TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 60:9–14. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The promises made to the church in the foregoing verses are here repeated, ratified, and enlarged upon, designed still for the comfort and encouragement of the Jews after their return out of captivity, but certainly looking further, to the enlargement and advancement of the gospel church and the abundance of spiritual blessings with which it shall be enriched.
I.God will be very gracious and propitious to them.
We must begin with that promise, because thence all the rest take rise. The sanctuary that was desolate begins to be repaired when God causes his face to shine upon it, Dan 9:17. All the favour that the people of God find with men is owing to the light of God's countenance and his favour to them (Isa 60:10): "All shall now make court to thee, for in my wrath I smote thee, while thou wast in captivity" (and the sufferings of the church, especially by its corruptions, decays, and divisions, against which these promises will be its relief, are sad tokens of God's displeasure), "But now in my favour have I had mercy on thee, and therefore have all this mercy in store for thee."
II.Many shall be brought into the church, even from far countries (Isa 60:9):
Surely the isles shall wait for me, shall welcome the gospel, and shall attend God with their praises for it and their ready subjection to it. The ships of Tarshish, transport-ships, shall lie ready to carry members from far distant regions to the church, or (which is equivalent) to carry the ministers of the church to remote parts, to preach the gospel and to bring in souls to join themselves to the Lord. Observe,
1.Who are brought - thy sons, that is, such as are designed to be so, those children of God that are scattered abroad, Joh 11:52.
2.What they shall bring with them. They live at such a distance that they cannot bring their flocks and their rams; but, like those who lived remote from Jerusalem (who, when they came up to worship at the feast, because they could not bring their tithes in kind, turned them into money), they shall bring their silver and gold with them. Note, When we give up ourselves to God we must with ourselves give up all we have to him. If we honour him with our spirits, we shall honour him with our substance.
3.To whom they shall devote and dedicate themselves and all they are worth - to the name of the Lord thy God, to God as the Lord of all and the church's God and King, even to the Holy One of Israel (whom Israel worships as a Holy One, in the beauty of holiness), because he has glorified thee. Note, The honour God puts upon his church and people should not only engage us to honour them, but invite us to join ourselves to them. We will go with you, for God is with you, Zac 8:23.
III.Those that come into the church shall be welcome; for so spacious is the holy city that though, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, yet still there is room. "Therefore thy gates shall be open continually (Isa 60:11), not only because thou hast no reason to fear thy enemies, but because thou hast reason to expect thy friends." It is usual with us to leave our doors open, or leave some one ready to open them, all night, if we look for a child or a guest to come in late. Note, Christ is always ready to entertain those that come to him, is never out of the way, nor can they ever come unseasonably; the gate of mercy is always open, night and day, or shall soon be opened to those that knock. Ministers, the door-keepers, must be always ready to admit those that offer themselves to the Lord. God not only keeps a good house in his church, but he keeps open house, that at any time, by the preaching of the word, in season and out of season, the forces of the Gentiles, and the kings or commanders of those forces, may be brought into the church. Lift up your heads, O you gates! and let such welcome guests as these come in.
IV.All that are about the church shall be made in some way or other serviceable to it.
Though dominion is far from being founded in men's grace, it is founded in God's; and he that made the inferior creatures useful to man will make the nations of men useful to the church. The earth helped the woman. All things are for your sakes. So here (Isa 60:10), "Even the sons of strangers, that have neither knowledge of thee nor kindness for thee, that have always been aliens to the commonwealth of Israel, even they shall build up thy wall, and their kings shall in that and other things ministers unto thee and not think it any disparagement to them to do so." This was fulfilled when the king of Persia, and the governors of the provinces by his order, were aiding and assisting Nehemiah in building the wall about Jerusalem. Rather than Jerusalem's walls shall lie still in ruins, the sons of the stranger shall be raised up to build them. Even those that do not belong to the church may be a protection to it. And the greatest of men should not think it below them to minister to the church, but rejoice that they are in a capacity, and have a heart, to do it any service. Nay, it is the duty of all to do what they can in their places to advance the interests of God's kingdom among men; it is at their peril if they do not; for (Isa 60:12), The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; not that they must perish by the sword or by human anathemas, or as if this gave any countenance to the using of external force for the propagating of the gospel, or as if men might be compelled by penalties and punishments to come into the church; by no means. But those who will not by faith submit to Jesus Christ, the King of the church, and serve him, shall perish eternally, Psa 2:12. Those that will not be subject to Christ's golden sceptre, to the government of his word and Spirit, that will not be brought under, or kept in, by the discipline of his family, shall be broken in pieces by his iron rod. Bring them forth and slay them before me, Luk 19:27. Nations of such shall be utterly and eternally wasted, when Christ shall come to take vengeance on those that obey not his gospel, Th2 1:8.
