In the second half of the Eighth Century before Christ, Isaiah conveyed God's message to his countrymen. He warned them about the sinfulness of their ways and of Yahweh's impending judgement of them. Assyria's conquest of Damascus and Samaria was a sign of what could befall them. However, Yahweh was always merciful to the "upright man" who hoped in him (vv.7-8) and who lived and acted in integrity. For such as these, the misery of oppression was punishment enough, and the psalm that Isaiah sings here tells of the reviving of their spirits, thanks to the merciful justice of Yahweh, " the radiant dew" (v. 19)

Hoping in the Lord, seeking Him and desiring Him has its reward. A life of integrity, of turning to the Lord trustingly in all one's difficulties is what Jesus recommends. His gentle invitation to come to Him is graphically put: "...shoulder my yoke... my yoke is easy and my burden light". He promises "rest for your souls".( Mt: 11:28). This "rest" is the same "peace" Isaiah prophesied for those who turn to the Lord. It is the peace of the uplifting of one's misery, the revival of one's spirit that can come as a reward only from trusting in the gentle mercy of God.