v1: "For Zion's sake," for God's calling is irrevocable; blessing will once more fall upon Jerusalem. Her righteousness, her salvation, will be manifest. The Lord's promises cannot be broken. Indeed, He will not rest until those things are fulfilled.

God's righteousness, manifest in and through Israel, will be seen throughout the world.

v2: God's faithfulness to Israel declared throughout the world. The new name, a sign of ownership and authority. But the blessing of God goes beyond Israel, and draws in Gentiles, who will share the blessings of God.

v3: The crown of glory, something honoured and exalted by God, by which His glory is declared; similarly, the royal diadem is a sign of God's authority.

v4-5: They will be changed, 60.15-18, no longer forsaken and desolate, but the Lord will delight in His people, her land will be "married." The words of 61.1-3, 7 will be fulfilled; God will rejoice in His people, and His people will rejoice in Him.

v6-7: Watchmen on the walls; the responsibility to pray, not to be silent. The true watchmen will give God no rest until the promises are fulfilled. In this respect, God's blessings come in answer to persistent prayer. Such prayer is motivated by God's own commitment to His people (v1).

v8-9: The people of God will enjoy a time of great prosperity; so different from the past, Deut 28.33,38-40,51; Judg 6.4-6. This is another sign of God's righteousness for Israel. Her judgments are ended. As they enjoy these blessings, they give praise to God.

v10: All these good things to come; therefore prepare the way; a prophecy of John Baptist's ministry, but also of a later time when God regathers His people.

v11-12: The message proclaimed; God's work will be manifest in the earth. The Saviour of Zion comes to His people;

• He comes with reward;
• the people set apart, holy and redeemed;
• the privileges of being the people of God are restored, as in v4.