V.There shall be abundance of beauty added to the ordinances of divine worship (Isa 60:13):
The glory of Lebanon, the strong and stately cedars that grow there, shall come unto thee, as of old to Solomon, when he built the temple (Ch2 2:16), and with them shall be brought other timber, proper for the carved work thereof, which the enemy had broken down, Psa 74:5, Psa 74:6. The temple, the place of God's sanctuary, shall be not only rebuilt, but beautified. It is the place of his feet, where he rests and resides, Eze 43:7. The ark is called his footstool, because it was under the mercy-seat, Psa 132:7. This he will make glorious in the eyes of his people and of all their neighbours. The glory of the latter house, to which this refers, though in many instances inferior, was yet really greater than the glory of the former, because Christ came to that temple, Mal 3:1. It was likewise adorned with goodly stones and gifts (Luk 21:5), to which this promise may have some reference; yet so slightly did Christ speak of them there that we must suppose it to have its full accomplishment in the beauties of holiness, and the graces and comforts of the Spirit, with which gospel ordinances are adorned and enriched.
VI.The church shall appear truly great and honourable, Isa 60:14.
The people of the Jews, after their return out of captivity, by degrees became more considerable, and made a better figure than one would have expected, after they had been so much reduced, and than any of the other nations recovered that had been in like manner humbled by the Chaldeans. It is probable that many of those who had oppressed them in Babylon, when they were themselves driven out by the Persians, made their court to the Jews for shelter and supply and were willing to scrape acquaintance with them. This prophecy is further fulfilled when those that have been enemies to the church are wrought upon by the grace of God to see their error, and come, and join themselves to it: "The sons of those that afflicted thee, if not they themselves, yet their children, shall crouch to thee, shall beg pardon for their folly and beg an interest in thy favour and admission into thy family," Sa1 2:36. A promise like this is made to the church of Philadelphia, Rev 3:9. And it is intended to be,
1.A mortification to the proud oppressors of the church, that have afflicted her, and despised her, and taken a pleasure in doing so; they shall be brought down; their spirits shall be broken, and their condition shall be so mean and miserable that they shall be glad to be obliged to those whom they have most studied to disoblige. Note, Sooner or later God will pour contempt upon those that put contempt upon his people.
2.An exaltation to the poor oppressed ones of the church; and this is the honour that shall be done to them, they shall have an opportunity of doing good to those who have done evil to them and saving those alive who have afflicted and despised them. It is a pleasure to a good man, and he accounts it an honour, to show mercy to those with whom he has found no mercy. Yet this is not all. "They shall not only become suppliants to thee for their own interest, but they shall give honour to thee: They shall call thee, The city of the Lord; they shall at length be convinced that thou art a favourite of heaven, and the particular care of the divine providence." That city is truly great and honourable, it is strong, it is rich, it is safe, it is beautiful, it is the most desirable place that can be to live in, which is the city of the Lord, which he owns, in which he dwells, in which religion is uppermost. Such a one is Zion; it is the place which God has chosen to put his name there; it is the Zion of the Holy One of Israel; therefore, we may be sure, it is a holy city, else the Holy One of Israel would never be called the patron of it.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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(Verses 13, 14.) The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the cypress, the fir tree, and the pine tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will glorify the place of my feet. The descendants of those who oppressed you will come to you bent low, and all who spoke against you will bow down at your feet and call you the city of the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. LXX: The glory of Lebanon will come to you with the cypress, the pine tree, and the cedar tree together to glorify my holy place, and I will glorify the place of my feet. And those who have humiliated you, and have provoked you, will come to you trembling, and they will bow down at your feet, all those who have provoked you; and you will be called the city of the Lord, Zion. Sancti Israel. Many things are missing in the Septuagint, which I have placed under asterisks from the Hebrew, and what they have added, I have marked with an obelus. Mount Lebanon is a mountain in Phoenicia, planted with tall trees, which the Psalmist describes saying: I have seen the wicked exalted and lifted up like the cedars of Lebanon (Ps. 36:35). And in another place: The Lord will shatter the cedars of Lebanon (Ps. 29:5). And many other things that I pass over for the sake of brevity. About this, once King Hiram of Tyre used to send cedars to Solomon in Joppa for the building of the Temple of God (3 Kings 5). Concerning this, Scripture also now promises the fir tree, the box tree, and the pine tree, or according to the Septuagint, the cypress tree and the pine tree, and the cedar tree, or according to Aquila, the fir tree, the thaadaor tree, and the thaassur tree; or according to Theodotion, the Brais tree, the Thadaar tree, and the Theassur tree, should be cut down together, so that the temple of Zion may be built (2 Chronicles 2). But if this is the case, where will the golden and jeweled Jerusalem be? Where will the Lamb's wife be? Where will the twelve gates, distinguished by a variety of precious stones, be? Unless perhaps it will be built with walls adorned with gems, and its foundation, and the Temple, which ought to be more beautiful, will be built with wood. By what means are we compelled to understand all things spiritually, that the fir, cypress, pine, and cedar, once lofty trees of Lebanon, have glorified the Temple of God, and made His holy place illustrious? So that I do not drag out the sense in a lengthy discourse, does not the holy and most eloquent martyr Cyprian, and the confessor Hilary of our time, seem to you to have built the Church of God like once towering trees in the world? And what follows: And they shall come to you bowed down, or returning, the sons of those who humbled you, and they shall adore the steps of your feet, all who detracted from you, we should understand this about those who are Christians not by choice but by necessity, and who, fearing the offense of the rulers, bend with fearful minds. Certainly, what persecutors believed later. Such was also the apostle Paul, who persecuted the Church of God, and later was called a vessel of election (Acts 9). When this has been fulfilled, so that the fullness of the Gentiles may enter, then all Israel will be saved. And it will be truly called the city of the Lord Zion, Holy Israel, which stands on a hill and is gathered from both peoples.
