Isaiah 62:12

KJV

And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall call {H7121} them, The holy {H6944} people {H5971}, The redeemed {H1350} of the LORD {H3068}: and thou shalt be called {H7121}, Sought out {H1875}, A city {H5892} not forsaken {H5800}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of ADONAI. You will be called D'rushah [Sought-After], 'Ir Lo Ne'ezvah [City-No-Longer-Abandoned].

Berean Standard Bible

And they will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of The LORD; and you will be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.

American Standard Version

And they shall call them The holy people, The redeemed of Jehovah: and thou shalt be called Sought out, A city not forsaken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 62:12 serves as the triumphant crescendo of a prophetic declaration, heralding the glorious restoration and transformation of God's people and Jerusalem. This verse proclaims a divinely bestowed new identity, marking a radical reversal from past desolation and shame to a state of holiness, redemption, and perpetual divine presence. It is a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His zealous pursuit of His beloved, ensuring their recognition as a people and a city eternally cherished and never abandoned.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 62:12 stands as the climactic declaration of a chapter saturated with themes of divine zeal and restoration for Jerusalem (Zion). The preceding verses, such as [Isaiah 62:1](/isaiah/62-1 "Isaiah 62:1 - God's Zeal for Zion") and [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - New Names for Zion"), articulate God's passionate commitment not to rest until Jerusalem's righteousness shines forth like a blazing torch and she is called by new, glorious names, replacing "Forsaken" and "Desolate." The chapter describes Jerusalem as a "crown of glory" and a "royal diadem" in the Lord's hand ([Isaiah 62:3](/isaiah/62-3 "Isaiah 62:3 - Jerusalem as a Crown of Glory")), promises the joy of a bridegroom over his bride ([Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "Isaiah 62:5 - God's Joy Over Zion")), and assures that watchmen will continually proclaim God's salvation ([Isaiah 62:6-7](/isaiah/62-6-7 "Isaiah 62:6-7 - Watchmen on the Walls")). The verse immediately preceding, [Isaiah 62:11](/isaiah/62-11 "Isaiah 62:11 - Salvation Comes"), announces the coming of salvation and reward, setting the stage for the definitive naming and recognition in verse 12, signifying the full realization of these promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is set against the backdrop of the post-exilic period, following the Babylonian captivity. The people of Judah had returned to a desolate and ruined Jerusalem, facing immense challenges in rebuilding both their city and their spiritual identity. They felt forsaken by God and shamed among the nations. The cultural context includes the significance of names in the ancient Near East, which often reflected character, destiny, or a change in status (e.g., Jacob becoming [Israel](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Renamed Israel")). To be called "Forsaken" or "Desolate" was a profound mark of shame and divine disfavor. Conversely, new, divinely bestowed names like "Holy People," "Redeemed," "Sought Out," and "Not Forsaken" would signify a complete restoration of honor, a renewed covenant relationship, and God's active presence and favor, reversing the national humiliation and affirming their unique identity as God's chosen.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 62:12 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Isaiah, particularly in the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66). A primary theme is **Divine Restoration and New Identity**, where God actively transforms His people and their capital from shame to glory, bestowing names that reflect their renewed status and relationship with Him, as seen throughout [Isaiah 62](/isaiah/62 "Isaiah 62 - God's Zeal for Zion's Restoration"). This ties into the theme of **God's Redemptive Work**, emphasizing that their deliverance is not by human effort but by the Lord's powerful intervention, echoing the Exodus narrative (e.g., [Exodus 15:13](/exodus/15-13 "Exodus 15:13 - God's Redemption of Israel")). The concept of **Unwavering Divine Pursuit** is highlighted by "Sought out," underscoring God's persistent and loving search for His people even when they strayed. Finally, the promise of "A city not forsaken" reinforces **Perpetual Divine Presence and Faithfulness**, assuring that God will never abandon His chosen people or His holy city, a promise central to the covenant relationship (e.g., [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Forsake You")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **redeemed (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** This primitive root signifies "to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e.; to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.); [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger." In this context, it highlights God as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer (Goel) who actively intervenes to free His people from bondage, shame, and spiritual exile, restoring them to their rightful place and relationship with Him.
