Isaiah 54:2 - Exposition

Enlarge the place of thy tent (comp. Isaiah 33:20 and Jeremiah 10:20 ). The memory of the old nomadic life caused the "tent" to be the symbol and representative of the dwelling-place. Israel will have so many more children that her "tent" will need enlarging. The curtains; i.e. the tent-cloth (comp. Exodus 26:1-37 and Exodus 36:1-38 ; where the word used occurs repeatedly). Thy cords … thy stakes (comp. Exodus 35:18 ; Exodus 39:40 , etc.). The ropes and tent-pegs, which kept the tent-cloth in place, are intended. The enlargement of the tent would make longer ropes and larger pegs necessary.