Christmas Season · Nativity of the Lord - Day Mass · Year B
Isaiah 52:7-10
The Cup of the Lord’s Wrath
December 27, 2026
Overview & Insights
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.” (Isaiah 52:7)
In 50:4 the subject suddenly changes again—in two senses. The grammatical subject is once again a human “I” rather than a divine “I,” and the thematic subject is the pressure upon this human “I.” In both respects the passage parallels 49:1–6, and it will emerge that 50:4–52:12 forms a sequence parallel to 49:1–50:4, analogous to double sequences we have noted earlier in chapters 40–55. The arrangement of sections is not as tightly parallel as in earlier instances, but the parallelism again means that the second sequence develops issues raised in the first. Here, as there, that involves discussion of the role of Yahweh’s servant (50:4–11 as 49:1–6), but here the destiny of Zion and the way the destiny of the Babylonian community relates to it (51:1–52:12 as 49:7–50:3) receive more attention.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Commentary on Isaiah 52:7-10 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on the herald whose feet bring good news, the Day Mass first reading.
Isaiah 52:7-10 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary linking the watchmen's shout, Your God reigns, to the good news of Christmas.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Isaiah Chapter 52 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on the beautiful feet of the messenger and the Lord baring his holy arm before the nations.
Isaiah 52:7 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentary on the herald of peace and salvation on the mountains.
Background & Word Study
Isaiah 52:7 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew word by word with parsing for good news (mevasser), peace (shalom), and Your God reigns (malak).
Sefaria: Isaiah 52 Sefaria
Hebrew text with the Jewish Publication Society translation and classical Jewish commentary on Zion's comfort.
Enter the Bible: Isaiah Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary overview of Isaiah and the Second Isaiah songs of return from exile.
BibleProject: Book of Isaiah Overview BibleProject
Animated literary overview placing this herald of good news within Isaiah's message of comfort.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What good news does Isaiah 52 proclaim?
The watchmen sing as the Lord returns to Zion and comforts his people; every end of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on John 1:1-18 or John 1:1-5, 9-14
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.