Background
The theme of this chapter is Zion will get new names. God is speaking as the first person in this chapter (v6). Zion was an unfaithful wife, forsaken by the Lord, but not divorced (50:1-3). Her trails will all be forgotten when she receives the new name: “Hephzibah”. God calls on watchmen to pray day and night until Jerusalem is established (v6), until her righteousness shines lout like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch (v1).
The names, or description of Zion in this chapter are many:
- Her righteousness shines out like the dawn (v1)
- Her salvation like a blazing torch (v1)
- The nations will see her righteousness (v2)
- All kings will see her glory (v2)
- She will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand (v3)
- She will be a royal diadem in the hand of her God (v3)
- She will no longer be called deserted, or desolate (v4)
- She will be called Hephzibah, meaning My delight is in her (v4)
- She will be called Beulah, meaning married (v4)
- God will rejoice over her (v5)
- She will be called the Holy People (v12)
- She will be called the Redeemed of the Lord (v12)
- She will be called Sought After (v12)
- She will be called the City No Longer Deserted (v12)