49:9
The Lord speaks to those who are captives and those who are living in darkness. The gospel message is a message of freedom and release from captivity, as was shown in God setting Israel free from captivity in Egypt. Having been in captivity for so long the Israelites found it hard to believe that they could be free. Likewise, we can find it hard to imagine how we can be free, as can anyone who is living in darkness. God then promises that they will find sustenance when they come out of darkness, even in places where they would not expect to find it (beside the roads, and on barren hills). We need to live by the word of God, by faith, not by what we imagine to be true.
49:10
No more hunger or thirst. In John 4:13 Jesus promises that those who drink of Him will never thirst. There is a complete transformation. While in captivity they were subject to the evil powers of Babylon, just as people can be subject to various evil powers. But when we respond to God’s call to be free we are no longer under the powers of darkness, but are looked after by the One who has compassion. He protects and cares for us (Col 1:13).
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