In Isaiah, chapter fifty-four, verse three, “Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.”
God encourages the exiles by promising conditions that would bring blessing and joy. Though Jerusalem was barren and fruitless, a day was coming when true believers would be more than before the exile. “Thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles,” as in verse three, may refer to the faithful believers among God’s people who spread the gospel of Christ to many nations during New Testament times.
Observe the low state of religion in the world before Christianity was brought in. By preaching the gospel, multitudes were converted from serving idols to the living God. This is a matter of great rejoicing to the church. The bounds of the church were extended. Though its state on earth is but mean and movable, like a tent or tabernacle, it is sometimes a growing state, and must be enlarged as the family increases. However, as the church grows, it should fortify against errors and corruptions. Thy Maker is thy Husband. Christ is the Holy One of Israel, the Mediator of the covenant made with the Old Testament church. Long, he had been called the God of Israel. But now he shall be called the God of the whole earth. And he will cleanse from sin and cause every true believer to rejoice in this sacred union.