19, 20. What does Isaiah write about the restoration of Israel to a place of beauty, and how is this fulfilled?

¹⁹ In figurative language, Jehovah now reinforces his promise to bring succor to his people. Isaiah writes: “The afflicted ones and the poor ones are seeking for water, but there is none. Because of thirst their very tongue has become dry. I myself, Jehovah, shall answer them. I, the God of Israel, shall not leave them.

Isaiah 41:17

²⁰ Though the exiled Israelites reside in the capital city of a wealthy world power, it is to them like a waterless desert. They feel like David when he was hiding from King Saul. In 537 B.C.E., Jehovah opens the way for them to return to Judah and rebuild his temple in Jerusalem, thus restoring pure worship.

21. What restoration occurred in modern times, and what will happen in the future?

²¹ Something similar occurred in modern times when the Greater Cyrus, Christ Jesus, liberated his anointed followers from spiritual captivity so that they could work to restore pure worship.