped away, all suffering will cease, and His righteous, eternal reign will be established forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal proclamation ("unto the end of the world") in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's global mission and your role within it?**
* **In what specific ways do you personally experience "salvation cometh" in your daily life, and how does this verse deepen your hope for future and ultimate deliverance?**
* **What does it mean for you, both personally and corporately, that God comes with "his reward" and "his work before him," and how does this impact your perspective on divine justice and faithfulness?**
* **As the spiritual "daughter of Zion" today, how can we actively and effectively participate in proclaiming God's magnificent salvation to the world around us, both in word and deed?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "daughter of Zion" in this verse?**

Answer: The "daughter of Zion" is a deeply poetic and affectionate personification of Jerusalem, often representing both the literal city and its inhabitants, as well as the covenant people of Israel. In prophetic literature, it symbolizes the spiritual heart and destiny of God's chosen people. Addressing Zion in this tender way emphasizes God's profound love, unwavering commitment, and personal relationship with His people, assuring them directly of His impending salvation and restoration, as seen throughout the comforting prophecies of [Isaiah 60-62](/isaiah/60 "Isaiah 60-62 - The Glory of Zion").

**Does "his reward" refer to blessings or judgment, or both?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "reward" (_sâkâr_) is comprehensive and can encompass both positive recompense for faithfulness and obedience, as well as negative consequences or just judgment for disobedience. In the broader biblical context, particularly in eschatological passages describing God's ultimate intervention, His coming often involves both a blessing for the righteous and a just judgment for the wicked. Therefore, in [Isaiah 62:11](/isaiah/62-11 "Isaiah 62:11 - The Proclamation of Salvation"), "his reward" signifies God's comprehensive administration of justice, bringing appropriate outcomes according to the deeds of all, a theme further elaborated in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 16:27](/matthew/16-27 "Matthew 16:27 - Christ's Return to Judge")).

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's active involvement in history?**

Answer: This verse powerfully affirms God's active, direct, and sovereign involvement in human history. The phrases "the LORD hath proclaimed," "thy salvation cometh," and "his work before him" all point to a God who is not passive, distant, or disengaged but is actively initiating, bringing about, and completing His divine purposes. He is the sovereign orchestrator of events, ensuring that His promises of salvation and restoration are fulfilled in tangible, undeniable ways. This demonstrates His faithfulness, power, and ultimate control throughout time, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as promised in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 62:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "salvation" proclaimed "unto the end of the world" is not an abstract concept but is fully embodied in Christ, who is Himself the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His first coming was the initial, decisive arrival of this promised salvation, as Simeon declared upon seeing the infant Jesus, "my eyes have seen [your salvation](/luke/2-30 "Luke 2:30 - Simeon's Declaration of Salvation") that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples." The "daughter of Zion" was indeed called to "Behold, thy King cometh unto thee!" (as prophesied in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming King of Zion") and triumphantly fulfilled in [Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Matthew 21:5 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")). Furthermore, the promise that "his reward is with him, and his work before him" points powerfully and unequivocally to Christ's glorious second coming. When He returns, He will bring full and final salvation, establishing His eternal kingdom, judging the living and the dead, and giving to each according to their deeds, as solemnly declared in [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Return with Reward"), where He states, "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done." Thus, Isaiah 62:11 is a vibrant prophetic tapestry, weaving together the divine initiative, the universal scope of redemption, and the ultimate triumph of God's saving purposes, all perfectly and profoundly realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega.

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

Zechariah 9:9

¶ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Matthew 21:5

Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

John 12:15

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

Revelation 22:12

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Isaiah 40:9

¶ O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift [it] up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

Isaiah 40:10

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong [hand], and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

Romans 10:11

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.