Awake, Awake, Zion, put on your strength

Isaiah 52:1-2 Jerusalem, Holy city, put on your splendid garments, for the heathen and unclean will never again enter you. Arise, captive city- shake off the dust and loosen your bonds.
Isaiah 52:3-6 The Lord says: You were sold, but no price was paid and without payment, you will be redeemed. My people were captives in Egypt, then Assyria, but now, what do I find? My people in exile and My name reviled constantly. But on the Day that I save My people, they will know My name and know that it is I, the Lord, who speaks. Here I am!
Isaiah 52:7-9 The bringer of good news announces deliverance, proclaiming to Zion - Your Lord has become King! You who keep watch, raise your voices and shout with joy, for you will see the Lord return to Zion. The Lord has comforted His people and redeemed Jerusalem.
Isaiah 52:10 The Lord has bared His holy arm and all the world will see the deliverance of His people.

Isaiah 52:11-12 Go out, leave Babylon behind, touch nothing unclean – keep pure, you that carry the holy vessels. But you will not flee in urgent haste or leave like fugitives, for the Lord will go before you and He will be your rearguard.
Isaiah 52:13 My servant will achieve success, He will be honoured and exalted.

Isaiah 52:14 The time was when many despised you, My people, just as My servant [Jesus] is despised and rejected. So He will cover many nations and what they were not told, they will then understand.
Reference: REB, NIV. Some verses abridged

My comments and matching verses ;
V 1-6 Jerusalem, cleansed and made holy. His people, righteous Israel, redeemed and saved. Isaiah 51:11 Note- “captives in Assyria”, the ten Northern tribes.
V 7-9 ‘You who keep watch, will see the Lord return to Zion’ This shows that His people are there, in the Land, before the Return of Jesus.
V 10 “The Lord has bared His holy arm” Shown His strength, that is on His Day of wrath and vengeance. Isaiah 63:4 , Deut 32:40-42
V 11-12 His people – leave your homes, the Lord will guide you.[in the same way as He did for ancient Israel] Do not bring anything that will defile you. You will travel to the Promised Land in style and march with joy and thanksgiving. Isa 30:29, Jer 31:8-9, Isa 40:29-31
“You that carry the Holy vessels” The Temple will be rebuilt, the Ark and all the Temple treasures will be placed in it. Ezekiel 43:4-5, Eze 43:12, Isaiah 60:7
V 13-14 Those peoples who have not received the gospel will be told the truth.

Bruce McKerras January 2011