Isaiah 51 Study Notes: Comfort for Zion and the Cup Removed
God urges the faithful to remember how He made a nation from Abraham and promises to turn Zion's ruins into a garden. His salvation will outlast heaven and earth, the redeemed will return singing, and the cup of wrath Jerusalem drank is taken from her and given to her oppressors.
General
In 51:9-10, what past deeds does the cry for the LORD’s arm to awake recall?
Answer: Crushing Rahab and opening a path through the sea
Here a cry goes up to the LORD’s arm, meaning His power in action, to wake as in ancient days (51:9). The cry recalls what that arm has done: cutting Rahab to pieces and piercing the dragon, drying up the sea and the great deep, and making a road through the depths so the redeemed could pass over (51:9-10). Rahab and the dragon are pictures of hostile power set against God, and elsewhere Isaiah uses the name Rahab for Egypt (30:7). The drying of the sea points to the exodus, when the LORD drove the waters back and Israel walked through on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22). A psalm celebrates the same victory: God crushed Rahab and scattered His enemies by His strength (Psalm 89:10).
- Isaiah 51:9-10 (BSB)“Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?”The LORD’s arm is called to act again as when it defeated Rahab and opened the sea for the redeemed.
- Isaiah 30:7 (BSB)“Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.”Isaiah uses Rahab as a name for Egypt.
- Exodus 14:21-22 (BSB)“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.”The LORD drove back the sea so Israel could cross on dry ground.
- Psalm 89:10 (BSB)“You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.”The psalmist praises God for crushing Rahab and scattering His enemies.
Theological
Which acts of the LORD’s arm are invoked in the plea of 51:9-10?
Answer: Crushing Rahab and opening a path through the sea
The plea summons the LORD’s arm, His power in action, to awaken as in former generations (51:9). It rehearses God’s past triumph: Rahab cut in pieces, the dragon pierced, the sea and the great deep dried up, and a way made through the depths for the redeemed (51:9-10). Rahab and the dragon are imagery for God’s victory over hostile, chaotic powers; Isaiah applies the name Rahab to Egypt (30:7), and the drying of the sea recalls the exodus crossing (Exodus 14:21-22). Psalm 89:10 likewise praises God for crushing Rahab. The past deliverance becomes the pattern for the coming one.
- Isaiah 51:9-10 (BSB)“Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?”The LORD’s arm is called to act again as when it defeated Rahab and opened the sea for the redeemed.
- Isaiah 30:7 (BSB)“Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.”Isaiah uses Rahab as a name for Egypt.
- Exodus 14:21-22 (BSB)“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.”The LORD drove back the sea so Israel could cross on dry ground.
- Psalm 89:10 (BSB)“You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.”The psalmist praises God for crushing Rahab and scattering His enemies.
General
In 51:12-13, what reason does the LORD give for His people not to fear mortal man?
Answer: People fade like grass, but their Maker made heaven and earth
After the cry for His arm to wake (51:9), the LORD declares that He Himself is the One who comforts His people (51:12). Their fear of mortal men is out of proportion: human beings wither like grass, yet the people have forgotten their Maker, who spread out the sky and laid earth’s foundations (51:13). They live in constant dread of the oppressor’s rage, but that rage will pass, and the prisoner will soon go free (51:13-14). He is the commander of heaven’s armies, who makes the sea roar, and He has given His people His words and sheltered them under His hand, claiming Zion as His own (51:15-16). Isaiah earlier said that all people are grass but God’s word stands forever (40:6-8), a word Peter applies to the gospel preached to believers (1 Peter 1:24-25). The psalmist and Hebrews draw the same conclusion: with the LORD as helper, no human threat need be feared (Psalm 118:6; Hebrews 13:6).
- Isaiah 51:12-16 (BSB)““I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor? The captive will soon be freed; he will not die in the dungeon, and his bread will not be lacking. For I am the LORD your God who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name. I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’””The LORD comforts His people, contrasts withering mortals with their Maker, and claims Zion as His people.
- Isaiah 40:6-8 (BSB)“A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.””All people are like grass, but God’s word stands forever.
