Isaiah 62:12
And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.
ISAIAH 62:12
This verse names the people as “The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD,” and the city as “a city not forsaken.” The act of naming is a covenantal claim: God has set a people apart for himself, and this people will be known for their holiness and redemption. The contrast with the surrounding nations emphasizes the transformed identity of Zion: not a mere geographical location, but a people re-formed by God’s saving work. The phrase “sought out” conveys divine initiative in seeking the lost, while “a city not forsaken” communicates communal security and divine presence. In the prophetic horizon, this foreshadows the fullness of salvation—restoration, justice, and a reign of peace.
Key themes include sanctification (holiness), redemption, divine pursuit, and communal security. The text grounds hope in God’s relentless love and faithfulness. It also frames the people’s identity as witness: a transformed community that demonstrates God’s saving power to the world. The sense of being “not forsaken” resonates with New Testament promises of God’s unbreakable commitment to his people through all generations.
Practically, pursue holiness in daily life as a marker of belonging to God. Cultivate a community where the redeemed are known for mercy, justice, and hospitality. Let your church be a place where the “not forsaken” promise is visible through care for the vulnerable, reliable leadership, and faithful service. Share stories of redemption—how God has pursued and restored individuals, families, and neighborhoods. Let the church be a visible sign that seeking God and being found by him changes how we live together.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 7:6; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6