Isaiah 52:11

Depart ye. That is, from Babylon (see on ch. 48:20). Isaiah again looks forward to the time of restoration from Babylon. Compare the summons to “come out” of mystical Babylon. (Rev. 18:1-4).

Be ye clean. It was because of iniquity that Israel had been harassed by the Assyrians, and would later go into captivity. The returning exiles were to be a pure people. Without reformation of heart and life the physical restoration of Israel to their homeland would be of little permanent value. Those who come out of mystical Babylon must also be clean (Rev. 18:4; 21:27; cf. 1 John 3:3).

Bear the vessels. The leaders of Israel were to be entrusted with the transfer of the sacred vessels of the Temple from Babylon to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:7, 8; 5:14, 15; 6:5). The priests and the Levites normally had charge of all things pertaining to the Temple (Num. 3:8, 38). They in particular were to keep themselves free from all manner of pollution (Lev. 20:26; 21:1; 22:2, 32). Leaders in the church today have a most solemn responsibility before God to set an example in godly living.