31:7 In the future the Israelites would sing joyfully among the chief nations where they dwelt. They would call on Yahweh to save the remaining remnant of His people. Calling on Him to do this would praise Him because He promised to save them (cf. Isa. 11:11; 28:5).
31:8 A great number of Israelites of all types would return to the Promised Land from all over the world, not just from the north where they went into Assyrian and Babylonian captivity. The disadvantaged as well as the able-bodied would come, even pregnant women and those about to give birth. If the Lord would bring even these dependent types of people back, there was hope for all (cf. Isa. 35:5-6).
31:9 They would return weeping tears of repentance and praying for the Lord's favor. He would lead them back tenderly, as a father deals with his firstborn son (cf. Exod. 4:22; Deut. 32:6; Luke 15:11-32), and make the trip refreshing, pleasant, and safe.
31:10 The nations also needed to hear that Yahweh would regather the flock of people that He had scattered, namely, Israel.
31:11 The Lord would purchase His contrary people and set them free from those strong enemies who would hold them captive, as He did earlier in the Exodus (cf. Exod. 6:5; 15:13, 15; Deut. 7:8; 9:26; Isa. 35:8-10; 43:1; 44:22-23; 48:20).
31:12 Back in Zion the Israelites would rejoice greatly over the change that Yahweh had made in their condition. They would enjoy all types of bounty (cf. Isa. 58:11), and they would never languish again. The food and drink mentioned were staples in the Israelite diet. This must refer to eschatological blessing, since the Jews are presently languishing.
31:13-14 All ages of people would celebrate because the Lord would change their mourning and sorrow into comfort and rejoicing. The priests would enjoy great abundance of blessing, and all the people would find satisfaction in the Lord for His goodness.
Verses 12-14 may be referring to the eschatological banquet that will occur on earth at the beginning of the Millennium (cf. Isa. 25:6-10). Then the Israelites will appreciate Yahweh as their father (v. 9), shepherd (v. 10), redeemer (v. 11), and king (v. 12).
