• “A New Name”
    Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind II

    • 9. Describe the transformation of Zion.

      9 The giving of a new name is part of the delightful transformation of heavenly Zion as represented by her earthly children. We read: “No more will you be said to be a woman left entirely; and your own land will no more be said to be desolate; but you yourself will be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Owned as a Wife. For Jehovah will have taken delight in you, and your own land will be owned as a wife.” (Isaiah 62:4) Earthly Zion has been desolate since her destruction in 607 B.C.E. Jehovah’s words, however, assure her of the restoration and repopulation of her land. Once-ravaged Zion will no longer be a woman left entirely, and her land will no longer be desolate. The restoration of Jerusalem in 537 B.C.E. means a new condition for her, in complete contrast with her formerly ruined state. Jehovah declares that Zion will be called “My Delight Is in Her,” and her land, “Owned as a Wife.”​—Isaiah 54:1, 5, 6; 66:8; Jeremiah 23:5-8; 30:17; Galatians 4:27-31.

      10. (a) How was the Israel of God transformed? (b) What is the “land” of the Israel of God?

      10 Starting in 1919 a similar change was experienced by the Israel of God. During the first world war, anointed Christians appeared to be disowned by God. But in 1919 their favored status was restored, and their way of worship, purified. This affected their teachings, their organization, and their activity. The Israel of God came into its “land,” its spiritual estate, or realm of activity.​—Isaiah 66:7, 8, 20-22.

      11. How do the Jews take ownership of their mother as a wife?

      11 Stressing further the new, favored position of his people, Jehovah declares: “Just as a young man takes ownership of a virgin as his wife, your sons will take ownership of you as a wife. And with the exultation of a bridegroom over a bride, your God will exult even over you.” (Isaiah 62:5) How can the Jews, the “sons” of Zion, take ownership of their mother as a wife? In that Zion’s returning sons released from Babylonian exile take possession of their old capital city and settle in her once again. When that happens, Zion is no longer desolate but filled with sons.​—Jeremiah 3:14.

      12. (a) In what way has Jehovah made it clear that anointed Christians are part of the organization that is joined in marriage to him? (b) How do Jehovah’s dealings with his people provide a lofty model for marriage today? (See box on page 342.)

      12 In a parallel way, since 1919 the children of heavenly Zion have taken possession of their land, their spiritual estate, which has the prophetic name “Owned as a Wife.” Their Christian activity in that land has made it evident that these anointed Christians are the “people for [Jehovah’s] name.” (Acts 15:14) Their bringing forth the fruits of the Kingdom and publishing Jehovah’s name have made it plain that Jehovah takes delight in these Christians. He has made it clear that they are part of the organization that is joined to him in unbreakable unity. By anointing these Christians with holy spirit, liberating them from spiritual captivity, and using them to preach the Kingdom hope to all mankind, Jehovah has demonstrated that he rejoices over them with the joy of a bridegroom over a bride.​—Jeremiah 32:41.

      “Let There Be No Silence on Your Part”

      13, 14. (a) In ancient times, how does Jerusalem become a city providing safety? (b) In modern times, how has Zion become “a praise in the earth”?

      13 The figurative new name given by Jehovah makes his people feel secure. They know that he acknowledges them and that they are owned by him.