Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her,
The prophet, having denounced God's judgments against a hypocritical nation, that made a jest of God's word and would not answer him when he called to them, here turns his speech to those that trembled at his word, to comfort and encourage them; they shall not be involved in the judgments that are coming upon their unbelieving nation.
Commenting on Isaiah 66:5-14
Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her,.... The church; she bringing forth so many spiritual children to Christ; just as, when a woman is delivered of a child, her friends and neighbours congratulate her upon it, and rejoice with her on that account; as Elisabeth's neighbours and relations did, at the birth of John the Baptist, Luk 1:57, so the church's friends here...
love . . . mourn for her-- (Psa 102:14, Psa 102:17, Psa 102:20; Psa 122:6).