At various points in Isaiah there are "songs of praise". The book of Isaiah is revealing God's plan of salvation for Israel and for the whole world. It is a plan that goes against all expectations and unfolds in an amazing way, bringing salvation to people who least deserve it, and in situations where it is least expected. That is why we get these periodic songs of praise.
These songs are often a call to sing a "new" song. Life is different, the prospects for life are different, because of the Lord's plan. We need to constantly look at our own lives in the light of the Lord, then we too can sing a new song. Again, all the lands, including the distant islands, are called upon to sing this new song. God's salvation reaches far and wide.
The Lord acts with zeal, like a champion. God is enthusiastic about bringing salvation, it is not something He is reluctant to do, rather something He delights in doing. He delights in brining salvation into your life.
It seemed as though the Lord had remained silent for a long time. This would be true for the Israelites in Babylon. When Jesus came it had been some 400 years since there had been any real prophets. And up until that point it seemed as if God had little interest in the nations.
When God acts in our own lives, just prior to it happening it seems that He has forgotten about us, that He has no intention about doing anything in our lives. This passage likens God's acting to a woman giving birth. Events have been building up to the birth for several months, then there is a dramatic birth and everything changes. When He acts it is good news for those who believe, but it is bad news for those who trust in idols.
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