- 1 Peter 1:24-25 (BSB)“For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.”Peter applies Isaiah’s contrast to the gospel word preached to believers.
- Psalm 118:6 (BSB)“The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”With the LORD on his side the psalmist will not fear what people can do.
- Hebrews 13:6 (BSB)“So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?””Hebrews applies the psalm’s confidence to believers.
Theological
On what ground does the LORD rebuke His people’s fear of man in 51:12-13?
Answer: People fade like grass, but their Maker made heaven and earth
After the plea for His arm to awake (51:9), God declares emphatically that He Himself is His people’s comforter (51:12). Fear of man makes no sense for those who belong to the Creator: mortals wither like grass, while the people have forgotten their Maker, who spread out the sky and founded the earth (51:13). The oppressor’s fury is temporary, and the prisoner will soon be released (51:13-14). The Lord of heaven’s armies, who rouses the sea, has given His people His words, sheltered them under His hand, and claimed Zion as His own (51:15-16). Isaiah 40:6-8 contrasts perishing flesh with God’s enduring word, which Peter identifies with the gospel (1 Peter 1:24-25), and both the psalmist and Hebrews draw the conclusion that the Lord’s help removes the fear of man (Psalm 118:6; Hebrews 13:6).
- Isaiah 51:12-16 (BSB)““I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor? The captive will soon be freed; he will not die in the dungeon, and his bread will not be lacking. For I am the LORD your God who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name. I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’””The LORD comforts His people, contrasts withering mortals with their Maker, and claims Zion as His people.
- Isaiah 40:6-8 (BSB)“A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.””All people are like grass, but God’s word stands forever.
- 1 Peter 1:24-25 (BSB)“For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.”Peter applies Isaiah’s contrast to the gospel word preached to believers.
- Psalm 118:6 (BSB)“The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”With the LORD on his side the psalmist will not fear what people can do.
- Hebrews 13:6 (BSB)“So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?””Hebrews applies the psalm’s confidence to believers.
General
In 51:17, what has Jerusalem been made to drink by the LORD?
Answer: His wrath, drained like a cup to the bottom
Jerusalem is called to wake and stand up, for she has drunk the cup of God’s fury that the LORD Himself handed her, draining the goblet that makes people stagger (51:17). The cup is a picture of God’s judgment: ruin and wreckage, hunger and war have come on her, and none of her sons is able to guide her or take her hand (51:18-19). Her sons lie fainted at the street corners, full of the LORD’s wrath (51:20). This judgment came from God’s own hand as the just response to the sins that sent His people into exile (50:1). The prophets use the same image of a cup of wrath that God gives the nations to drink (Jeremiah 25:15), and a psalm pictures a cup in the LORD’s hand that the wicked drain to the dregs (Psalm 75:8).
- Isaiah 51:17 (BSB)“Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of His fury; you who have drained the goblet to the dregs—the cup that makes men stagger.”Jerusalem has drunk the cup of the LORD’s fury to the bottom.
- Isaiah 51:19 (BSB)“These pairs have befallen you: devastation and destruction, famine and sword. Who will grieve for you? Who can comfort you?”Devastation, famine, and sword have come on her with no one to comfort her.
- Isaiah 50:1 (BSB)“This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.”The previous chapter says the people were sent away for their own sins.
- Jeremiah 25:15 (BSB)“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from My hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink from it.”Jeremiah is told to make the nations drink a cup of wrath.
- Psalm 75:8 (BSB)“For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours from His cup, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs.”The LORD holds a cup that the wicked must drink to the dregs.
Theological
What does Jerusalem’s cup in 51:17 represent?
Answer: His wrath, drained like a cup to the bottom
Jerusalem is roused from the stupor of judgment: she has drunk the cup of God’s fury that the LORD handed her, drained to the dregs (51:17). The cup is a standard prophetic image for divine wrath. Its effects are devastation, famine, and sword, with no son left to lead her (51:18-19), and her children lying overcome, full of God’s rebuke (51:20). The judgment was just, for her own iniquities had sent her away (50:1). Jeremiah is given the cup of wrath for the nations (Jeremiah 25:15), and the psalmist pictures the wicked draining the LORD’s cup (Psalm 75:8).
