Chapter 7 ends with a description of the desolation of the land brought about by Israel’s disobedience. Now God takes it upon himself to bring about a change despite Israel’s failure. This is the outworking of God’s grace and his faithfulness to his promises.

The depth of God’s emotion is very evident here. In 1:14 his zeal is aroused by the sight of a Gentile world that is secure and prosperous while Israel is in distress. There his zeal brings about the destruction of the godless nations and a restored Jerusalem. Here his zeal is aroused by the words of 7:13–14, and it effects spiritual as well as physical restoration. The fact that God will dwell in Jerusalem is the supreme blessing, and if God is there, what purpose does fasting serve?

The two names given to Jerusalem are more than …