“Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzi–bah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.”
The promise that Zion will no longer be called Forsaken or called Desolate, but will be called Hephzibah ("My delight is in her") and Beulah ("Married"), establishes new identity superseding shame-names. The transformation of names from abandonment to delight and marriage imagery indicates restoration of intimate relationship with YHWH. The new names are YHWH's own designations: the divine voice pronounces Zion's restored identity. The marriage metaphor suggests covenant renewal as intimate union. This verse celebrates eschatological name-change: the shame-marked city becomes YHWH's beloved, her worth recognized and celebrated.
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