Isaiah 49:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They began to partake of the bread from heaven and to drink the living water, of which Christ stated to the Samaritan woman: "Every one that drinketh of this water shall be thirsty again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall not be thirsty for ever: but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a spring of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:13-14). Furthermore, the prophet Isaiah remarked about those who are justified through faith and yield their minds to the truths of the Gospel: "This one shall dwell in a high cave of rock: bread shall be given him, and his water shall be sure" (Isaiah 33:16). Yet, they will face the scorching heat below, as Christ has become their protector, having sent a cloud by day for the Israelites and guiding them with a pillar of fire by night. Thus, He states that they shall be sheltered from the sun and the heat; meaning they will have God's protection, preventing anything burdensome or fear-inducing from befalling them. The apostle Paul similarly affirmed: "God is faithful, who will not leave you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape" (1 Corinthians 10:13). This sentiment is reflected in the phrase: "He who has mercy on them will comfort them; for he will guide them through the springs of water, and will level every mountain in the path of his flock." Here, the holy Prophets, Apostles, and Evangelists are depicted as springs, through whom we wisely draw the life-giving and divine Word, which strengthens our souls in devotion and provides spiritual sweetness, as it is stated: "And you shall draw water with gladness from the fountain of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3).

It is clear that those who are redeemed by Christ can overcome any challenge, as illustrated by the declaration: "I will level every mountain." It may appear daunting for many to attain righteousness through abstinence, purity, generosity, patience, kindness, love, and other virtues. However, the Savior has made our path smooth and accessible, ensuring that the seemingly impassable avenues are made level for those who desire to walk them. This is further confirmed by the words of another holy prophet: "Every valley shall be raised, and every mountain and hill shall be made low" (Isaiah 40:4). Again, it is stated: "The path of the just is upright, and the way of the just is made plain" (Isaiah 26:7). Regarding the calling of many, gathering them from every corner of the earth, it has been foretold: "These shall come from afar, and these from the north and the sea, and some from the land of Persia." The term "from afar" likely refers to southern regions, the "north" to northern lands, and "the sea" to areas in the west. The Psalmist also reflects this when saying, "Thou hast made the north and the sea" (Psalms 88:13). The mention of Persia may refer to the east, recognizing the land of the Persians. Alternatively, it can indicate the wise men who came from the east, inquiring about the King of the Jews: "We saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2), and after worshipping Him, they presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). This is echoed in the Psalmist’s words when he speaks of Christ, our Saviour: "And he shall live, and it shall be given him of the gold of Arabia" (Psalms 71:15), whereby he identifies Arabia as the territory of the Persians.

Sing for joy, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth; mountains, burst into joyful song: for the Lord has comforted His people and shows compassion to His afflicted. The apostle Paul referenced this in his second letter to the Corinthians, stating, “In an acceptable time, I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Now is the acceptable time” (2 Cor. 6:2). If the chosen vessel interprets this passage in the context of the first coming, we will follow his example, learning from the teachings provided. This time is indeed a moment of grace, and the day of salvation is marked by the Saviour's suffering and resurrection, as He cried from the cross, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46). He shaped this covenant when He triumphed over death, granting it to the Jewish people who were willing to believe; to restore the land that had fallen into idolatry and to reclaim the forsaken inheritances that had no presence of God. To those bound by sin, He calls, "Come forth," for each person is ensnared by sin's captivity (Proverbs 5:22), and to those in darkness, He says, "Reveal yourselves." They have sat in darkness and the shadow of death, unable to see the light. Yet upon turning to the radiant light of Christ, they will find nourishment along the paths of the Holy Scriptures, proclaiming, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:1). Those who follow such paths will not experience hunger, thirst, nor the scorching sun, for it is written, “The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night” (Psalm 121:6), allowing them to be free of the tribulations and pleasures of this world. The merciful and gracious Lord will provide comfort and direction, leading them to the springs of living water, as it is written, “Blessed is he who comes from the fountain of Israel” (Psalm 68:27). Moreover, it is stated, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). Such springs are present in both the Old and New Testaments. The Lord will remove any hindrances to the advancement of believers, leveling the lofty and raising the low, so that their journey remains clear and accessible. And whom does He prepare a pathway for? He articulates this clearly: Behold, some shall come from afar, some from the north and the sea, and others from the south. In identifying the four cardinal directions, rather than naming east explicitly, He refers to afar; for the southern region, the Hebrew text mentions Sinim, which the Seventy translated as Persians. Others interpret it as concerning Mount Sinai, located in the southern regions, in agreement with the prophet Habakkuk, “God comes from Teman and the Holy One from Mount Paran” (Hab. 3:3). Should we understand “the Blue” as referring to the Persians of the east according to the LXX, then from afar may indeed signify the south. Both heaven and earth, along with their powers, whether angels or men, are called to sing praises to God, with those of great virtue expressing the joyous exultation within their hearts. For the Lord has comforted His people, namely those Jews who are willing to believe, and He has shown mercy to the poor and humble, summoning His people from the east and west, north and south, who lack law, prophets, or spiritual prosperity; instead, they are forsaken, impoverished, and downtrodden, subjected to all forms of evil.