Matthew Henry Commentary Isaiah 54:1-5

"Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith Jehovah. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not: lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes. For thou shalt spread aboard on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall possess the nations, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth; and the reproach of thy widowhood shalt thou remember no more. For thy Maker is thy husband; Jehovah of hosts is his name: and the Holy One of Israel is thy Redeemer; the God of the whole earth shall he be called." — Isaiah 54:1-5 (ASV)

Observe the low state of religion in the world for a long time before Christianity was brought in. But by preaching the gospel, multitudes were converted from idols to the living God. This is a matter of great rejoicing to the church.

The boundaries of the church were extended. Though its state on earth is merely humble and movable, like a tent or tabernacle, it is sometimes a growing state and must be enlarged as the family increases. But the more numerous the church grows, the more she must fortify herself against errors and corruptions.

Thy Maker is thy Husband. Christ is the Holy One of Israel, the Mediator of the covenant made with the Old Testament church. Long he had been called the God of Israel; but now he shall be called the God of the whole earth.

And he will cleanse from sin and cause every true believer to rejoice in this sacred union. We can never admire this mercy enough, or duly value this privilege.