The homeward call.
"The prophet returns to the exiles in Babylon, and urges them not to delay their homeward march." It is the same call which resounded in the two former divisions of the prophecy (Isaiah 48:20; Isaiah 52:11).
I. THE WAY CLEARED. The gates of Babylon are to be thrown open. Invisible servants of Jehovah are to prepare the way (Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 57:14). A great highway (as in Isaiah 11:16) is seen stretching homeward, from which the party of pioneers is removing obstructions; and on high there floats a banner over the escort of Gentile people (Isaiah 44:22; Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 11:12).
II. THE PROCLAMATION. The news of the approaching salvation of Israel is to be published to the ends of the earth. Meanwhile Zion, by means of angelic or prophetic ministry, is to be informed of her coming deliverance. He who is Retributor and Compensator is at hand.
III. THE REALIZATION OF ZION'S DESTINY. The people are to be known once more by that great appellation given them in the Law (Exodus 19:6), the holy people, partaking of the nature of the holy God—by him redeemed, by him sanctified—a title which passed over into Christian use. In contrast to her former isolation and neglectedness (Jeremiah 30:17), the city will be "sought out," the object of the nations' love and care. In Christians as the elect, the beloved of God, in the Church as the "city set on a hill," or as a glorious and spotless bride, may be found the Christian fulfilment of these prophecies.—J.