Isaiah 60:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Similarly, a life devoted to the law is comparable to iron, possessing only a moderate shine, whereas a life rooted in Christ and the Gospel radiates with the brilliance of silver, representing perfect spiritual luminosity. The Apostle Paul, despite claiming a significant advantage in his fervent adherence to the law and the knowledge gleaned from it, considered all such achievements as worthless, yearning instead for Christ and the richness of knowing Him (Philippians 3:8).

Both timber and stones serve a purpose in construction. Paul analogizes the construct of some teachings to these materials, asserting that if anyone builds upon this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, or inferior materials like wood, hay, or stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12). Thus, the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees, as well as those of the non-believing Jews who fail to grasp the mystery of Christ due to their disbelief, can be equated to bricks and stones. In contrast, the teachings of Christ and the Gospel are infinitely superior, much like brass is to wood or iron to granite. Their doctrines were unstable, while the teachings of those anchored in Christ shine with strength and durability.

Furthermore, those who embrace Christ impart to their followers the principles of holy living, cultivate a love for sound doctrine, and inspire virtuous actions. This notion aligns with the prophecy's further assertion, "I will give thy princes into peace, and thy overseers into righteousness," indicating that, following the removal of the previous leaders, the Savior will appoint new overseers characterized by peace and righteousness. Indeed, they find peace with God, striving for a disposition that pleases Him, and adorned with the attributes of righteousness. "I will set my hand upon thee, and I will make thee clean, and I will destroy them that repent not, and I will take away all the lawless from thee, and I will humble all the proud. And I will set thy judges as before, and thy counselors as from the beginning: and after these things thou shalt be called the city of righteousness, the mother of the city, faithful Zion" (Isaiah 1:25–26).

In a similar vein, the Savior rebuked the Jewish leaders, stating, "Amen, amen I say to you, that the kingdom of heaven shall be taken away from you, and it shall be given to another tongue that worketh the fruits thereof" (Matthew 21:43).

One single object can be seen as a genus by one and a species by another. To clarify, I will provide common examples that may enlighten the uneducated reader. A son, who serves as a species relative to me, is a genus to his own child. Additionally, it is necessary to note that what is greater for one may be lesser for another. A centurion holds a higher rank than a common soldier but is subordinate to a tribune. Five is a small number compared to ten but significant when viewed in relation to one. Thus, at the restoration of spiritual Jerusalem, wood will be transformed into brass, and stones into iron, representing individuals who once lacked sensibility and feeling but will be made useful for the city. Through the enhancement of virtues, copper and iron will be converted to gold and silver, bestowing not just the appearance of utility but intrinsic value and beauty.

We have often discussed the symbolism of gold and silver in Scripture. The Lord states that He will establish your leaders as agents of peace and your overseers as embodiments of righteousness. This highlights the remarkable nature of Holy Scripture, which designates future Church leaders as overseers, whose authority lies within the world, and whose dignity is in truth. They will not render false judgments, and no iniquity shall be heard in the Church, nor calamity shall afflict it. Such tribulations arise when iniquity flourishes, truth is forsaken, and peace is absent. In lieu of these afflictions, salvation will dwell within your walls, referring to the Savior, known in Hebrew as Jesus, a fitting name for the Lord, who serves as the bastion of the Church's walls. The gates, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are places where those who enter are called to praise Him and acknowledge His name.

Furthermore, as the Greek translation denotes that the term for glory refers to sculpture, it suggests that the gates of the Church must be fashioned from all virtues, allowing entry into the space that honors God.