- Isaiah 51:17 (BSB)“Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of His fury; you who have drained the goblet to the dregs—the cup that makes men stagger.”Jerusalem has drunk the cup of the LORD’s fury to the bottom.
- Isaiah 51:19 (BSB)“These pairs have befallen you: devastation and destruction, famine and sword. Who will grieve for you? Who can comfort you?”Devastation, famine, and sword have come on her with no one to comfort her.
- Isaiah 50:1 (BSB)“This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.”The previous chapter says the people were sent away for their own sins.
- Jeremiah 25:15 (BSB)“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from My hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink from it.”Jeremiah is told to make the nations drink a cup of wrath.
- Psalm 75:8 (BSB)“For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours from His cup, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs.”The LORD holds a cup that the wicked must drink to the dregs.
General
According to 51:22-23, what does the LORD do with the cup that made Jerusalem stagger?
Answer: He takes it from her and gives it to her tormentors
The LORD, who takes up His people’s cause, speaks to afflicted Jerusalem, drunk though not with wine (51:21-22). He has taken the staggering cup out of her hand, and she will never drink it again; instead He will hand it to the tormentors who made her lie down so they could walk over her (51:22-23). The God who judged His people is the One who pleads their cause and turns judgment back on their oppressors (Jeremiah 50:34). The New Testament speaks of Jesus accepting the cup His Father had given Him (John 18:11), and of believers being rescued from God’s wrath by Him (Romans 5:9). Many Christians see here the deeper reason God’s people never have to drink that cup of wrath again.
- Isaiah 51:22-23 (BSB)“Thus says your Lord, the LORD, even your God, who defends His people: “See, I have removed from your hand the cup of staggering. From that goblet, the cup of My fury, you will never drink again. I will place it in the hands of your tormentors, who told you: ‘Lie down, so we can walk over you,’ so that you made your back like the ground, like a street to be traversed.””The LORD removes the cup from Jerusalem and gives it to her oppressors.
- Jeremiah 50:34 (BSB)“Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon.”Israel’s strong Redeemer pleads their case and brings turmoil on their oppressors.
- John 18:11 (BSB)““Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?””Jesus speaks of drinking the cup His Father has given Him.
- Romans 5:9 (BSB)“Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!”Believers justified by Christ’s blood are saved from wrath through Him.
Theological
What reversal does the LORD announce concerning the cup that made Jerusalem stagger (51:22-23)?
Answer: He takes it from her and gives it to her tormentors
The LORD, the advocate of His people, addresses afflicted Jerusalem, intoxicated though not with wine (51:21-22). He removes the staggering cup from her hand, promising she will never drink it again, and transfers it to her tormentors, who had made her back a road to walk on (51:22-23). God who judged is also the Redeemer who pleads His people’s cause (Jeremiah 50:34). The New Testament presents Christ accepting the cup His Father assigned Him (John 18:11), and believers, justified through His death, saved through Him from wrath (Romans 5:9). Many Christians see in this the deeper ground on which God’s people never again drink that cup of wrath.
- Isaiah 51:22-23 (BSB)“Thus says your Lord, the LORD, even your God, who defends His people: “See, I have removed from your hand the cup of staggering. From that goblet, the cup of My fury, you will never drink again. I will place it in the hands of your tormentors, who told you: ‘Lie down, so we can walk over you,’ so that you made your back like the ground, like a street to be traversed.””The LORD removes the cup from Jerusalem and gives it to her oppressors.
- Jeremiah 50:34 (BSB)“Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon.”Israel’s strong Redeemer pleads their case and brings turmoil on their oppressors.
- John 18:11 (BSB)““Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?””Jesus speaks of drinking the cup His Father has given Him.
- Romans 5:9 (BSB)“Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!”Believers justified by Christ’s blood are saved from wrath through Him.
General
True or False: In 51:7-8 the LORD tells those who have His law in their hearts not to fear people’s insults, because their mockers will be eaten away like moth-eaten cloth.
