Isaiah 62:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

God the Father has promised salvation through Christ to both Jews and Gentiles, as there is only one God, as the wise Paul articulates, who justifies both the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith; for God is not the God of the Jews alone, but also of all nations (Rom. 3:29, 30). Therefore, the Lord affirms that He will not rest until His truth emerges as a light, and His salvation is revealed as a lamp. Christ is and was the embodiment of truth and salvation for all who live on earth; for He, being the true light and a lamp in the darkness, brings justification and salvation. He proclaimed, 'When I am in the world, I am the light of the world' (John 9:5); for everything was shrouded in darkness and despair when the adversary obscured the hearts of all people, and no one was found who did good or who understood the truth or the path to salvation. None possessed the light of the divine within their hearts or could perceive with spiritual vision the One who is truly God, Creator, and Lord of all. But when the Savior emerged as a light and radiated like a lamp, the universe was illuminated at last, and through Him, we discerned the way to salvation.

The Lord and Savior declared, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me" (Isaiah 61:1), highlighting that all who see them will recognize that they are the offspring whom the Lord has blessed. In response to this promise, the Church proclaims, "I will rejoice in the Lord with joyous exultation," invoking the spirit of the repentant people, joyfully singing, "I rejoice for those who said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord'" (Ps. 121:1). The prophet's voice speaks clearly, saying, "For Zion's sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest." He vows, day and night, to keep proclaiming and crying out, joining his appeals until the Promised One arrives to enlighten the entire world with His glory.

And who is this One whose coming is longed for? It is made clear that He will appear as the radiance of His righteousness and as a light, with His salvation likened to a lamp. He who declared in the Gospel, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), though His light was first ignited in Zion and Jerusalem, will shine not just in Judea, but it will be proclaimed, "The light that is within you has been ignited; having come forth from the Father, He has begun to shine in your midst, illuminating all nations."

All kings, along with Jerusalem and Zion, will behold Your glorious One, born of Your lineage, who when lifted high on the cross, drew all people to Himself. Thus, all nations will recognize His righteousness, through which the Creator has shown mercy to them, and kings will see His glory revealed on the cross, where all kingdoms were brought into subjection under His rule. Hence, it will no longer be called Jerusalem and Zion, but will receive a new name given by God, who said to the apostle Peter, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). This designation originates from God, ensuring it will be known as the Church of the Lord.

The people will no longer bear the old name, Israelite, but rather the new name, that is, Christian. It shall serve as a crown in the hand of the Lord and as the royal diadem in the hand of its God, when the multitude of believers adorns it, with the diadem of power embellished by the martyrs' jewels, all in God's hand, so that He may crown His Son with their triumphs. This is why the apostle Paul expressed to the saints, "Gladden and crown me" (Philippians 4:1).

After all, God is the God not only of the Jews but also of the Gentiles (Rom 3:29). It is often stated that the phrase, “My truth and my salvation” (Is 62:1, LXX), is uttered in the name of God, who vows to bring it to pass. Truth and salvation—Christ is portrayed as the illuminating presence in the world, declaring, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (Jn 9:5)—for those who have been overshadowed by sin and transgression. He is again designated by truth and glory. For in Him, we have been justified and enriched with glory from Him. A new designation has been given to the renewal that has transformed life: the Church replaces the synagogue, as well as the house and city of God. As David proclaims: “Glorious things have been spoken of you, O city of God!” (Ps 86:3).

The truth has been entrusted solely to this Church, in which the means of sanctification and salvation are fully revealed. Therefore, because the Church of Christ, this New Testament Zion and Jerusalem, is the singular custodian of truth and the venue for sanctification and salvation on earth, its Founder will silently summon all people through the lips of His messengers. This call will persist until the end of the age, encouraging everyone to be saved and to attain knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4), until the brilliance of His truth, holiness, and salvation—secured for all by His precious blood on the cross—is made manifest to all.