Isaiah 60:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The rulers of the Jewish synagogues once acted unjustly and with harshness; they stood against divine laws and consistently rendered flawed judgments. Thus, the Scriptures frequently hold them accountable, indicating that they had sunk to such a depth of evil that they were guilty of grave transgressions. As it is stated in one instance, his leaders judge for bribes, and his prophets pronounce judgments for money (Micah 3:11). Similarly, the divine author (David) notes: Their feet run to evil, and they do not know the way of peace (Isa. 59:7, 8), and there is no fear of God before their eyes (Ps. 35:1). The God of all creation rebuked those who fasted, saying: During your fasts you pursue your own desires, and you oppress your laborers (Isa. 58:3, 4). Moreover, the prophet declared: They covet fields and seize them, and they rob the widows and take away from the husband and his inheritance (Micah 2:2; cf. Isa. 10:2; Isa. 5:8). However, with the absence of their leadership, the countenance of the holy apostles took their place, and those who endeavored to follow the apostles' example rightly proclaimed the word of truth, becoming the just educators of those under them. Thus, he rightly asserts that no injustice will be heard in their land henceforth, nor oppression or destitution, but instead, salvation shall be referred to as the salvation of your gates and the refuge of your salvation. The holy counselors, I believe, are those who protect the church with sound doctrines and moral teachings, making it impervious to visible and invisible foes. They can also be referred to as gates, as they engage in preparatory teaching and, through faith, bring outsiders into the knowledge of the truth. Moreover, they are likened to sculptures due to the beauty and refinement of their words; all that is sculpted is exquisite. This is how it is rendered by the seventy translators; however, other translators suggest that instead of sculpture, it refers to Jesus. In Him, we have a secure wall and gate: He shields us with His incomprehensible power and the guardianship of the holy angels; concerning His angels, it is said, He will command them to protect you in all your ways (Ps. 90:11), and: The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them (Ps. 33:8). Through Him, we gain an understanding of the Father, for He is the door, the gate, and the way. Thus, He declares, ‘I am the door; if anyone enters through me, he will be saved (John 10:9); and ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). He is also a sculpture, that is, the image and likeness of the One who begot Him, the representation of His essence, the image and radiance of His glory (Heb. 1:3; Phil. 2:6; Col. 1:15).

Furthermore, we understand that there exist heavenly hosts and the ‘triumph’ of the saints alongside the Church of the firstborn in heaven, as recorded (Heb 12:23). Therefore, elevate your spiritual gaze to the heights and pursue an understanding of God’s heavenly realm. Yet, how can one conceive within their mind anything deserving of the joy found there, which is nourished by the river of God, crafted by Him as the master creator (Hebrews 11:10)?

The same object can be viewed differently depending on its context; what is a genus for one can be a species for another. To avoid confusion regarding the arts of rhetoric and dialectics, I shall provide simple examples that might illuminate the uneducated reader. My son serves as a species related to me as his genus, and conversely, he serves as a genus to his son. Furthermore, what holds greater significance for one may be lesser for another. A centurion is ranked higher than a common soldier but is lesser than a tribune. Five is few in comparison to ten but significant when contrasted with one.

Therefore, at the restoration of spiritual Jerusalem, wood will transform into brass, and stones will become iron. This symbolizes the transformation of once insensible and indifferent individuals into resources that benefit the city. Likewise, copper and iron will be transmuted into gold and silver through the abundance of virtues, granting not only the appearance of utility but also intrinsic value and beauty. The symbolism of gold and silver has been frequently discussed in Scripture. As it is written, I will establish your leaders for peace, and your overseers for righteousness.

The magnificence of Holy Scripture is noteworthy, as it refers to the future leaders of the Church as overseers, underscoring their worldly stewardship and genuine dignity. They will not deliver judgments filled with folly, nor will iniquity echo in the Church’s land, nor destruction flourish within it. These troubles emerge where iniquity reigns and truth is absent, resulting in the loss of peace. In contrast, salvation, or the Savior—known by the name Jesus according to the Hebrew—will inhabit your walls. He is the fortress that safeguards the walls of the Church, with gates granting access to the glory of the Lord, teaching those who enter to first praise the Lord and confess His name. As the LXX has rendered γλΰμμα as sculpture, we can affirm that the gates of the Church should be crafted from all virtues, enabling entry into its sacred space.