This chapter, probably closely connected in sense with the preceding, and growing out of the great truths there revealed respecting the work of the Messiah, contains a promise of the enlargement, the moral renovation, and the future glory of the kingdom of God, especially under the Messiah. Like the preceding and succeeding chapters, it may have been primarily designed to give consolation to the exiles in Babylon, but it was consolation to be derived from what would occur in distant times under the Messiah, and in the spread of the true religion. Few and feeble as they were then; oppressed and captive; despised and apparently forsaken, they were permitted to look forward to future days, and had the assurance of a vast increase from the Gentile world, and of permanent glory. The design of the whole chapter is consolatory, and is a promise of what would certainly result from the purpose of sending the Messiah to die for the world.
The chapter may be regarded as divided into the following portions:
I. An address to the people of God, or to Jerusalem, regarded as then feeble, and promising great enlargement Isaiah 54:1-6.
1. Promise of a great increase, under a two-fold image; first, Of a woman who had been barren, and who subsequently had many children Isaiah 54:1; and, secondly, Of a tent that was to be enlarged, in order to accommodate those who were to dwell in it Isaiah 54:2-3.
2. The foundation of this promise or assurance, that Yahweh was the husband and protector of his people Isaiah 54:4-6.
II. The covenant which Yahweh had made with his people was firm and immovableIsaiah 54:7 Isaiah 54:7, Isaiah 54:10.
1. He had indeed forsaken them for a little while, but it was only to gather them again with eternal and unchanging favor Isaiah 54:7-8.
2. His covenant with them would be as arm as that which he had made with Noah, and which he had so steadily observed Isaiah 54:9.
3. It would be even more firm than the hills Isaiah 54:10. They would depart, and the mountains would be removed; but his covenant with his people would be unshaken and eternal.
III. A direct address to his people, as if agitated and tossed on a heaving sea, promising future stability and glory Isaiah 54:11-14.
1. They were then like a ship on the stormy ocean, and without comfort.
2. Yet there would be a firm foundation laid. These agitations would cease, and she would have stability.
3. The future condition of his people would be glorious. His church would rise on the foundation - the foundation of sapphires - like a splendid palace made of precious stones Isaiah 54:11-12.
4. All her children would be taught of Yahweh, and their peace and prosperity be great Isaiah 54:13.
5. She would be far from oppression and from fear Isaiah 54:14.
IV. She would be safe from all her foes. No weapon that should be formed against her would prosper. All they who made any attack on her were under his control, and God would defend her from all their assaults Isaiah 54:15-17.