Scripture likes to compare the multitude of the saints with trees of this kind.… Paul calls us in one place “the plantation of God.” Some interpreters say that Scripture calls the nations Lebanon (just as Carmel can mean Jerusalem, though it is a mountain in Samaria) on the grounds that it comes from another race. According to the historical sense it means those trees supplied for rebuilding. But according to the spiritual sense, it means the minds of the righteous ones. These are they who submitted themselves to those persecuting the church and with this transformation of mind worship God in it. Others think that it is Jerusalem that has been humbled and sings praises to Christ.
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Summary
Isaiah 60:13 offers a magnificent prophetic vision of Zion's future glory, depicting the nations bringing their most precious resources, specifically the renowned timber from Lebanon, to adorn and beautify the dwelling place of God. This verse encapsulates the divine promise of restoration and the establishment of God's majestic presence in Jerusalem, transforming it into a radiant center of worship and honor, where the very ground God treads is made glorious.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 60 is a pivotal chapter within the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-66), which shifts from themes of judgment and exile to profound promises of restoration, light, and glory for Zion. Following the call for Jerusalem to "Arise, shine" in Isaiah 60:1, the chapter vividly portrays the ingathering of nations, their wealth, and their reverence flowing into the city. Verse 13 specifically builds upon the preceding verses that describe the return of exiles and the bringing of "the wealth of the Gentiles" (Isaiah 60:5) and the "flocks of Kedar" and "rams of Nebaioth" for sacrifice (Isaiah 60:7), emphasizing that even the natural resources of the earth will contribute to the beautification of God's holy dwelling.
Historical & Cultural Context
The imagery of Lebanon's trees holds significant historical and cultural weight. Lebanon was famed in the ancient Near East for its majestic and durable timber, particularly its cedars, firs, and pines, which were highly prized for construction, especially for grand structures like temples and palaces. The most notable historical precedent for this is King Solomon's use of Lebanese timber, supplied by Hiram of Tyre, for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem (e.g., 1 Kings 5:6). Thus, the mention of "the glory of Lebanon" coming to Zion evokes a sense of unparalleled beauty, strength, and sacred dedication, harkening back to a golden age of Israelite architectural and spiritual splendor, but now on an even grander, divinely orchestrated scale.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah 60 and the broader prophetic book. It underscores the theme of Divine Restoration and Beautification, where God actively intervenes to renew and adorn His dwelling place, transforming a desolate Zion into a place of unparalleled splendor. The imagery of the finest trees from Lebanon highlights the theme of Abundance and Ingathering of Resources, signifying that all the earth's choicest treasures will be consecrated to God's purposes, brought by nations drawn to His light, as prophesied earlier in the chapter (e.g., Isaiah 60:11). Furthermore, the declaration "I will make the place of my feet glorious" profoundly emphasizes God's Holy Presence and Ownership, indicating an intimate, tangible divine presence that sanctifies and glorifies the very ground of His sanctuary, elevating Jerusalem to a center of universal worship and divine manifestation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term properly signifies weight, but figuratively denotes splendor or copiousness. In the context of Isaiah 60:13, "the glory of Lebanon" refers to the magnificent and highly prized trees (fir, pine, box) that represent the very best and most honorable produce of that region. It implies the weighty significance and inherent splendor of these natural resources, now dedicated to God's sanctuary.
This word refers to a consecrated thing or place, specifically a holy place or temple, whether of Yahweh or idols. Here, it denotes the sacred dwelling place of God in Jerusalem. It signifies a space set apart for divine presence, worship, and encounter, which will be adorned with the finest materials, reflecting its elevated status as God's chosen abode.
