Isaiah 52

This chapter is part of the prophecies of comfort and restoration that begin in chapter 40 of Isaiah. The call "Awake" heard in Isaiah 51 is addressed to Zion once again at the opening of this chapter.

Outline

• Verses 1–2 Zion and Jerusalem are called to awake, to put on strength and beautiful garments, to shake off the dust, and to loose the bands from their neck.
• Verses 3–6 The people who were sold for nothing will be redeemed (that is, bought back at a price) without money. Recalling the oppression by Egypt and Assyria, the passage declares that in that day the people will know the name of the Lord.
• Verses 7–10 The feet of the one who brings good tidings are celebrated in song. The watchmen see the Lord returning to Zion and sing together, and all the ends of the earth see the salvation of God.
• Verses 11–12 The people are commanded to depart and go out from there and to touch no unclean thing. Because the Lord guards His people before and behind, they will not go out in haste as though fleeing.
• Verses 13–15 The Servant of the Lord is declared to deal prudently and to be highly exalted. He whose visage was once so marred that people were astonished at him will now astonish the nations.

Key Verses

• Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings" — Paul quotes this verse in Romans 10:15 when speaking of the proclamation of the gospel.
• Isaiah 52:13 "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently" — the beginning of the so-called fourth "Servant Song," which continues through chapter 53.

People and Places

• The Servant of the Lord: The figure in verses 13–15 who is exalted after suffering. See Suffering Servant.
• Zion and Jerusalem: The city called to awake and arise.
• Egypt and Assyria: Mentioned as nations that oppressed the people in the past.

Interpretive Considerations

The text of verse 11 does not name the place meant by "from thence." From the context, it is commonly read as referring to the return from exile out of the Babylonian captivity.

Interpretations differ on the identity of the Servant in verses 13–15. Jewish tradition generally understands the Servant to be the community of Israel. Christian tradition reads this song, together with Isaiah 53, as a messianic prophecy of the suffering and exaltation of Jesus Christ.

The New Testament quotes this chapter several times:

• Verse 5: Romans 2:24
• Verse 11: 2 Corinthians 6:17
• Verse 15: Romans 15:21

In the Korean Church

Verse 7, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet," is frequently quoted in sermons on evangelism and missions.