Isaiah 49:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Proclaiming to Zion that He would be bountiful and gracious, and that His children would come in such number that there would be a need for more space than previously available, He indicated that this multitude promised to Zion would arise not from Israel alone but from the multitude of the Gentiles. This is evident and can be confirmed by the actions taking place. It is true that the remnant of Israel is saved as stated in Isaiah 10:22, yet it remains small in number; conversely, those in the heavenly realms have been drawn through faith in Christ, empowered by the apostolic and evangelical messages that have attracted individuals from all corners of the earth. That this is the case is affirmed by the declaration, 'Behold, I lift up my hand upon the tongues.' The act of lifting up signifies exaltation; the hand represents strength or power. When Christ was revealed to the Gentiles through the proclamation of the Gospel and became elevated through the miracles He performed and His resurrection from the dead—when the emblem of the Holy Cross was made known to those who had not recognized Him, the one who is truly and essentially God—then Zion was filled with multitudes. The Gentiles hurried to Him, calling to one another, saying, Come, let us ascend to the mountain of the Lord, and to the dwelling place of the God of Jacob, and He will instruct us in His ways, and we will walk in His paths (Isaiah 2:8).

That there will be no obstacles for those journeying to the house of God is reflected in the phrases, 'Your sons will be carried in their arms, and your daughters will be borne on their shoulders.' It indeed appears as if the blessed disciples have become guides for the Gentiles. Following their lead, the leaders of the churches, who are already distinguished in the understanding of sacred truths, nurture those who embrace faith, carrying them with care as a mother would, providing nourishment and simplicity in the message of grace. Again, the prophet Isaiah has instructed us, stating, ‘The path of the righteous is upright, and the way of the righteous is made smooth; the path is the Lord's judgment’ (Isaiah 26:7, 8).

Additionally, this introduces the divine forerunner, declaring, prepare the way of the Lord, make straight the paths of our God: every wilderness shall be made fertile, every mountain and hill shall be brought low, the rough will become level, and the rugged will be made smooth (Isaiah 40:8, 4; cf. Luke 7:4, 5). Thus, for those wishing to approach Zion as a nurturing mother, the journey through faith will be effortless; this is symbolized by the gathering into the bosom and the lifting up on the shoulders of both sons and daughters. Moreover, they will be filled with the highest respect, honor, and prosperity, as indicated by the words: Kings will be your shepherds, and princesses will be your caregivers. It can certainly be seen that the piety of the rulers who believe in Christ adorns them with regard and favor, such that they are primarily viewed as their providers.

And if they humble themselves and worship Zion, meaning the Church, as if bowing with outstretched hands to the ground and nearly kissing the dust at her feet: how can there be doubt that with such a transformation of heart, enlightened by the grace of devotion, they will consider it their duty to honor the chosen ones and recognize those who believe in Christ as their children? When this comes to pass, Zion will no longer bear shame as barren and childless, having suffered loss to others, but will instead be adorned with glory.