Answer: True
This is true. The LORD speaks to people who know righteousness and carry His law within, and tells them not to fear or be crushed by human insults (51:7). Their scorners will be consumed like cloth eaten by moths and wool eaten by worms, but His righteousness and salvation last through every generation (51:8). Jesus calls His followers blessed when they are insulted and persecuted for His sake (Matthew 5:11-12), and Peter tells believers who suffer for doing right not to fear threats or be shaken (1 Peter 3:14).
- Isaiah 51:7-8 (BSB)“Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults. For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations.””The LORD tells His people not to fear insults, because scorners perish while His salvation endures.
- Matthew 5:11-12 (BSB)“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.”Jesus calls those insulted for His sake blessed.
- 1 Peter 3:14 (BSB)“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.””Peter tells those who suffer for doing right not to be afraid.
Theological
True or False: According to 51:7-8, those with God’s law in their hearts need not fear human reproach, since their revilers will perish like moth-eaten garments.
Answer: True
This is true. The LORD addresses those who know righteousness and have His law inwardly, forbidding them to fear or be shattered by human reproach (51:7). Their revilers are transient, consumed like moth-eaten cloth and worm-eaten wool, while God’s righteousness and salvation endure for all generations (51:8). Jesus pronounces blessing on those reviled for His sake (Matthew 5:11-12), and Peter applies the same freedom from fear to believers suffering for righteousness (1 Peter 3:14).
- Isaiah 51:7-8 (BSB)“Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults. For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations.””The LORD tells His people not to fear insults, because scorners perish while His salvation endures.
- Matthew 5:11-12 (BSB)“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.”Jesus calls those insulted for His sake blessed.
- 1 Peter 3:14 (BSB)“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.””Peter tells those who suffer for doing right not to be afraid.
General
According to 51:4-5, for whom will the LORD’s law and justice shine as a light?
Answer: For the nations, even the far-off islands
The LORD calls His own people to listen, because instruction will issue from Him and His justice will shine as a light for the nations (51:4). His righteousness and salvation are near, His arms will establish justice among the peoples, and the islands look expectantly to His arm (51:5). This echoes the Servant’s mission in 42:4, where the islands hope in His law, and the earlier picture of many peoples learning God’s ways from Zion (2:3). Matthew quotes that Servant Song about Jesus and says that the nations will hope in His name (Matthew 12:21).
- Isaiah 51:4-5 (BSB)“Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for a law will go out from Me, and My justice will become a light to the nations; I will bring it about quickly. My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm.”God’s law and justice go out as a light to the nations, and distant lands hope in His arm.
- Isaiah 42:4 (BSB)“He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.””The Servant establishes justice, and the islands hope in His law.
- Isaiah 2:3 (BSB)“And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”Many peoples come to Zion to learn God’s ways.
- Matthew 12:21 (BSB)“In His name the nations will put their hope.””Matthew applies the Servant Song to Jesus, in whose name the nations hope.
Theological
For whom, according to 51:4-5, will the LORD’s law and justice become a light?
Answer: For the nations, even the far-off islands
The LORD summons His people to hear that His instruction will issue and His justice will be a light for the peoples (51:4). His righteousness and salvation are imminent, His arms will establish justice for the peoples, and the islands look expectantly to His arm (51:5). The universal horizon repeats the Servant’s mission (42:4) and the vision of the nations taught at Zion (2:3). Matthew applies the Servant Song to Christ, in whose name the nations hope (Matthew 12:21).
- Isaiah 51:4-5 (BSB)“Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for a law will go out from Me, and My justice will become a light to the nations; I will bring it about quickly. My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm.”God’s law and justice go out as a light to the nations, and distant lands hope in His arm.
- Isaiah 42:4 (BSB)“He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.””The Servant establishes justice, and the islands hope in His law.
- Isaiah 2:3 (BSB)“And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”Many peoples come to Zion to learn God’s ways.
- Matthew 12:21 (BSB)“In His name the nations will put their hope.””Matthew applies the Servant Song to Jesus, in whose name the nations hope.
General
In 51:1-2, why does the LORD tell those who seek Him to look back to Abraham and Sarah?
