Isaiah 1:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It suggests that the name mentioned here is one that is demonstrated through actions. This understanding will serve us well when the Jews ask us to clarify the meaning of the name Immanuel. If Isaiah proclaimed that Christ would be known by that name, and yet He is not literally addressed as such, we can explain that the prophet referred to Him through the significance of His deeds. The same principle applies here.

Concerning the judges and counsellors mentioned, blessed David, through the Holy Spirit, said to Jerusalem: “Instead of thy fathers were thy sons” (Psalms 44:17), meaning that the role of fathers was assumed by their children; indeed, the divine disciples were Jews and members of the synagogue at that time. They became the spiritual fathers of believers, as depicted in Paul’s words: “Of Christ Jesus by the gospel I have begotten you” (1 Cor. 4:15). He further expresses, “My children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you” (Gal. 4:19). Additionally, one of His holy prophets reminds us of Christ, our Savior, and the proclamation of His sacred disciples, stating, “Behold, a righteous king shall reign, and princes with judgment shall rule” (Isaiah 32:1). The leaders of the Jewish synagogue lived in disobedience and lacked true judgment. However, upon Christ’s reign on earth, His divine disciples became just and virtuous rulers. Once they were established, the city of righteousness, now referred to as Zion, represented the Church. This renaming was done with care and purpose, not haphazardly, reflecting how God’s testing revealed the community that was glorified through faith.

Or perhaps, since the true King had not yet come, He promised to appoint judges like those of old, namely disciples of the Lord, of whom it is written, ‘You shall sit on the throne of the twelve tribes, evaluating the twelve tribes of Israel’ (cf. Matthew 19:28). And your advisors will be as they were from the beginning. By doing so, He preserves their freedom, stating that He will not assign a master but a counselor. It is characteristic of a king to impose commands on subjects, while a counselor guides through wise counsel on what is beneficial. Not everyone possesses the strength to discern what is truly necessary on their own. Therefore, the benevolent God provides counselors, not rulers. Hence, we should each view ourselves not as rulers, but as counselors appointed by the Lord for the people. All the prophets, who conveyed useful teachings, acted as counselors, with Moses being foremost among them. In His kindness, the Lord promises to raise up counselors akin to those of the past, namely apostles and evangelists; among them was Paul, minister of the New Covenant, who stated, ‘But I give counsel because I have received mercy from the Lord’ (1 Corinthians 7:25). It is a tremendous blessing to have a wise and nurturing counselor who compensates for the lack of prudence in those seeking guidance! The utility of wise counsel is exemplified by Moses, who, despite being regarded as wise in all the knowledge of Egypt (Acts 7:22) and conversing with God as one friend speaks to another (cf. Exodus 33:11), sought counsel from his father-in-law, Jethro, regarding establishing officials over thousands, hundreds, and tens to judge the people (cf. Exodus 18:21-22). Likewise, David consulted his advisor Hushai, through whom he thwarted the military advice of Ahithophel (cf. 2 Sam. 17:14). In essence, a council is a sacred gathering, reflecting a unity of purpose, a fruit of love, and a manifestation of humility. It is a grave error to believe oneself to be self-sufficient, disregarding the need for others’ guidance as if one alone possesses the best judgment. We often resist acknowledging those who convey necessary teachings and are reluctant to concede that others possess greater wisdom in life. Furthermore, the individual who waits for a counselor while indulging their own opinions often struggles, taking a long time to discern what is necessary. After these events, the abundance of righteousness will be referred to as the hail of righteousness, the mother of all that is good, faithful Zion. The prophet illustrated the outcome of private favors. Instead of the hail associated with wrongdoers, the hail of righteousness will emerge, and instead of the hail connected to immorality, it will be the mother of goodness, exemplifying chastity to other cities. Once again, the hail of righteousness shall exist as it was before tainted by unclean behavior. Thus, adorned with her fitting embellishments, namely counselors and judges, the Church in Christ can be called the mother of righteousness, for she sends forth communities that strive to live according to God's will.

In restoring such leaders, we can consider those after the Babylonian exile, whom the Jews recognize as Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and other leaders who shepherded the people until Hyrcanus, and then Herod assumed the throne. More accurately, we might include the apostles and those who came to believe through them, who became leaders of the congregations. This pertains to both the warning and the promise that relate to the time of the Lord's suffering and the faith established in the church that arose following His Passion. After this, you shall be known as the city of the righteous, the city of the faithful. This prophetic declaration clearly refers to the church's belief in the Lord, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles. The city will be identified as the city of the righteous, namely, of the Lord, or of the righteous ones of whom it is stated, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). By also designating it as faithful, or according to the Septuagint as capital, it signifies that it will be named for those who trust in the Lord.

When this promise is fulfilled, Jerusalem will be known as the city of righteousness; it will gain a reputation for justice and serve as a source of blessings, with positive influences radiating to the surrounding cities and towns of Judah. A steadfast Zion will emerge, where allegiance to the God of their ancestors will thrive, alongside genuine reverence for God, seen as essential for fulfilling their duties towards their neighbors. This vision will begin to materialize partially at the conclusion of the Babylonian exile under Ezra and Nehemiah, and during the Maccabean period, but will culminate primarily in the reign of the Messiah, who will embody perfect justice (Isaiah 11:3-5, Jeremiah 33:15). He will appoint just judges within His kingdom through the Apostles and establish His Church, this New Jerusalem, as the heart of authentic faith and reverence for God.