Context for Isaiah 51:17-52:12
Jerusalem and Babylon are two enduring images used throughout the Bible, the former to describe God’s promises and Heaven, the latter to describe mankind’s depraved defiance of its creator. By using this imagery, God communicates to us our nature and the nature of the promises He makes to us.
As Christians, we look forward to the coming of a city. At first glance, such a statement seems off. After all, are we not waiting for our Savior to return? Indeed, we are, but with our returning Savior will come the fulfillment of the promises of eternity, among them the establishment of the New Jerusalem, the reconsecration of God’s promises to mankind made before we fell into sin.
This is a promise we can now only dimly perceive because of our sinful state, but the imagery of a beautiful city at the height of its glory with God as its center and strength is enough for us to hope for. Through faith in Jesus Christ, each of us will reach that goal when we are gathered to Him and to that City on the last day.
DLH