Answer: God turned one man He called into a whole nation
The LORD speaks to those who pursue righteousness and seek Him, telling them to remember where they came from: the rock and quarry they were cut from, Abraham their father and Sarah who bore them (51:1-2). When God called Abraham he was only one man, yet God blessed him and made him many. For discouraged exiles the point is clear: the God who made a nation out of one childless couple can surely restore a small remnant, the surviving faithful part of His people. God had promised Abraham a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Hebrews says that from an old man past having children came descendants beyond counting, like the stars (Hebrews 11:11-12), and Paul says Abraham was fully convinced God could do what He promised (Romans 4:19-21).
- Isaiah 51:1-2 (BSB)““Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.”The faithful are told to remember that God made a nation from Abraham when he was one man.
- Genesis 12:2 (BSB)“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”God promises to make Abraham into a great nation.
- Hebrews 11:11-12 (BSB)“By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”From Abraham and barren Sarah came descendants beyond counting.
- Romans 4:19-21 (BSB)“Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.”Abraham trusted that God was able to do what He promised despite his and Sarah’s age.
Theological
What is the point of the LORD’s command in 51:1-2 to consider Abraham and Sarah?
Answer: God turned one man He called into a whole nation
The LORD addresses the faithful, those pursuing righteousness and seeking Him, and directs them to their origin: Abraham and Sarah, the rock and quarry from which they were hewn (51:1-2). Abraham was a solitary man when called, yet God blessed and multiplied him. The argument is from God’s past grace to His future faithfulness: the God who created a people from one barren couple can restore a diminished remnant. The promise of Genesis 12:2, the countless offspring of Hebrews 11:11-12, and Abraham’s full persuasion of God’s power to keep His word (Romans 4:19-21) all show that the people’s existence was God’s sovereign work from the beginning.
- Isaiah 51:1-2 (BSB)““Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.”The faithful are told to remember that God made a nation from Abraham when he was one man.
- Genesis 12:2 (BSB)“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”God promises to make Abraham into a great nation.
- Hebrews 11:11-12 (BSB)“By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”From Abraham and barren Sarah came descendants beyond counting.
- Romans 4:19-21 (BSB)“Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.”Abraham trusted that God was able to do what He promised despite his and Sarah’s age.
General
True or False: According to 51:11, those the LORD has redeemed come back to Zion weeping, and only later find joy.
Answer: False
This is false. The redeemed come back to Zion singing, crowned with joy that never ends; gladness and joy catch up with them while sorrow and sighing run away (51:11). The verse repeats the promise of 35:10 almost word for word, and it follows directly on the memory of the sea crossing (51:10): the God who brought His people through the sea will bring them home. Revelation pictures the final end of mourning, when God wipes every tear from His people’s eyes (Revelation 21:4).
- Isaiah 51:11 (BSB)“So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.”The redeemed return to Zion with singing and everlasting joy.
- Isaiah 35:10 (BSB)“So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.”Isaiah gave the same promise earlier in nearly the same words.
- Revelation 21:4 (BSB)“‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.””Revelation pictures the final end of mourning and tears for God’s people.
Theological
True or False: In 51:11 the redeemed return to Zion in mourning, with joy deferred until after their arrival.
Answer: False
This is false. The redeemed return to Zion singing, wearing everlasting joy as a crown, overtaken by gladness while sorrow and sighing flee (51:11). The verse repeats 35:10 almost exactly and follows the remembrance of the exodus (51:10), presenting the return as a new exodus. Revelation describes the final fulfillment of this joy, when God removes every tear and mourning ends (Revelation 21:4).
- Isaiah 51:11 (BSB)“So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.”The redeemed return to Zion with singing and everlasting joy.
- Isaiah 35:10 (BSB)“So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.”Isaiah gave the same promise earlier in nearly the same words.
- Revelation 21:4 (BSB)“‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.””Revelation pictures the final end of mourning and tears for God’s people.
General
In 51:6, what does the LORD set against the heavens vanishing and the earth wearing out?
