Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

ISAIAH 62:10KJV
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Isaiah 62:10 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 62:10 mean?

Isaiah 62:10 calls for people to clear a path and prepare a way for others to come, using images of going through gates, building up a highway, removing obstacles, and raising a signal for the people. The verse paints a picture of making ready a road for a returning group, likely those coming back to Jerusalem.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel, likely during or after their exile, encouraging them to prepare for a great return to their homeland. The language is full of action—passing through gates, building up a road, clearing stones, and lifting a standard—showing a sense of urgency and hope as the people get ready for restoration and a new beginning.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 62:10

  • "Prepare" (פָּנָה, panah): This word means to turn or make ready. Here, it emphasizes the active work of getting the way ready for the people, not just passively waiting.
  • "Highway" (מְסִלָּה, mesillah): This refers to a raised road or causeway, often built for important processions or safe travel. The idea is to make travel smooth and accessible, highlighting the significance of the journey.
  • "Lift up a standard" (נֵס, nes): A "standard" is a banner or signal pole, used to gather or direct people. Raising it means making the way clear and visible so everyone knows where to go.

Why Isaiah 62:10 matters

  • Isaiah 62:10 clarifies that restoration is not just a passive event but something people are called to actively prepare for, removing obstacles and making the way clear.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Isaiah of return from exile and the hope of a renewed Jerusalem, showing that the journey home is a communal effort.
  • The imagery of lifting a standard emphasizes unity and guidance, suggesting that this return is meant for all the people, not just a select few.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H5549 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 9:17 As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?
  • Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.
  • Isaiah 57:14 And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.

“out” Hebrew H5619 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 8:26 And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?
  • Deuteronomy 13:10 And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
  • 2 Samuel 16:6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.

“standard” Hebrew H5251 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 21:8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
  • Isaiah 11:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
  • Isaiah 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

“highway” Hebrew H4546 · used in 26 verses

  • Numbers 20:19 And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.
  • 2 Samuel 20:13 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
  • Isaiah 11:16 And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.