Interpretation Helps for Isaiah 60, 62, and 63

There's just so much good stuff in Isaiah; I can't pick just one topic! Here are some helps on some of the more difficult verses and sections we read today:

• When God says in Isaiah 60:16, "You will drink the milk of nations and be nursed at royal breasts," he is saying that the talents, treasures, and energy of believers from all nations will nourish the Church.
• Isaiah 62:5 says, "As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." "Sons" doesn't seem to make sense, especially when the parallel in the next line is "God." The footnote suggests "Builder," a name for God. The latest NIV translation replaces "sons" with "Builder."
• In 62:11 the LORD says, "See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him and his recompense accompanies him." Recompense means "pay in return for something." The meaning of this passage, then, is that the effort God puts forth brings about his desired results.
• In Isaiah 63:1-6 when it talks about "garments stained crimson" it brings about the thought of Jesus' saving work for us on the cross. However, the sections goes on to talk about his anger and wrath. Edom is typically a symbol of those opposed to God's people, so this section is actually about God's judgment towards those who reject him and oppose his people.
• In 63:16 Isaiah says, "But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us." Abraham and Israel are oblivious because they are dead--gone from earth and, in heaven, not aware of earth's affairs.
• Isaiah 63:17 is somewhat alarming on first read. Isaiah asks, "Why, O LORD, do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts so we do not revere you?" The Bible often talks about God hardening hearts, meaning he prevents those people from coming to faith. Overall, however, it's clear that "God...wants all people to be saved" (1 Timothy 2:3-4), and that he hardens hearts in cases where people were hardening their hearts toward him to begin with.