Isaiah 58:12

Old waste places. Or, “ancient ruins” (RSV). When, eventually, the Jews should return from captivity they would find Jerusalem in ruins. But the nation’s moral edifice also lay in ruins, and this must be rebuilt. Here is pictured a great work of revival, reformation, and restoration. A breach had been made in the wall, as it were, because of the failure to practice true religion (vs. 3-5). Nevertheless, the foundations remained, and upon them a new structure was to be reared. The manner of rebuilding the “old waste places” has been set forth in vs. 6-10; it consists of a revival of practical religion. The place where reformation is to begin is indicated in v. 13.

Paths to dwell in. That is, right courses of action. Ancient pathways once trodden by God’s people are to be restored (see Jer. 6:16). Right principles are to be honored and followed in all the relationships of life. All over the world the work of restoration is in progress. The Sabbath is being restored to its rightful place in the law of God and in the lives of men. Again men and women are being taught to walk in the ways of the Lord. They are being invited to enter the city of God and to take their place in the living temple that is being built (1 Cor. 3:9-11, 16; Eph. 2:20-22; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Peter 2:4—9).