* **Sought out (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This primitive root means "to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship; ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely." When applied to God's action, it conveys a diligent, intentional, and persistent search or inquiry, emphasizing God's proactive and earnest pursuit of His people, signifying His deep care, active engagement, and desire to restore relationship.
* **forsaken (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This primitive root means "to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.; commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely." In its negative form ("not forsaken"), it strongly affirms God's permanent presence and unwavering faithfulness. It reassures that God will never abandon, desert, or leave destitute those whom He has chosen and redeemed, directly contrasting the previous state of Jerusalem being called "Forsaken" (Azubah) in [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - New Names for Zion").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall call them, The holy people":** This clause signifies a universal recognition and acknowledgment of God's people. "They" refers to the nations or the world, acknowledging the transformed status of Israel. "The holy people" (qôdesh ʻam) declares their consecrated and set-apart nature, not by their own merit, but by divine designation. This holiness implies a sacred relationship with God and a distinct identity among all peoples, recognized by all who observe God's work.
* **"The redeemed of the LORD":** This further defines the "holy people" by emphasizing the source and nature of their holiness – it is a result of God's redemptive act. "Redeemed of the LORD" (gâʼal Yᵉhôvâh) highlights God's active, powerful, and covenantal intervention to deliver His people from bondage, sin, and judgment, reclaiming them as His own treasured possession. It underscores that their new status is a gift of divine grace, a testament to His power and love.
* **"and thou shalt be called, Sought out":** This shifts the address directly to Jerusalem/Zion ("thou"), personifying the city as a beloved individual. "Sought out" (dârash) signifies that Jerusalem, despite its previous desolation and apparent abandonment, has been diligently and intentionally pursued by God. It speaks to God's relentless love and His proactive initiative to restore and reclaim His city, demonstrating His profound care and desire for her.
* **"A city not forsaken":** This final designation is a powerful reversal of the shame and desolation that previously marked Jerusalem. "Not forsaken" (lo' ʻâzab) directly counters the name "Azubah" (Forsaken) mentioned earlier in [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - New Names for Zion"). It is a definitive promise of God's perpetual presence, unwavering faithfulness, and commitment to His city, assuring that He will never abandon her to ruin or despair again, establishing a permanent state of divine favor.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 62:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of triumphant restoration. **Personification** is central, as Jerusalem (Zion) is addressed directly ("thou shalt be called"), ascribing human qualities and experiences (being "sought out" and "not forsaken") to the city itself. This makes the divine promises deeply personal and relatable, transforming a geographical location into a beloved entity. The use of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** is evident in the juxtaposition of the old names ("Forsaken," "Desolate" from [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - New Names for Zion")) with the glorious new names ("Sought out," "A city not forsaken"). This highlights the radical and complete transformation wrought by God's intervention, emphasizing the dramatic shift from shame to glory. **Repetition** of the phrase "shall be called" (qârâʼ) emphasizes the authoritative, public, and definitive nature of these new identities, signifying a permanent change in status and recognition. The entire verse functions as a **Climax** to the preceding declarations of God's zeal and promises of restoration in [Isaiah 62](/isaiah/62 "Isaiah 62 - God's Zeal for Zion's Restoration"), culminating in the ultimate affirmation of God's unwavering love and commitment to His people and city.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 62:12 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His redemptive character. It asserts that God's people and His dwelling place are not defined by their present circumstances of desolation or past failures, but by His active, transforming grace. The new names bestowed—"holy," "redeemed," "sought out," "not forsaken"—are not mere titles but declarations of a new reality forged by divine initiative. This verse speaks to the eschatological hope of a fully restored people dwelling in a perpetually blessed city, a vision that transcends the immediate post-exilic context and points to God's ultimate plan for His creation. It underscores that God's love is not passive but intensely zealous, actively pursuing and reclaiming what is His, ensuring that His chosen ones will forever bear the mark of His redemptive work and enduring presence.

* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People")
* [Psalm 103:2-4](/psalm/103-2-4 "Psalm 103:2-4 - God Redeems Your Life from the Pit")
* [Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - Everlasting Love for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 62:12 offers profound comfort and a powerful declaration of identity for believers today. In a world that often defines us by our past mistakes, our perceived failures, or our current struggles, this verse reminds us that our truest identity is found in God's loving designation. We are called "holy people" not because of our inherent righteousness, but because we are set apart by God's grace through Christ. We are "the redeemed of the LORD," bought back from the bondage of sin and death by the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. Perhaps most comforting is the assurance that we are "sought out" and belong to a "city not forsaken." This speaks to God's relentless pursuit of us, even when we wander, and His promise never to abandon us, even in our deepest valleys. This divine affirmation transforms shame into glory, despair into hope, and isolation into belonging. It calls us to live into this new identity, reflecting God's holiness and proclaiming His redemptive work to a world that desperately needs to be sought out and assured of not being forsaken.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as the "Kinsman-Redeemer" (gâʼal) deepen your appreciation for His salvation?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God "seeking you out" (dârash) in your life, particularly during times of spiritual wandering or despair?**
* **What does it mean for your personal sense of security and belonging to know that you are part of a "city not forsaken" by God?**
* **How can you live out your identity as a "holy people" and "redeemed of the LORD" in your daily interactions and choices?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who will call God's people "The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD"?**

Answer: "They" primarily refers to the surrounding nations and the world at large. The prophecy envisions a time when the glory and righteousness of God's restored people and city will be so evident that even those outside the covenant community will recognize and acknowledge their divinely bestowed identity. It signifies a universal recognition of God's redemptive work and the transformed status of His chosen ones, fulfilling the promise that Jerusalem's righteousness would "go forth as brightness" in [Isaiah 62:1](/isaiah/62-1 "Isaiah 62:1 - God's Zeal for Zion's Righteousness").

**What is the significance of Jerusalem being called "Sought out" and "A city not forsaken"?**

Answer: These names represent a profound reversal of Jerusalem's previous state and reputation. Historically, Jerusalem had experienced periods of desolation and abandonment, particularly during the Babylonian exile, leading to it being called "Forsaken" (Azubah) and "Desolate" (Shemah) in [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - New Names for Zion"). "Sought out" (dârash) emphasizes God's active, intentional, and persistent pursuit of His city, demonstrating His deep love and commitment to her restoration. "A city not forsaken" (lo' ʻâzab) is a definitive promise that God will never again abandon Jerusalem to ruin or despair. Together, these names assure God's perpetual presence, faithfulness, and unwavering care for His beloved city and, by extension, for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 62:12 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant community, the Church. The "holy people" and "redeemed of the LORD" are now those called out of darkness into God's marvelous light through the atoning work of Christ ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). Jesus is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer (gâʼal), who, by His blood, purchased us back from the slavery of sin and death, making us His own treasured possession ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). The very act of God "seeking out" His people is epitomized in Christ's incarnation, as He came "to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Furthermore, the promise of "A city not forsaken" points to the spiritual reality of the Church as the New Jerusalem, a community perpetually indwelt by God's Spirit, which Christ promised He would never leave or forsake ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise to Be with Us Always"); [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You")). In Christ, believers are given a new identity, not based on their past, but on His finished work, ensuring their eternal belonging and God's unwavering presence, culminating in the vision of a redeemed people dwelling with God in the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends")).

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

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Deuteronomy 26:19

And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.

Deuteronomy 28:9

The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

Isaiah 35:9

No lion shall be there, nor [any] ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk [there]:

Deuteronomy 7:6

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

Isaiah 42:16

And I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.