In the first reading Isaiah insists he will not be silent; his hour to speak has come. This reading comes from near the end of the book of Isaiah, a part added after the Babylonian captivity when people returning from exile to rebuild their community face a land empty of life and promise. Other nations call Israel “Forsaken” and “Desolate.”
Isaiah compares Israel’s true relationship with God to a marriage, in which God calls the people “My Delight” and the land “Espoused.” The God who brings them home from Babylon will delight in Israel. God will espouse and enrich the land and the poor who believe and remain in faithful relationship.
You shall be called “My Delight.”
For Zion’s sake I will not be
silent; for Jerusalem’s sake
I will not be quiet until her
vindication shines forth
like the dawn and her victory
like a burning torch.
Nations will see your vindication;
all kings your glory.
You shall be called a new name,
pronounced by the mouth of God;
You shall be a glorious crown
in the hand of God,
a royal diadem held by your God.
No more will people call you
“Forsaken” or your land “Desolate.”
You shall be called “My Delight,”
for God delights in you
and takes your land as a spouse.
As a young man marries a virgin,
your builder will marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices
in his bride, so shall your God rejoice in you.
Isaiah 62.1-5
- In what ways have our lands gone to waste and call for vision and rebuilding?
- Who among us in our society and Church stand forsaken, desolate, and in need of friendship with God and with us? What one practical thing could you or your group do to gather them into the community?
- If you are male, how do you relate to being asked to identify with the bride in the poetry?