Font Size
The opening verse is a reference to the first servant song in 42:1, “I will put my Spirit on him.” The prophet sees his role as the fulfillment of the servant’s task. It seemed to the exiles that the promised vision of 40:1-11; 49:25; 52:2, 7-12; 55:12-13 had been delayed. The prophet is called to announce that the vision is still valid. Comfort, peace, freedom, and security will once again prevail.
Vv.4-7 return to themes of the infusion and subordination of foreign people along with their riches. Finally, the prophet sings a song of gladness on behalf of all Zion. Salvation and righteousness will indeed become the primary rule of society. It is important for the prophet to insist that the earlier glorious vision is still viable and sure. The recurring and persistent insistence upon this fact reinforces our suspicion that in the early days of the restoration, the vision seemed to have waned.