In the very first verse of Isaiah's prophecy, we're given the list of kings who were reigning while he was prophesying. Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Some good, some bad, none great. Throughout, he looks forward to the coming of a new king, the promised king. A new king in David's line who will be different:
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit...
In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples - of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:1,10)
This coming king will be the signal, and all God's people will come to him. Those in exile, those from the four corners of the earth, those who are far off; all will come near and dwell in safety. Never more will there be hurt or harm on all God's holy mountain. And on that day, there will be a new song:
You will say in that day:
I will give thank to you, O LORD,
for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
that you might comfort me.
Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day:
Give thanks to the LORD,
call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously;
let this be made known in all the earth.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 12:1-6)
This salvation has been won for us, we can sing this great song through the Lord Jesus, the root of David, lifted high as the signal of salvation. Through him, the exiles are returning, and God's people are being gathered together from all the nations, to live in the new heavens and the new earth where righteousness dwells.
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