Jehovah Does Not Stay Quiet

Babylon is overthrown in 539 B.C.E. Thereafter, King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree enabling God-fearing Jews to return to Jerusalem and restore Jehovah's worship.  (Ezra 1:2-4)  In 537 B.C.E., the first returning Jews are back in their homeland.  Jehovah once again shows favor to Jerusalem, as is reflected in the warmth of his prophetic  declaration:  "For the sake of Zion I shall not keep still, and for the sake of Jerusalem I shall not stay quiet until her righteousness goes forth just like the brightness, and her salvation like a torch that burns." -Isaiah 62:1.

In 537 B.C.E., Jehovah fulfilled his promise to restore Zion, or Jerusalem.  Her inhabitants experienced salvation by him, and their righteousness shone brightly.  Later, though, they again drifted away from pure worship. Eventually, they rejected Jesus as the Messiah, and Jehovah  finally abandoned them as his chosen nation.  (Matthew 21:43; 23:38; John 1:9-13)  Jehovah caused a new nation, "the Israel of God," to be born.  This new nation became his  special people, and in the first century, its members zealously preached the good news throughout the then known world. (Galatians 6:16; Colossians 1:23)  Unhappily, following the death of the apostles, there was a falling away from true religion.  As a result, a apostate form of Christianity developed, as found today in Christendom.  (Matthew  13:24-30, 36:-43; Acts 20:29, 30)  For centuries, Christendom has been allowed to bring great reproach upon Jehovah's name.  Finally,  however, in 1914, Jehovah's "year of goodwill" began, along with the major fulfillment of this part of Isaiah's prophecy. -Isaiah 61:2.

Today Jehovah's promise to restore Zion has been fulfilled on his heavenly organization, "Jerusalem above,"  as represented on earth by her children, spirit-anointed Christian.  (Galatians 4:26)  Jehovah's heavenly organization serves as a devoted helper-watchful, loving, and industrious.  What a thrilling occasion it was when in 1914 she gave birth to the Messianic Kingdom!  (Revelation 12:1-5) From 1919 in particular, her earthly children have preached to the nations  about her righteousness and salvation. As Isaiah foretold, these children have Illuminated the darkness like torch, letting their light shine. -Matthew 5:15, 16; Philippians 2:15.

Jehovah is keenly interested in his worshipers and will not rest, or stay quiet, until he has fulfilled all the promises he made to Zion and her children.  The remaining ones of the anointed along with their "other sheep" companions also refuse to keep silent.  ( John 10:16)  They are noisy indeed as they point people to the only way of salvation. -Romans 10:10.

Next time:  "A New Name" Given by Jehovah

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001