Isaiah 62:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed sentinels. Indeed, there were watchmen stationed on Jerusalem's walls, quite frequently. Yet what protection did they offer? They faced martyrdom themselves. In this context, the guards symbolize either rulers or priests who will forever proclaim and not grow quiet, continually reminding you of the Lord, for He is distinct from you. Oh, if only you, O Jerusalem, would undertake to amend your ways and spread joy throughout the earth! Do you perceive, or do you not, how He consistently affirms that the virtues arise from them?

The speaker addresses his message as if to a magnificent and bustling city. Just as renowned cities have many diligent sentinels, so too has the Creator and Lord of all established the Church through His boundless strength and the assistance of angels. He has appointed wise and watchful guardians, the holy keepers of the mysteries, who continually attend to its needs and remember His glory and wonders, as noted in the Scriptures (cf. Psalm 70:12; Psalm 104:5; Psalm 95:3; 1 Chron. 16:9, 12, etc.). Consequently, we regularly proclaim to the congregation entrusted to our guidance the marvelous deeds of the Saviour and elucidate His divine splendor, fostering in them a steadfast and unwavering faith in Him.

On your city walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; they will not be silent day or night. You who serve as reminders of the Lord, keep your voices from falling silent and do not allow Him to rest until He establishes Jerusalem as a glorious place on earth. In the Septuagint: On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen, who shall never cease day or night, reminding you of the Lord. He is not like you; if He corrects, He will bring glory to Jerusalem on earth. The prophet proclaimed, For Zion's sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest. It is written that your God shall rejoice over you. He assured that He would continually call upon the Savior and Righteous One who is to come, illuminating the entire world like a lamp.

The heavenly beings watch over God's people, and once more, He refers to Jerusalem as His beloved and identifies the righteous leaders of the city and surrounding area as its protectors. These men offer praise to God both at night and during the day, safeguarding the city. Those who perceive them as angels would not be mistaken. It is written, "The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him, and delivers them" (Ps 33:8).

This passage reflects the divine assurance of God's safeguarding over Jerusalem, representing the New Testament Church. It signifies His deep concern for the community He has established, referred to as New Testament Jerusalem. The means by which He exercises His providence are the shepherds and educators of the Church, termed watchmen in this context. These watchmen, akin to sentinels stationed on the city walls to ensure the city’s safety, vigilantly oversee the souls entrusted to them, protecting them from the threats posed by false teachers and ultimately from the greatest adversary, the devil, who prowls like a lion and is as cunning as a serpent, aiming to bring about their ruin.