Isaiah 49:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This expectation is shared by the righteous Simeon, who, holding the child Jesus, glorified God with these words: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people" (Luke 2:29-32). Alternatively, this may refer to the redeemed themselves, who rejoice at the feast and honor the Redeemer with fitting praises.

The mountains that burst forth with joy symbolize, as I mentioned earlier, the intellectual Powers elevated in virtue, or the ministers of the Gospel who proclaim the works of Christ, filling the earth with spiritual delight. They announce that God has mercy on His people and comforts the humble. All have been forgiven, for Christ has shone upon them, unmistakably delivering them from the grip of the adversary and the harshness of demons. They have been liberated from the sin that once governed them and from the chains of death, enriched with grace and the gift of peace, made partakers of the Holy Spirit, illuminated by the glory of sonship, and filled with a hope that transcends understanding.

However, consider the prophet's words: "Comfort the humble of his people." The humble are understood to be those who have submitted themselves obediently to Christ, not shunning the yoke of His kingdom. They have received faith and are ready to serve and worship Him in spirit and truth. In contrast, those who reject faith are not humble; rather, they raise their horns high and speak unrighteousness against Him, displaying arrogance before the priests by exalting their minds in pride. They are not privileged with spiritual comfort, as they are unworthy, for what fellowship does a believer have with the unfaithful? as it is written (2 Cor. 6:15).

Rejoice, O heavens, and make the earth glad; let the mountains sing for joy, for the Lord has comforted His people and will show mercy to His afflicted. The apostle Paul referenced this in his second letter to the Corinthians, saying, “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 applies this to the first coming, we will adhere to his interpretation and, like eager students, will inscribe the teachings of the master. The time is opportune, and the day of salvation is characterized by the suffering and resurrection of the Savior, who cried out from the cross, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46). He shaped it, overcoming death, and bestowed it as a covenant upon the Jewish people—specifically upon those willing to believe. Thus, He aimed to rectify the land that had succumbed to idolatry, reclaiming the forsaken inheritances that were devoid of God; to declare to those bound in sin, "Come forth," as they are shackled by their transgressions (Prov. 5:22), and to those enveloped in darkness, "Show yourselves." They dwelt in the shadows of death, unable to perceive the light. However, when they turn to the illuminating presence of Christ, they will wander along the paths of Scripture, proclaiming, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" (Psalm 23:1, 23:4). Those who are led along such paths will not experience hunger, thirst, or the oppressive heat of the sun; for it is written that "the sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night" (Psalm 121:6), allowing them to be free from the troubles of this world. For the compassionate Lord will personally comfort and guide them, bringing them to springs of water, of which it is said, “Blessed are You, O God, from the fountain of Israel” (Psalm 67:27). In another passage, “You will draw waters from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). Such springs are present in both the Old and New Testaments. The Lord will remove all barriers that may impede the progress of the faithful, lowering the lofty and elevating the humble, ensuring the path ahead is clear. He defines those for whom the way is made smooth: behold, some shall come from far away, from the north, from the sea, and others from the south. In reaching out to the four corners of the world, He substitutes "afar" for "east," and for “the southern land,” the Hebrew interprets as “Sinim,” which the Seventy translate as "Persians." Some have suggested the interpretation of "Sinim" refers to Mount Sinai, located in the south, as indicated by the prophet Habakkuk: "God came from the south, and the Holy One from Mount Paran" (Hab. 3:3). If the "southeast" is understood to mean "Persians" from the east, then the mention of "afar" may refer to the south. It is declared to the heavens and the earth, including celestial beings and humanity, to raise songs of praise to God. Those of great virtue are encouraged to express with joy and exuberance the happiness that fills their hearts. The Lord has consoled His people—those Jews willing to believe—and shown compassion to the humble and the meek. He called them from every direction, east and west, north and south, even those who were without law, prophets, or spiritual wealth, who were abandoned, impoverished, and oppressed by all manner of evil.