Isaiah 60:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He declares that you were forsaken and despised, with no one to assist you. The reason for your humiliation lies in your proud rebellion against the One who could uplift you and sustain you in His favor; indeed, there was no one willing to help, for you were rejected by God due to your audacious actions, not against mere messengers, but against the Sovereign Lord of all. However, since you have endured this humiliation, these tribulations shall come to an end, and He will once again extend His grace towards you. This is because, while you were justly subject to punishment for your disobedience, you will also be granted forgiveness upon your repentance. Therefore, He states, I will place you in the joy of new birth; for within the church of Christ, there is no sorrow. In a realm filled with the hope of incorruption, eternal life, boundless glory, and the kingdom of heaven, what sorrow can exist?

Since you have been abandoned and despised, and no one came to your aid, I will make you a source of glory for all time, a delight for future generations. You will draw nourishment from the nations and receive the bounty of kings. You will know that I am the Lord who delivers you, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. Previously forsaken and scorned, with your branches broken, you were left without assistance, as noted in the Psalms, "And ye shall not resolve to pass by, The blessing of the Lord is upon you" (Ps. 128:8).

The people of God are described as those who were previously alienated from righteousness, regarded as forsaken and unloved, without any expectation of assistance (Is 60:15, LXX). In contrast, those who belong to the branches of the wild olive tree (Rom 11:17, 24) have been granted their rightful place and will be merged into one nation. The Saviour possesses the power to bring together the complete assembly of the redeemed, a unified people from both branches, known as Zion, to whom this promise is given. Some assert that his state of humility was a result of his disobedience to Christ, yet he will find salvation through repentance. Therefore, it is declared: I will make thee greatness for ever, joy in the generations of generations (Is 60:15).

Praise serves as an expression of faith. In the Hebrew scripture, rather than the term ‘salvation,’ the word used is ‘Saviour’ (Yeshua), composed of the same letters and signs as our Redeemer's name. The might of our Lord Jesus functions as a protective fortress and stronghold for those deemed worthy. While glimpses of this were seen in parts, it shall be fully realized with the culmination of existence. Notice how the message guides us away from a purely physical interpretation, preventing us from slipping into a literal Jewish perspective. This is why the gates of the New Jerusalem are depicted as resounding with songs and praises. Through this, we come to understand that our entrance into the divine dwelling occurs through hymns and exaltations to God.

The degradation of Jerusalem was profound, abandoned by its people, despised by foes, and lacking any support to defend itself. However, following the Babylonian exile, a glorious era awaited: the Lord would show compassion and restore it to a state of magnificence that all would celebrate, even its future generations would find joy in its revival. This prophecy indeed holds true, as Jerusalem experienced a lasting period of prosperity until its fall to the Romans, leaving a positive impression on onlookers. Yet, on a deeper level, this prophecy signifies the New Testament Church, which endured significant humiliation at the hands of many adversaries. Through the efficacy of Christ's promise, it has remained, and will forever remain, unconquerable, to the delight of its faithful.