The prophet calls on the covenant people to rejoice because of the change in their condition (54:1–10). The sufferings of the past and present will give way to a new era. The people are compared to a “barren woman” (54:1), a widow (54:4), and a woman separated from her husband (54:6). The blessedness of the reversal from barrenness and desolation is the reward of the servant. The new age will resemble God’s graciousness to Sarah, who was barren (Gen. 11:30) but who by God’s promise became the mother of nations and kings (Gen. 17:16). The mother’s “tent” will be full (54:2), and the land will be repopulated.

The description of the new condition serves to encourage the people of God not to be afraid or ashamed. In the past they have been ashamed because of the disgrace they carried. Howeve…