‘Jehovah Has Taken Delight in You’

 9. Describe the transformation of Zion.

⁹ The giving of a new name is part of the delightful transformation of heavenly Zion as represented by her earthly children. We read: “No more will you be said to be a woman left entirely; and your own land will no more be said to be desolate; but you yourself will be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Owned as a Wife. For Jehovah will have taken delight in you, and your own land will be owned as a wife.” (Isaiah 62:4) Earthly Zion has been desolate since her destruction in 607 B.C.E. Jehovah’s words, however, assure her of the restoration and repopulation of her land. Once-ravaged Zion will no longer be a woman left entirely, and her land will no longer be desolate. The restoration of Jerusalem in 537 B.C.E. means a new condition for her, in complete contrast with her formerly ruined state. Jehovah declares that Zion will be called “My Delight Is in Her,” and her land, “Owned as a Wife.”​—Isaiah 54:1, 5, 6; 66:8; Jeremiah 23:5-8; 30:17; Galatians 4:27-31.

10. (a) How was the Israel of God transformed? (b) What is the “land” of the Israel of God?

¹⁰ Starting in 1919 a similar change was experienced by the Israel of God. During the first world war, anointed Christians appeared to be disowned by God. But in 1919 their favored status was restored, and their way of worship, purified. This affected their teachings, their organization, and their activity. The Israel of God came into its “land,” its spiritual estate, or realm of activity.​—Isaiah 66:7, 8, 20-22.

[Picture on page 339]

Jehovah will call heavenly Zion by a new name