As we return to the book of Isaiah it is after a section which spoke of God’s judgment on the nations that surround Israel and on the wider world.

This chapter is a story of two cities. The first city (v1-5) is the city of the world which is in opposition to the Lord. Here is a song of thanksgiving for the Lord’s judgment on this city of the world. Despite their rebellion against the Lord, He will still be glorified through them in their judgment.

The chapter moves to focus on the city of God (v6-12). Isaiah has been warning God’s people of judgment coming on them from the Assyrian and then Babylonian invasions. But after these events there is the promise of Jerusalem being restored and becoming a great blessing to others.

This prophecy will have two layers of fulfilment. The first is after the return from exile, but it is also clear that what is being spoken of here also includes blessing that is beyond this world and in the world to come (v8).

Isaiah is reminding the people of Jerusalem two things which they seem to have forgotten. The first is that they have been called to be a blessing to other nations. This should have happened by them remaining faithful to God and being distinct from the nations around them. Sadly, when they became like other nations, they ceased to be a blessing.

The second thing they have forgotten is that they were called to glorify the Lord who was their Saviour (v9). They turned away from the true God and instead brought dishonour and obscurity to His name.