Chapter Twenty-three

“A New Name”

Isaiah 62:1-12

1. What assurance is recorded in Isaiah chapter 62?

REASSURANCE, comfort, hope of restoration​—that is what despondent Jews in Babylon need. Several decades have passed since Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed. Some 500 miles [800 km] away from Babylon, Judah lies desolate, and the Jews seem to have been forgotten by Jehovah. What can improve their situation? Promises from Jehovah that he will bring them back home and allow them to restore pure worship. Then such descriptions as “left entirely” and “desolate” will be replaced by names denoting God’s approval. (Isaiah 62:4; Zechariah 2:12) Chapter 62 of Isaiah is full of these promises.

2. In what way does Jehovah again show favor to Zion?

² Babylon is overthrown in 539 B.C.E. Thereafter, King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree enabling God-fearing Jews to return to Jerusalem and restore Jehovah’s worship. (Ezra 1:2-4) In 537 B.C.E., the first returning Jews are back in their homeland. Jehovah once again shows favor to Jerusalem, as is reflected in the warmth of his prophetic declaration: “For the sake of Zion I shall not keep still, and for the sake of Jerusalem I shall not stay quiet until her righteousness goes forth just like the brightness, and her salvation like a torch that burns.”​—Isaiah 62:1.

3. (a) Why is earthly Zion finally rejected by Jehovah, and who replaces her? (b) What falling away occurs, and when, and in what period are we living today?

³ In 537 B.C.E., Jehovah fulfilled his promise to restore Zion, or Jerusalem. Her inhabitants experienced salvation by him, and their righteousness shone brightly.

“A New Name” Given by Jehovah

6. What does Jehovah have in mind for Zion?

⁶ What does Jehovah have in mind for Zion, his heavenly “woman,” represented by ancient Jerusalem? He states: “The nations will certainly see your righteousness, O woman, and all kings your glory. And you will actually be called by a new name, which the very mouth of Jehovah will designate.” (Isaiah 62:2) As the Israelites act in righteousness, the nations are forced to look on attentively. Even kings are forced to acknowledge that Jehovah is using Jerusalem and that any rulership they exercise pales into insignificance beside Jehovah’s Kingdom.​—Isaiah 49:23.

7. What does Zion’s new name signify?

⁷ Jehovah now confirms the changed condition of Zion by giving her a new name. That new name signifies the blessed condition and honored status enjoyed by Zion’s earthly children beginning in 537 B.C.E.a It shows that Jehovah acknowledges Zion as belonging to him.

8. In what ways has Jehovah honored Zion?

⁸ Having given Zion her new name, Jehovah now promises: “You must become a crown of beauty in the hand of Jehovah, and a kingly turban in the palm of your God.” (Isaiah 62:3) Jehovah holds up his symbolic wife, heavenly Zion, to be viewed with admiration. (Psalm 48:2; 50:2) The crown of beauty and the “kingly turban” indicate that she is clothed with honor and authority. (Zechariah 9:16)

‘Jehovah Has Taken Delight in You’

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.