NOTES for Isa 51:1-23
It is not without reason that the author of these words is sometimes called the “Old Testament evangelist.” Addressing the Israelites suffering the hardships of the Babylonian captivity, he brings them truly “good news.” But as always with prophets inspired by the Holy Spirit, his words acquire a universal character. All of us face difficult circumstances when we lose hope that the future can be better, when the signs of decay, destruction, and death are so evident to us... The soil is exhausted, nature is dying, stars explode, entropy increases... All is lost! How important it is at such a moment to hear this ancient promise from God that remains in force: “My salvation will be everlasting.”