Bible Commentaries

Verses 1-12

Having thus dealt with the material prosperity, and with the spiritual realization, the prophet now describes in greater detail the vocational fulfilment. Speaking as in the midst of circumstances of incompleteness, he declares his desire, and avows his determination neither to hold his peace nor to rest until the people of God fulfil His ideal, so that He is vindicated among the nations. There is no uncertainty in his heart, for he declares his conviction that the people shall yet be called Hephzibah rather than Forsaken, and their land Beulah rather than Desolate.