Isaiah 62:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This is illustrated by the declaration, “And they shall call you by a new name, and the Lord shall call you by it.” It will no longer be known as the synagogue, but rather the church of the living God, His city and His dwelling place. As the divine David proclaims, “Glorious things have been spoken of thee, the city of God” (Ps. 86:3).

In response to this promise, the Church joyfully proclaims, "I will rejoice in the Lord," as expressed in the third Psalm, reflecting the joy of the repentant community: "I rejoice for those who have said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Ps. 121:1). The prophet speaks out, declaring, "For Zion's sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest." He emphasizes, day and night, he will keep his voice heard, continually crying out and joining prayers until the Promised One arrives, illuminating the cosmos with His glory. It is clear whom he seeks, and he desires this radiant One to appear, whose righteousness shall shine forth as a light, and whose salvation will blaze like a lamp. He who declared in the Gospel, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), though ignited in Zion and Jerusalem, will not only radiate in Judea but will be acknowledged as, "The light within you has ignited; having come forth from the Father, He has begun to shine among you, illuminating all nations." All kings, alongside Jerusalem and Zion, will gaze upon your glorious One, born of your lineage, who, when lifted high on the cross, drew all people to Himself. Through His divine righteousness, the Creator has shown mercy to the nations, and kings will witness His glory as He was exalted upon the cross, bringing all kingdoms under His dominion. Consequently, it shall not solely be known as Jerusalem and Zion but will receive a new name given by God, who addressed the apostle Peter, saying, "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 name is derived from God; thus, it will be recognized as the Church of the Lord. Its people will no longer carry the old name, Israelite, but will be referred to by the new name, Christian. It will stand as a crown in the hand of the Lord and as the diadem of sovereignty in the hand of its God. When the congregation of believers adorning it with victories comes forth, it will be embellished with the diadem of authority, with the martyrs adorning it with precious stones for God to crown His Son with their triumphs. Therefore, the apostle Paul also encouraged the saints, saying, "Gladden and crown me" (Phlp. 4:1).

The Lord conveyed this to the Apostle Peter, declaring, ‘You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it’ (Matt. 16:18). Thus, this divinely ordained name (My Church) indicates it shall be recognized as the Church of the Lord. Moreover, her followers will no longer be referred to by the former name, Israel, but will adopt a new identity, that of Christians.