The Gentiles shall see, etc. A continuation of the account of Israel's final glory, as given in Isaiah 61:6-9. What the Gentiles are especially to see and admire is Israel's righteousness. This may point to those acknowledgments of the purity and excellence of the early Church which were made by the heathen (Plin; 'Epist.
,' 10.97), and which culminated in the saying, "See how these Christians love one another!" The sceptic Gibbon acknowledges, among the causes of the success of Christianity, "the virtues of the early Christians."
All kings (comp. Isaiah 49:7, Isaiah 49:23; Isaiah 60:3; Psalms 50:22:11). Thou shalt be called by a new name (comp. Isaiah 61:4 and 12; and see also Isaiah 65:15). It is not altogether clear what the "new name" is, since in the remainder of the present chapter more than one name is suggested.
Rosenmuller supposes" Hephzibah" to be meant. Dr. Kay suggests "the holy people," and notes that the title of "holy ones," or "saints," is given by St. Paul to all Christians (Acts 26:10; Romans 1:7; Romans 16:15; 1 Corinthians 1:2, etc.
). Mr. Cheyne thinks that it is some unknown title of honour, akin to that mentioned by Jeremiah "Jehovah our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 33:16). "New names" will be given to individual saints in the heavenly kingdom (Revelation 2:17; Revelation 3:12).