God’s comforting promise invites the faithful to a renewed hope in His restoration.
The prophet Isaiah proclaims, “Be joyful with Jerusalem and rejoice for her, all you who love her; Be exceedingly glad with her, all you who mourn over her” (Isaiah 66:10). In this verse, Jerusalem—one of the most significant cities in biblical history—appears not only as the physical capital of ancient Judah but also as a symbol of God’s chosen place of worship and covenant. Geographically, Jerusalem is located in the region of Judea (in present-day Israel), bordered by rugged hills and deep valleys, a setting that allowed it strategic prominence in times of conflict and pilgrimage. Historically, the city served as the spiritual heart of the Israelites who returned generation after generation to participate in feasts and temple worship.
In calling for rejoicing, “all you who love her” (Isaiah 66:10), Isaiah—who served as a prophet in Judah roughly between 740 and 700 BC—addresses those who have a deep affection for and commitment to the city that God has chosen. Even those who “mourn over her” (Isaiah 66:10), likely referencing the people who felt the pain of exile or destruction, are encouraged to find hope and joy in the promise of restoration. This message reflects the prophet’s assurance that God’s compassion is greater than the grief of His people and that comfort will ultimately replace sorrow.
This verse foreshadows the New Testament portrayal of God’s gathering of His people through Jesus Christ. The call to rejoice with Jerusalem can be linked to how Jesus Himself showed both deep affection and lament for the city (Luke 19:41). By acknowledging their sorrow and calling them to joy, Isaiah 66:10 emphasizes that God’s plans involve both the transformation of personal hurts and the restoration of a community centered around His presence.
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Isaiah 66:10 meaning
The prophet Isaiah proclaims, “Be joyful with Jerusalem and rejoice for her, all you who love her; Be exceedingly glad with her, all you who mourn over her” (Isaiah 66:10). In this verse, Jerusalem—one of the most significant cities in biblical history—appears not only as the physical capital of ancient Judah but also as a symbol of God’s chosen place of worship and covenant. Geographically, Jerusalem is located in the region of Judea (in present-day Israel), bordered by rugged hills and deep valleys, a setting that allowed it strategic prominence in times of conflict and pilgrimage. Historically, the city served as the spiritual heart of the Israelites who returned generation after generation to participate in feasts and temple worship.
In calling for rejoicing, “all you who love her” (Isaiah 66:10), Isaiah—who served as a prophet in Judah roughly between 740 and 700 BC—addresses those who have a deep affection for and commitment to the city that God has chosen. Even those who “mourn over her” (Isaiah 66:10), likely referencing the people who felt the pain of exile or destruction, are encouraged to find hope and joy in the promise of restoration. This message reflects the prophet’s assurance that God’s compassion is greater than the grief of His people and that comfort will ultimately replace sorrow.
This verse foreshadows the New Testament portrayal of God’s gathering of His people through Jesus Christ. The call to rejoice with Jerusalem can be linked to how Jesus Himself showed both deep affection and lament for the city (Luke 19:41). By acknowledging their sorrow and calling them to joy, Isaiah 66:10 emphasizes that God’s plans involve both the transformation of personal hurts and the restoration of a community centered around His presence.