John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 62:1

"For Zion`s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem`s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burneth." — Isaiah 62:1 (ASV)

On account of Zion I will not be silent. With that sad captivity being near, which was almost to erase the name of the whole nation, it was necessary to confirm and encourage believers with many words, so that with strong and assured confidence they could rely on these promises under the burden of the cross.

Here, therefore, the Prophet, fulfilling the office entrusted to him, openly declares that he will not be negligent in performing his duty, and will not stop speaking until he encourages the hearts of believers with the hope of future salvation, so that they may know and be fully convinced that God will be the deliverer of His Church.

He too might have been discouraged by the unbelief of that people, and might have lost courage when he saw that matters were growing worse every day, and when he foresaw that terrible vengeance. But, despite such great difficulties, he will still persevere in his duty, so that all may know that neither the massacre of the people nor their unbelief can prevent God from fulfilling His promises at the proper time.

And on account of Jerusalem I will not rest. It was necessary for these things to be frequently repeated, because such is the depravity of our minds that we quickly forget God’s promises.

When he says that he will not stop speaking, he also reminds others of their duty, so that they may take courage and expect their restoration with assured confidence, even if it is long delayed, and even so that their unwearied attention may respond to the voice of God, which constantly addresses them. We know by daily experience how necessary this is, as Satan endeavors by every method to turn us away from the right course.

At the same time, he shows what the aim of godly teachers ought to be: namely, to devote themselves entirely to the benefit of the Church. For when he says “on account of Zion,” he means that our primary concern ought to be the preservation of the Church, and that only those are good and faithful teachers who hold the salvation of the Church so dear that they spare no labor.

Some explain this as relating to prayer, but I prefer to refer it to doctrine. It is more natural to view it as meaning that no inconvenience or annoyance will wear out his patience, and no opposition will hinder him from continuing in the office of teaching that God has commanded him concerning the redemption of the Church.

For if he had survived that very sad calamity, the unbelieving multitude would undoubtedly have persecuted him, as well as the other Prophets, with many reproaches. But whatever may happen, he says that he is strengthened by unshakeable firmness, never to be silent out of shame, but to proceed with unceasing eagerness in his course. Besides, by this form of expression he lends credibility to his predictions and maintains their authority, so that, even when he is dead, they do not cease to be heard by believers.

Till her righteousness go forth as brightness. By “righteousness” he means the rights of the Church, for during the period of calamity, she appeared to be condemned. Her “righteousness,” therefore, “goes forth” when she is fully restored and regains her former state, for that righteousness was hidden during the captivity.

And her salvation. To “righteousness” he adds “salvation,” because those whom God justifies, or to whom He restores their rights, also regain their “salvation.” From this we infer that we are miserable and helpless as long as God withholds His grace from us on account of our sins.

Therefore, in other passages he frequently gave the name “the righteousness of God” to that which he here affirms to be the righteousness of the Church. Thus we are ruined while we are lacking the righteousness of God; that is, while we are complacent in our sins, and God shows Himself to be a strict judge by punishing us for them.

The phrase “go forth” means that the righteousness of the Church was hidden and, so to speak, buried for a time. She deserved no favor in God’s sight; but, on the contrary, her unspeakable iniquities prevailed to such an extent that nothing remained but God’s righteous vengeance.

But here the Prophet is considering those people who already looked upon the afflicted Church as lost, and by their pride and reproaches almost cast her down to hell.

May burn like a lamp. Finally, he compares her to the world and says that, with respect to the world, she will be righteous when God will have cleansed her of her sins and taken up her cause.

By these words, the Prophet teaches that we ought always to maintain hopeful expectations for the restoration of the Church, even if she is plunged into deep darkness and in the grave. For although for a time she is overwhelmed and hidden, yet she has God as her avenger in heaven, who, after having disciplined her moderately, will eventually show that she was the object of His care.

And indeed His righteousness must be glorious and evident, and that for the salvation of those whom He has chosen to be His people and heritage.