“6 On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, 7 and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. 8 The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; 9 but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” (Isaiah 62:6–9)
The ultimate salvation God brings to all of His people, glorification, is preceded by justification and then sanctification. While glorification is salvation from the very presence of sin, justification is God’s initial salvation from the penalty of sin. Justification is then followed by sanctification, which is progressive salvation from the power of sin.
Isaiah 62:6-9 is a description of sanctification for the people of God who lived in Israel during the 8th century B.C. It contains a message of hope from God to His covenant community.
“On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest.” The LORD promised His people that He had established His own unique watchmen on the walls of the city. Rather than military watchmen or lookouts, these watchmen were God’s prophets who He charged with watching over the spiritual condition of His people. The watchmen gave warnings to God’s people concerning lurking enemies, both from without and within. God promised to continually provide His spokesmen to strengthen and encourage His people.
“And give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.” The watchmen were not only to preach to God’s people, they also prayed to the One, True God of the people. Their prayers were for the LORD to establish Israel, or Jerusalem, and make it an object of praise to the LORD.
Dr. John Walvoord writes, “In the ancient world watchmen were stationed on city walls (often in towers) to watch for any approaching enemy. While on guard they were never to sleep. Righteous Israelites, like watchmen, were to be alert on Jerusalem’s behalf. They were to give themselves and God (Him) no rest till He establishes Jerusalem, that is, they were constantly to ask God that the city become the praise of the earth, so blessed by God that people everywhere would extol her (cf. 60:15; 61:11).”
8 “The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; 9 but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.”
God promised that once He established His eternal kingdom, Jerusalem would never be dominated again by ungodly and foreign powers. This is a solemn oath established by God’s sovereign power. .
Dr. Walvoord explains further that, “The “watchmen” were to hold God to His promises, knowing that is what He desires. God’s people should pray for things even when they know God has promised them. Jesus made this clear when He taught His disciples to pray that the kingdom will come (Matt. 6:10). When Jerusalem is restored, it will never again fall to its enemies (Isa. 62:8–9). God has assured it by oath (sworn by His right hand) and by His power (arm).”
God still has His watchmen watching over His people. They are pastor/teachers.
I Peter 5:1-5 says, “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Hebrews 13:7 & 17 says, “7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Thank you LORD for your watchmen. Take time today to thank your pastor for His faithful service.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 