Isaiah 49:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They began to partake in the bread from heaven and drink the living water, of which Christ spoke to the Samaritan woman, saying: “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).

The prophet Isaiah, referring to those justified by faith and who align their thoughts with the Gospel's revelations, said: “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 shall be struck by heat and sun below, as Christ has become their protector, who also provided a cloud by day for the Israelites and guided them with a pillar of fire at night. Thus, He declares they will be sheltered from the sun and the heat, meaning they will enjoy God’s protection, preventing them from facing burdens or temptations that cause fear.

The Apostle Paul reiterated this sentiment: “God is faithful, who will not leave you to be tempted any more than you can bear, but will create with the temptation a way of escape, that you may be able to endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13). This idea aligns with the notion: “He who has mercy on them will comfort them, for he will lead them through the springs of water, and will level every mountain in their path.” Here, He refers to the holy Prophets, Apostles, and Evangelists as sources of spiritual refreshment from whom we can draw life-giving and divine words that fortify our souls in devotion and grant us spiritual joy, as it is written: “And you shall draw water with gladness from the fountain of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3).

The passage that promises there is no challenging or unreachable task for those saved by Christ is reflected in the assertion: “I will put every mountain in the way.” While the pursuit of glory—through virtues such as self-discipline, purity, generosity, endurance, kindness, and love—may seem daunting to many, the Savior has revealed that the path is made smooth and accessible for those who strive to walk it. This thought is further confirmed by a prophet who declared: “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain” (Isaiah 40:4). Additionally, it is stated that “the way of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make smooth the path of the righteous” (Isaiah 26:7).

Furthermore, as those whom He called grew in number, gathered from across the globe, it was noted: “These shall come from afar, and these from the north and the sea, and some from the land of Persia.” The reference to “afar off” likely indicates southern regions, while “the north” denotes the northern lands, and “the sea” corresponds to the western territories. The Psalmist also mentions this, declaring, “Thou hast made the north and the sea” (Psalms 88:13). Eastern lands, particularly the realm of the Persians, may also be inferred, as they are located in the east. Alternatively, this could refer to the wise men who worshiped Him, who traveled to Judea with inquiries, saying: “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). After paying homage, they honored Him with gifts of gold and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). The Psalmist speaks of Christ, our Savior, proclaiming: “And he shall live, and it shall be given him of the gold of Arabia” (Psalm 71:15), alluding to Arabia as the territory of the Persians.

Behold, some will arrive from a great distance, some from the north and the sea, and others from the land of the south. Rejoice, O heavens, and let the earth be glad; let the mountains resound with joy, for the Lord has comforted His people and has compassion for the needy. The apostle Paul referenced this when writing to the Corinthians, stating, "In a time of good pleasure I will hear you, and in the day of salvation I will help you. Now is the time favorable" (2 Cor. 6:2).

If, therefore, the chosen vessel interprets the initial coming in this manner, we will follow his lead, allowing his teachings to guide us. The appointed time is indeed favorable and the day of salvation is marked by the Savior's suffering and resurrection, during which He cried out on the cross, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46). He secured this promise when He triumphed over death and offered it as a covenant to the Jewish people, specifically to those willing to believe; to redeem the land lost in idolatry and reclaim the forsaken inheritances that lacked the presence of God; and to call to those ensnared, "Come forth"—held by the chains of sin, for every individual is ensnared by their own transgressions (Proverbs 5:22), and to those dwelling in darkness: "Reveal yourselves." They sat in the depths of darkness and the shadow of death, unable to perceive the light. Yet when they turn to behold the radiant light of Christ, they will find sustenance along the paths of Holy Scripture, declaring: "The Lord shepherds me, and I shall not be in want; even in evil places, You prepare a table for me, and lead me beside still waters" (Psalm 22:1).

Those nurtured along such paths will know neither hunger, thirst, nor the afflictions of the sun, and what is written about them will come to pass: "In those days the sun will not smite you, nor the moon by night" (Psalm 120:6), shielding them from the misfortunes of this world. For the merciful and gracious Lord Himself will comfort and guide them, leading them to the springs of water, or giving them drink from the sources spoken of, "Bless the Lord from the fountain of Israel" (Psalm 67:27). Moreover, it is said, "Draw waters from the well of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3). Such springs exist both in the Old and New Testaments. The Lord will clear all barriers that may obstruct the journey of believers, lowering the exalted and raising the humble so that their path may remain smooth and wide. Who are these for whom the way is made straight? It is clearly stated: "Behold, some will come from a distance; some will come from the north and the sea; and others from the land of the south." By naming the four corners of the earth—east, north, west, and south—He refers to those from afar instead of just the east, and for the south, the Hebrew text mentions "Sinim," which the Seventy translate as the Persians. Others have interpreted the Hebrew "Sinim" as referring to Mount Sinai, located in the southern region, in alignment with the prophet Habakkuk's declaration: "God shall come from the south, and the Holy One from Mount Paran" (Hab. 3:3). If we interpret "the Blue" to mean, as the LXX does, the Persians from the east, then what is stated about those coming from afar may pertain to the south. Both heaven and earth, alongside the powers above and below, have been summoned to sing praises to God. Let those who reside in the heights of virtue express the joy that fills their hearts. For the Lord has comforted His people, namely those among the Jews who are ready to believe, and has shown mercy to the downtrodden and humble, or all His people—called from the east and west, north and south—who were devoid of law, prophets, or spiritual riches; forsaken, impoverished, and humiliated, they found themselves enslaved to every kind of evil.