The prophet brings the people back to their own situation (51:17–23). When God’s judgment came on them, there was no word of comfort. The suffering of judgment is metaphorically described as a “cup” (51:17). The “cup” is an expression of the fullness of the anger of the Lord: “ruin and destruction, famine and sword” (51:19). Now, he graciously rouses them from their drunken stupor. The Lord who judged them will again defend his people. He removes the cup of judgment from them. He encourages them in that their lot will fall on their oppressors.

In response to their prayer (“awake, awake,” 51:9), the Lord calls his people to wake up from their stupor (52…