Isaiah:60

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Verse 1-8 - As far as we have the knowledge of God in us , and the favour of God towards us , our light is come . And if God 's glory is seen upon us to our honour , we ought , not only with our lips , but in our lives , to return its praise . We meet with nothing in the history of the Jews which can be deemed a fulfilment of the prophecy in this chapter ; we must conclude it relates principally to future events . It predicts the purity and enlargement of the church . The conversion of souls is here described . They fly to Christ , to the church , to the word and ordinances , as doves to their own home ; thither they fly for refuge and shelter , thither they fly for rest . What a pleasant sight to see poor souls hastening to Christ ! * Verse 9-14 - God will be very gracious . We must begin with his promise , thence all mercies take rise . Many shall be brought into the church , even from far countries . Christ is always ready to receive all who come to him ; and the gate of mercy is always open , night and day . All that are about the church shall be made serviceable to it . But those who will not be subject to Christ 's golden sceptre , to his word and Spirit , who will not be kept in by the laws and rules of his family , shall be broken in pieces by his iron rod . The peculiar advantages of every nation , and of every description of men , shall join to beautify the church of Christ . We must suppose this to be accomplished in the beauties of holiness , and the graces and comforts of the Spirit , with which gospel ordinances are adorned and enriched . Blessed be his name , the gates of Zion are ever open to returning sinners . * Verse 15-22 - We must look for the full accomplishment in times and things , exceeding those of the Old Testament church . The nations and their kings shall lay themselves out for the good of the church . Such a salvation , such a redemption , shall be wrought out for thee , as discovers itself to be the work of the Lord . Every thing shall be changed for the better . In thy land shall no more be heard threats of those that do violence , nor complaints of those that suffer violence . Thy walls shall be means of safety , thy gates shall be written upon with praises to God . In the close of this chapter are images and expressions used in the description of the New Jerusalem , Revelation strkjv @21:23 . strkjv @22:5 . Nothing can answer to this but some future glorious state of the church on earth , or the state of the church triumphant in heaven . Those that make God their only light , shall have him their all-sufficient light . And the happiness shall know no change or alloy . No people on earth are all righteous ; but there are no mixtures in heaven . They shall be wholly righteous . The spirits of just men shall there be made perfect . The glory of the church shall be to the honour of God . When it shall be finished , it will appear a work of wonder . It may seem too difficult to be brought about , but the God of almighty power has undertaken it . It may seem to be delayed and put off ; but the Lord will hasten it in the time appointed by his wisdom , though not in the time prescribed by our folly . Let this hope cheer us under all difficulties , and stir us up to all diligence , that we may have an abundant entrance into this everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

---