Isaiah 51:1

Hearken to me. Isaiah now addresses the devout in Israel, those who sincerely and earnestly looked for the fulfillment of the promises made to the fathers but who had become discouraged because of their delay and apparent failure (see on chs. 49:4, 14; 50:1). They had forgotten how the Lord had led their fathers in ages past (see LS 196). God now invites them to turn to Him and to forget their doubts and misgivings. For those who seek righteousness and deliverance there is but one way to attain these objectives, and that is by faithful obedience to the voice of the Lord.

Righteousness. Heb. sedeq, usually “righteousness,” but also “justice,” “success,” or “deliverance.” He who sows righteousness will reap justice, success, and deliverance.

The one is the cause, the other the result. Both shades of meaning may be intended here. The first is emphasized in v. 7, and the second in v. 5. If Israel would only do right, they could expect justice, success, and deliverance.

Whence ye are hewn. Israel was to reflect on the way by which God had led the nation in past ages. From a humble beginning they had become a great nation. As stone is taken from the quarry and shaped into a beautiful temple, so the people of Israel had been brought out of Egypt and Mesopotamia and prepared by God to be His living representatives. How marvelously the Lord had worked in their behalf! Now He would have them take courage, in faith believing that He would do so again.