Answer: His salvation and righteousness, which last forever
The LORD tells His people to look up at the sky and down at the earth: the sky will disappear like smoke while the earth frays like old clothing, and its inhabitants will perish like gnats (51:6). Even the most lasting-seeming things are temporary. In contrast, His salvation lasts forever and His righteousness never fails. What God gives is more lasting than creation itself. The psalmist says heaven and earth grow old like clothing while God remains the same (Psalm 102:25-27), Hebrews applies that psalm to the Son (Hebrews 1:10-12), and Jesus said His words will outlast heaven and earth (Matthew 24:35).
- Isaiah 51:6 (BSB)“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail.”Heaven and earth will pass, but God’s salvation and righteousness last forever.
- Psalm 102:25-27 (BSB)“In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.”Creation wears out while God remains the same.
- Hebrews 1:10-12 (BSB)“And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed; but You remain the same, and Your years will never end.””Hebrews applies this contrast to the Son, who remains forever.
- Matthew 24:35 (BSB)“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”Jesus says His words outlast heaven and earth.
Theological
What contrast does 51:6 draw between the created order and God’s salvation?
Answer: His salvation and righteousness, which last forever
The heavens dissipate like smoke and the earth decays like a worn-out garment, and its inhabitants die like gnats (51:6); yet the LORD’s salvation is everlasting and His righteousness never fails. Creation does not last; God’s saving work lasts as He does. Psalm 102:25-27 contrasts the aging creation with the unchanging God, Hebrews 1:10-12 applies that psalm to the Son, and Jesus sets His abiding words against the passing of heaven and earth (Matthew 24:35).
- Isaiah 51:6 (BSB)“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail.”Heaven and earth will pass, but God’s salvation and righteousness last forever.
- Psalm 102:25-27 (BSB)“In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.”Creation wears out while God remains the same.
- Hebrews 1:10-12 (BSB)“And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed; but You remain the same, and Your years will never end.””Hebrews applies this contrast to the Son, who remains forever.
- Matthew 24:35 (BSB)“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”Jesus says His words outlast heaven and earth.
General
What does 51:3 say the LORD will do with Zion’s ruined wilderness?
Answer: Make it like Eden, full of joy and song
The reason to take heart follows: the LORD will bring comfort to Zion and show compassion to her ruins, turning her wilderness into an Eden and her dry land into the LORD’s own garden; joy, thanksgiving, and music will fill her (51:3). The ruined land will be restored as though returned to the first garden God planted (Genesis 2:8). Ezekiel uses the same picture of a desolate land becoming like Eden (Ezekiel 36:35), and Isaiah earlier promised that the wilderness and desert would burst into bloom and rejoice (35:1-2).
- Isaiah 51:3 (BSB)“For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song.”The LORD promises to comfort Zion and make her ruins like Eden, full of joy.
- Genesis 2:8 (BSB)“And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, where He placed the man He had formed.”Eden was the garden the LORD God planted at the beginning.
- Ezekiel 36:35 (BSB)“Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’”Ezekiel also pictures a desolate land becoming like Eden.
- Isaiah 35:1-2 (BSB)“The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.”Isaiah earlier promised that the desert would bloom and rejoice.
Theological
According to 51:3, what will the LORD’s comfort do with Zion’s ruined wilderness?
Answer: Make it like Eden, full of joy and song
The basis of hope is God’s comfort and compassion toward Zion’s ruins: her wilderness will become an Eden and her dry land the LORD’s own garden, filled with joy, thanksgiving, and song (51:3). Restoration is pictured as a return to the paradise God first planted (Genesis 2:8). Ezekiel employs the same image of desolate land made like Eden (Ezekiel 36:35), and Isaiah 35:1-2 describes the desert blossoming and rejoicing.
- Isaiah 51:3 (BSB)“For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song.”The LORD promises to comfort Zion and make her ruins like Eden, full of joy.
- Genesis 2:8 (BSB)“And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, where He placed the man He had formed.”Eden was the garden the LORD God planted at the beginning.
- Ezekiel 36:35 (BSB)“Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’”Ezekiel also pictures a desolate land becoming like Eden.
- Isaiah 35:1-2 (BSB)“The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.”Isaiah earlier promised that the desert would bloom and rejoice.