You will not be surprised when you hear that I have raised My hand to the nations, as it is written: 'You created me and placed Your hand upon me' (Psalm 138:5), and the Savior Himself declared: 'No one can snatch them out of My Father's hand' (John 10:29), and the Apostle Peter advises: 'Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the appropriate time' (1 Peter 5:6). This hand elevated toward the nations is the hand about which the prophet proclaimed: ‘There shall be a root of Jesse, and He will rise to rule over the nations; in Him, the Gentiles will place their hope’ (Isaiah 11:10). Not only will He extend His hand to the nations, but He will also raise His banner among them—the banner of the cross—fulfilling what is written: ‘The earth shall be filled with His glory’ (Habakkuk 3:3), and ‘How majestic is Your name in all the earth’ (Psalm 8:1). The sons of Zion shall be received in the arms of those who carry them, while the daughters will be delivered on their shoulders. This echoes the story of Lazarus and all the saints residing in Abraham's bosom (Luke 16), and the souls of the faithful, to whom the Apostle Paul expressed: “I will provide you with spiritual nourishment” (1 Corinthians 3:2). In another letter, he wrote: “My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19). Furthermore, he likens his desire to that of a nurse cherishing her children—so we wish to share with you not only the gospel of Christ but also our very lives (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). It would be inconceivable for the Jews to carry their aged sons and daughters; however, the nourishing kings and the nursing queens clearly symbolize the apostles and apostolic figures. Such was Abraham, to whom it was said: ‘You are a prince of God among us’ (Genesis 23:6), and whose heart is guided by the Lord (Proverbs 21:1). They instruct the believers to, ‘Like newborn infants, crave pure spiritual milk’ (1 Peter 2:2). The title of ‘princess’ also refers to Sarah, as well as the term queen, or tsarina. Of her, it is sung in the fortieth Psalm: ‘The queen stands at your right hand, adorned in gold’ (Psalm 45:10), who diligently nurtures the children of Christ to maturity: all ages, genders, and ranks shall bow to Zion for the sake of Him who dwells there. Since Christ is the head of the Church, they honor the head within the body. It is stated, ‘Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool’ (Psalm 99:5) not to worship the footstool itself, but to acknowledge the grandeur of His presence. Therefore, why not venerate the Church, which encompasses the entire body of Christ? This fulfills what is written in Zephaniah: ‘All the islands of the Gentiles shall worship Him, each from its own land’ (Zephaniah 2:11). They should not be compelled, like the Jews, to journey once a year to Jerusalem; rather, those who revere the Lord are to find Jerusalem within their own hearts. The phrase ‘to lick the dust of your feet’ indicates that kings and rulers shall purify all worldly matters that cling to the feet of the Church with their words. This aligns with the command for the apostles to shake the dust off their feet (Matthew 10). Peter was instructed that once washed, only his feet remained to be cleansed (John 13). Through all of this, the Church learns that there is no other Lord but the one in whom those who trust will attain eternal glory.

He emphasizes, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Pet. 1:19).

In the era of the King, I encourage you to reflect on the enigmatic words of the prophet Isaiah concerning rulers, as this insight may prove significant. “And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers” (Isaiah 49:23). To whom might the Prophet allude regarding these exalted nurturers? He addresses Zion, not in its thriving condition but amidst a state of despair: “But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me” (Isaiah 49:14). It is clear that Isaiah’s reference to Zion depicts not merely the geographic location, but its inhabitants; as a prophet of God, he sees within Jerusalem the embodiment of the divine, a place where genuine faith resides, envisioned as the Church.

In responding to Zion’s lament over perceived abandonment, the assurance is given: even should a mother forget her child, the Lord will not forsake His own. A promise of unexpected multiplication arises: “Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these?” (Isaiah 49:21). Kings and queens will arise to nurture him and his multitude of offspring: “And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers.” To whom do these nurturing kings refer? Samuel’s prophecy gives rise to speculation about figures such as David and Solomon, the former who elevated Jerusalem’s status, and the latter who adorned it. Yet Isaiah’s prophecies emerged after the golden age of Old Testament Jerusalem, foretelling impending trials before the arrival of better days.

The lamentable aspects of this prophecy can be observed during the Babylonian exile, as well as the suffering endured under oppressive rulers. After the Babylonian captivity, the powers that reigned over Jerusalem were often oppressive and unworthy of nurturing its spirit; the Maccabees, who revived its worship and customs, were not kings. Ultimately, the Old Testament Jerusalem, which longed for the anticipated Christ but was thus implicated in His demise, fell once more under Roman control, and any efforts to restore it ultimately met with divine intervention denoted by calamity.

To discover the realization of these prophetic words, one must view the New Jerusalem, the Christian Church. In its infancy and formative years, it faced antagonistic kings, none who could nurture her, but many who sought her destruction. The sustenance of Christ’s doctrine transformed invisibly into the lifeblood of martyrdom for many of her followers during three centuries of persecution, particularly under Diocletian, when churches were razed, sacred things desecrated, and spiritual leaders were often martyred. In such trials, the new Zion echoed the words of the ancient Prophet: “But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me; my Lord hath forgotten me.” No, beloved, gracious Zion of the Holy One of Israel, He has not forgotten you.

