Isaiah 51:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

There is no barrier to understanding these words as referring to Jerusalem; all the wonders performed were for the people, as he refers to Jerusalem. God acted, as it were, but these miracles were intended for the people. For this reason, the prophet directs his address to God to highlight that these acts were done by Him for the benefit of the people, particularly for Jerusalem. So, setting aside any apparent uncertainty—which is, in fact, no uncertainty—and returning to our original intent, we will interpret according to the Septuagint. Strengthen yourself, O power. By this, the prophet signifies the rejection of sinners. Just as at the end of an illness a person recovers and gains strength, after sin is purged, souls are rejuvenated. The dirt of sin depletes the soul's vigor and often leads to spiritual affliction. The woman bent low and the Corinthians who were weak due to sin (1 Cor. 11:30) bear witness to this truth. Do not claim that the body remains unblemished because of sin. Just as the clarity of the soul wanes from bodily ailments, so too does the body share in the affliction of the soul. And all this is an expression of God's mercy: the spirit is often unaware of its sickness and the afflictions of sinners, prompting God to allow the body to experience these struggles as well, so that we might be moved to address the evils binding us through physical suffering. If you wish, let's begin our examination with anger. Don’t you perceive how anger warps the body? Hence, the wise say, "A violent man is deformed" (Proverbs 11:25). That anger also damages the soul is clear from the following: "A gentle answer turns away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1). It is evident from the body's struggles—weighted by evil burdens—that the soul bears similar loads. Likewise, when the spirit is troubled, the body experiences that stress as well. Righteousness brings healing not only to souls but also to bodies, safeguarding them from decay, much like the cutting chill of winter. Arise, arise, Jerusalem! After your desolation, you lay in utter ruin: the city was not only demolished, but it also remained scattered amidst the ashes and consumed by the flames of sin. While your piety may have been merely verbal, it suffered greatly due to sin and wickedness; yet captivity ultimately fostered significant benefit. By what means was this accomplished? What caused Jerusalem's chastening, and how might it be freed from its harsh bonds? Concerning these matters, this same prophet teaches. He conveys that, just as Jerusalem's fall originated from its own actions, so too will its resurrection and restoration stem from within. Thus, he urges Jerusalem solely towards this. The connection between its fall and renewal emerges clearly in the call, "Arise as in the days of old, as in generations past." The prophet affirms and encourages Jerusalem toward this transformation.

It is evident that in these pronouncements, David the prophet refers to Christ, who was born from the lineage of David according to the flesh, as these prophetic words were uttered long after the death of the divine David. Paul, in his wisdom, speaks to the faith-driven calling of Israel’s descendants, which will manifest in due time; as he states, when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, then all Israel shall be saved (Rom. 11:25, 26). In another instance, he addresses the Gentile believers, likening them to branches of an olive tree, saying, “But if some of the branches were broken off so that you might be grafted in, do not boast over the branches; for you do not support the root, but the root supports you” (Rom. 11:17, 18). And as you were severed from the wild olive tree and joined to the cultivated one, those who are by nature will return to their own olive tree (Rom. 11:24). Thus he cries out, O Jerusalem, arise. This echoes what the holy Paul communicated to others: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee” (Eph. 5:14). Therefore, awake or rise from the dead, and don the strength of your might—not the bodily strength, but the spiritual vigor of the soul, which signifies the realization of virtue. For it is evident that Israel, in its rebellion against Christ, has become weary, yet when they turn back and find sobriety, they will regain the strength of Christ. The Lord calls to them through the prophet, “Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity” (Hosea 14:2). Jeremiah also speaks on behalf of Christ, our Savior, declaring, “Behold, I will bring distress upon these people; both fathers and sons together shall perish, and neighbors and friends shall be lost” (Jeremiah 6:21). Truly, through their rebellion against Christ, Israel has drifted far from the ability to uphold what is essential for a good and righteous life. Yet He urges them to rise as at the beginning of the day, as in the generation of old, so that they may strive to return to their former state, that of the original creation before man fell into the snare of the devil and neglected the divine command. Christ transforms us into such a being and restores in us the original beauty of our nature, imprinting His image within us, for we were created in His likeness. Similarly, Paul writes to those who once believed but foolishly turned back to the shadows of the law, saying, “My little children, for whom I am again in anguish until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19).

The Lord encouraged those who put their faith in Him, saying, Do not fear the insults of men or be dismayed by their slander, and He promised them salvation and everlasting righteousness as their aid, which is no other than Christ, the strength of the Lord, of whom it is stated, and on My strength shall the tribes place their hope. Consequently, the people speak to the Lord's might and pray for its arrival, asking for the promised assistance, saying, Awake, awake, and don strength, O arm of the Lord. Arise, as in former days, and reveal all Your power, that You, who have saved Your saints from peril for countless ages, may also shield us with Your strength. For You have toppled the mountains, and You struck down the dragon, which refers to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who is designated by Ezekiel as the great dragon. You parted the Red Sea, enabling Your people to traverse the mighty waters and depths while escaping from the pursuing Egyptians. Therefore, You, who have accomplished this, bring back those who have been redeemed and saved by Your blood to Zion and the heavenly Jerusalem, or to Your Church, which You have prepared for Yourself through Your sacrifice, where they shall rejoice with everlasting joy, and proclaim, Lord, You have adorned us with a crown of favor. For they shall experience joy and gladness at the departure of sorrow and lament. This aligns with the original Hebrew text. However, according to the Seventy, Jerusalem, symbolizing the wayward soul, is called to embrace the power of her strength and to recall her former deeds as she existed before the fall, when she dwelled in light and purity. For it is said, you have traversed the expansive path leading to death, overcoming the dragon, the twisting serpent, of whom the Psalms state: You have crushed the heads of the serpents in the waters. Remember your former might, when you walked upon the sea of this age, rendering it desolate and forging a path through its waves. Hence, the Apostle Peter also walked through the sea of this age to the Lord, and although he moved in faith, he began to sink due to doubt, had it not been for the sustaining hand of the Lord. Just as the initial victory was achieved through divine assistance, so too will He extend His hand to those who repent and heed His words: He who stumbles shall not sing, says the Lord, and Return, you wayward children, and I will heal your brokenness. He guides them back to Zion and elevates them to the highest virtues with everlasting joy, placing a crown of praise and gladness upon their heads. For the wisdom of the wise resides within, and they shall wear this crown and cover themselves with this diadem, rejoicing and constantly praising the Lord, for their grief, sorrow, and sighing have been transformed into joy.