Isaiah 62:10 - Meaning and Application

This, like many similar passages before it, first speaks of the Jews being delivered from Babylon. In that event, it also points ahead to the greater redemption Jesus Christ would bring, and to the good news of grace and freedom proclaimed through him.

A way will be made for this salvation. Every obstacle will be removed, and whatever blocks it will be taken out of the way (Isaiah 62:10). The gates of Babylon will be opened so the captives can pass through freely. The road from Babylon to the land of Israel will be prepared, with raised paths made through wet and muddy places, and stones cleared away from rough, rocky ground. In the right places, guiding banners will be set up so the people can gather together for safety and encouragement.

This is like the work of John the Baptist, who was sent to prepare the way for the Lord (Matthew 3:3). And before Christ comes to anyone with his grace and comfort, the way is prepared by repentance, that is, turning from sin, which is called the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). In one place the way is made level, and in the other the traveler’s feet are fitted for the journey. The meaning is the same in both cases, because both are meant to ready the people for the road.

Notice will also be given of this salvation (Isaiah 62:11, Isaiah 62:12). It will be announced to the captives that they have been set free and may leave if they choose. It will be proclaimed to their neighbors, to everyone around them, and to the ends of the earth, that God has defended Zion’s right, even though she had been wronged and despised. Zion is to be told, for her comfort, “Look, your salvation is coming,” meaning her Savior is coming with salvation.

He will bring a work and a reward that will be admired by all. That reward includes comfort and peace with him, but first there will be a work of humility and reform in his people, preparing them for the blessing that comes after suffering. Then, with respect to both his work and his reward, they will be called the holy people and the redeemed of the Lord. The work done in them and on them will mark them out as holy people, freed from their love of idols and set apart for God alone. The deliverance done for them will mark them as the redeemed of the Lord, redeemed in a way only God could do, and redeemed in order to belong to him. Their chains will be broken so they can become his servants.

Jerusalem will then be called Sought Out, a city not forsaken. For many years she had been left alone, and there were no traders or worshipers asking the way to Jerusalem as they once had when the city was full of life. But God will make her important again. She will be sought out, visited, and made a place people come to. When Jerusalem is called a holy city, she is also called sought out, because holiness gives any person or place honor and beauty. It draws respect and makes people admire, love, and ask after it.

Since this announcement is made to the ends of the earth, it must also point to the gospel of Christ, which was to be preached to every creature. This shows the glory of Christ. The message is first announced to the church, and from there it goes out to every nation: “Look, your salvation is coming.” Christ is not only the Savior, he is also salvation itself, for the believer’s happiness is not only from him, but in him (Isaiah 12:2). His salvation includes both the work he does and the reward he brings with him, so those who belong to him will not be idle or lose their labor.

It also shows the beauty of the church. Christians will be called saints, the holy people, because they are chosen and called to salvation through being made holy (Colossians 1:2). They will be called the redeemed of the Lord, because their freedom comes from him, and so their service belongs to him as well. They should not be ashamed to own both names. None are truly the redeemed of the Lord unless they are also the holy people, for the people God has bought for himself are a holy nation.

They will also be called Sought Out. God will seek them out and find them wherever they are scattered, hidden, or lost in the crowd. People will also seek them out in order to join themselves to them, and not leave them. It is good to keep company with the holy people, so that we may learn their ways, and with the redeemed of the Lord, so that we may share in the blessings of redemption.