The Lord here addresses the nations of the earth. Sir Isaac Newton observes that to the Hebrews the continents of Asia and Africa were "the earth," because they had access to them by land, while the parts of the earth to which they sailed over the sea were "the isles of the sea." The Lord promises the nations of the earth that, through the help of Israel, the waste places will be redeemed (v. 8); liberty will be established (v. 9) prosperity will be general (v. 10); and means of communication will be multiplied (v. 11).