The Lord has allowed you to endure a prolonged trial to shield you from the tarnishing slanders of the age. Through your perseverance despite relentless human efforts to annihilate you, it has become evident that He neither forsakes you nor abandons you to your fate. Kings and persecutors fade away, and King Constantine, Equal to the Apostles, emerges as the first of these prophesied nurturing kings.

Under the miraculous banner of the cross, he triumphed over adversarial rulers and extended his hand of peace to Christ’s Church: the scattered congregations were gathered; the desecrated temples were restored more gloriously than before; hidden believers came forth; and those who failed to recognize the Church’s divine dignity amid her tribulations began to acknowledge it in her triumph. Her adversaries transformed into her own children; thus, the wonder unfolded in her heart, echoing the Prophet's sentiment: “Who hath begotten me these?” King Constantine embodies the true nurturing of the Church, restoring her riches and enhancing them, providing abundantly for her leaders and her less fortunate members. Spiritually, he nourishes her by assembling the guardians of truth against the poisoning forces of heresy, resulting in the formation of an unbreakable vessel for divine teachings— the Nicene Creed.

Orthodox and devout kings such as Theodosius followed in his footsteps, aiding the Church Fathers in solidifying the outcomes of the Council of Nicaea at the Council of Constantinople. Would you wish to recognize one of Zion’s ‘nursing princesses,’ as foretold by Isaiah? This would be the mother of St. Constantine, St. Helen, whose actions may not have governed, but her exemplary faith and holiness profoundly fortified Christianity, especially in Jerusalem, illuminating the global Church. She unearthed the high places of Christianity, dedicating the cross and the Lord’s tomb, along with other holy sites, giving them temples that continue to nourish believers with sacred remembrances and blessed sentiments.

You, children of the Church of Russia, might wonder if the promise of God conveyed through the Prophet that “kings shall be thy nursing fathers” reaches our Church. Reflect on Grand Duke Vladimir and his grandmother Olga, marveling at how God, who “weighs the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance” (Isaiah 40:12) within the material world, similarly governs the moral realm by laws of freedom while respecting autonomy. Like Equal Apostle Constantine, Equal Apostle Vladimir transformed his pagan kingdom into a Christian realm, nurturing the Church through gifts and support. Wise Olga propelled this transformation forward by exhibiting a profound Christian faith, influencing both Vladimir’s advisors and the people.

Let us bring clarity to our purpose. If historical events have validated the prophetic foresight concerning the nurturing kings of Zion, what implications does this hold for us? Is it not uplifting and morally instructive to witness the wondrous ways of God in establishing, propagating, and preserving the Church of Christ? Seven centuries before its establishment, and ten centuries before St. Helen’s son was born, God said through the Prophet: “Thou art My servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” Centuries before Olga’s grandson appeared, the same prophet was told: “Thou shalt feed My people.”

Be not disheartened if at times the true Church appears in decline. She may endure trials, yet she shall not be abandoned. The Lord’s promise stands firm: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15). It is indeed enlightening to discern the divine authority governing earthly kings in relation to the Supreme Authority of the King of kings, who prepares and forecasts the appointed times and missions for each ruler, ensuring they flourish both in earthly governance and in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Recognizing such a prophecy, it becomes our duty to pray for a righteous king and for his righteous deeds. The joy found in a devout ruler is immense; hope for a godly sovereign is profoundly reaffirmed. We hear from our Sovereign, proclaiming peace and upholding the rights and tranquility of Orthodoxy, especially in the sanctified locales of the Holy Land. It is comforting to witness him step along the prophetic path designated for pious kings—the path of the protector of God’s Zion. “Bless, O Lord, Thy servants in Zion” (Psalm 50:20). “Let them be ashamed that hate Zion, and let them return back” (Psalm 128:5). To this mighty defender, “O God, give Thy judgement unto the king” (Psalm 71:1), bestowing righteousness and peace, and triumph over all animosity and deceit. May His judgement be established by God’s holy truth: “The king trusteth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved” (Psalm 20:8). Amen.