Isaiah 41:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, let them draw near and proclaim, ‘let us unite for judgement.’ What does it signify, ‘Let us unite for judgement’? To judge entails making a declaration regarding what has been spoken. Here, the future is first revealed. If I were to declare something and fail to bring it to pass, I would be as powerless as idols. Therefore, it is rightly and justly stated, They shall declare, that is, when I have completed all things.

It follows that, in an attempt to illustrate the acceptance of the Gentiles, as if extending the reach of divine action from a central point to all, he calls out to the wayward cities, saying, "Be renewed unto me, ye isles," which means to cleanse the damage and corruption of their hearts from their sins and transgressions, renewing themselves through repentance, aspiring toward better things, and embracing the grace that brings forth transformation unto newness of life through Christ.

Additionally, the churches may be seen as represented by the islands. Although they are subject to worldly challenges and are buffeted by the waves that threaten them, they remain steadfast, built upon the Rock, who is Christ. These churches signify the people called to faith, once engrossed in sin and corruption but now rejuvenated through Christ, becoming pure and without blemish, holy and blameless. Therefore, He calls them to be renewed.

The phrase about princes changing the fortress is affirmed: here, the heralds of truth are referred to as princes, who, after their calling, transformed in comparison to their former selves, as exemplified by Peter, Paul, and the other Apostles. To these, it is most fitting to apply the promise that they will soar like eagles, flow without turmoil, and proceed without complaint. Such miracles are evident in their actions: they are not like their previous Jewish teachers but operate with a new, spiritual authority that far surpasses their former ways.

Thus, let these princes gather and speak in unison. They will come near to the appointed time, for when the moment arrives, they will share one message amongst themselves, echoing the same truths without dispute, as they speak from one Spirit. Contrarily, they will proclaim the divine doctrines and unveil the mystery of Christ in secrecy. This suggests a time for judgment to be proclaimed; the Israelites regarded the law given by Moses as a judgment. Therefore, it is fitting that this, in contrast to the evangelical and saving proclamation, is referred to similarly. The true and righteous judgment of God, as well as the divine law pleasing to Him, is revealed not merely in the shadows of the law but in the preaching of the holy masters of the mystery—the new princes—who, having learned the will of God the Father from Christ, have proclaimed it to us in unity.