Note: In this section of Isaiah there are three units beginning “awake, awake” that form an ABA’ pattern. Each unit has reference to “comfort”.
A. Isaiah 51:9-16 YHWH to rise to deliver Jerusalem
9 Awake, awake,
put on strength, O arm of the LORD …
12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you:
B. Isaiah 51:17-23 Jerusalem to rise from desolation
17 Awake, awake,
stand up, O Jerusalem …
19 These two things are come unto thee;
who shall be sorry for thee?
desolation, and destruction,
and the famine, and the sword:
by whom shall I comfort thee?
A’. Isaiah 52:1-12 Zion to put on wedding garments
1 Awake, awake;
put on thy strength, O Zion;
put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city …
9 Break forth into joy,
sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem:
for the LORD hath comforted his people,
he hath redeemed Jerusalem.