This primitive root means "to be heavy," but in a good sense, it conveys being numerous, rich, or honorable. Causatively, it means "to make weighty." In this verse, "I will make... glorious" (a Hiphil perfect verb of H3513) means God Himself will cause the place of His feet to be weighty with honor, splendor, and divine presence. It is an active declaration of God's intention to infuse the location with His own majesty and renown, making it resplendent.
Verse Breakdown
"The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee,"
This phrase initiates the prophetic promise, personifying the natural splendor and esteemed resources of Lebanon. "The glory" refers to its most magnificent and valuable assets—its trees—which are depicted as willingly coming to Zion. This signifies the voluntary offering and dedication of the best of creation to God's purposes.
"the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together,"
These specific types of trees (H1265 bᵉrôwsh, H8410 tidhâr, H8391 tᵉʼashshûwr) highlight the variety, abundance, and quality of the timber. They represent the choicest and most durable materials, emphasizing the richness and comprehensive nature of the resources being consecrated. The word "together" (H3162 yachad) underscores a unified, collective offering.
"to beautify the place of my sanctuary;"
This clause states the explicit purpose of this ingathering of resources: to adorn and enhance the beauty of God's holy dwelling place. The verb "beautify" (H6286 pâʼar) suggests not just decoration, but an act of glorifying and exalting, making the sanctuary a place of profound aesthetic and spiritual magnificence.
"and I will make the place of my feet glorious."
This is a powerful divine declaration. "The place of my feet" (H4725 mâqôwm H7272 regel) is an anthropomorphic expression referring to God's dwelling place, often specifically the Temple or Jerusalem, where His presence rests. The declaration "I will make... glorious" (H3513 kâbad) signifies God's active role in infusing this place with His own divine weight, splendor, and honor, ensuring that its glory is not merely derived from the materials but from His direct, sanctifying presence.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:13 is rich with literary artistry that enhances its prophetic message. Personification is evident in "The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee," where the inanimate trees are depicted as actively approaching Zion, symbolizing the willing submission and dedication of natural resources to God. Symbolism is central, with "the glory of Lebanon" representing the pinnacle of natural beauty, strength, and value, which is then consecrated to God. The "fir tree, the pine tree, and the box" further symbolize the abundance and diversity of the earth's choicest offerings. The phrase "the place of my sanctuary" and "the place of my feet" employs Metonymy and Anthropomorphism, referring to God's dwelling (the Temple/Jerusalem) by alluding to His presence there. The "place of my feet" is a vivid anthropomorphic image suggesting God's intimate presence and ownership, making the very ground He treads sacred and radiant. The entire verse functions as a form of Prophetic Imagery, painting a vivid and aspirational picture of future eschatological glory, where the material world is transformed and dedicated to divine purposes, reflecting God's ultimate sovereignty and beautification of His kingdom.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 60:13 profoundly speaks to the eschatological hope of God's people, portraying a future where divine presence is not merely spiritual but also tangibly manifests in the physical beautification of His dwelling place. This vision emphasizes God's commitment to restoring and glorifying Zion, making it a beacon that draws all nations and their choicest offerings. It underscores the truth that true glory emanates from God's presence, and when He makes a place "glorious," it signifies an infusion of His own majesty, holiness, and splendor, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. This prophetic promise extends beyond a physical temple, pointing to a time when God's glory will permeate the earth through His people, reflecting His ultimate reign and the consummation of His redemptive plan.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 60:13 offers a powerful vision that transcends its historical context, providing profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God delights in beauty and excellence, and that the dedication of our best resources, talents, and efforts to His service is a fitting response to His glory. Just as the finest trees were brought to beautify His sanctuary, we are called to offer our "firstfruits" in all areas of life, recognizing that everything we have is from Him and for His glory. Furthermore, this verse fuels our hope for the future, assuring us that God's plan for restoration and glory is unstoppable. In a world often marked by decay and brokenness, we are reminded that God is actively working to make all things new and glorious through His presence. This promise encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in that which truly lasts and participating in God's ongoing work of beautification, both in our own lives and in the world around us, anticipating the day when His glory will fully cover the earth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "Lebanon" in this verse?
Lebanon was renowned in the ancient world for its majestic and durable timber, particularly its cedars, firs, and pines. These trees were highly prized building materials, used for grand structures, including King Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5:6). In Isaiah 60:13, "the glory of Lebanon" symbolizes the finest, most valuable, and most beautiful natural resources, representing the best of creation being consecrated and brought to adorn God's sanctuary in Zion. It signifies not just material wealth but also the honor and reverence from the nations.
Does "the place of my sanctuary" refer to a literal temple building?
While "sanctuary" (Hebrew, miqdâsh) often refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, in the broader prophetic context of Isaiah 60, its meaning expands. It certainly includes the idea of a rebuilt and glorified Temple, but it also encompasses the entirety of Jerusalem (Zion) as the spiritual and physical center of God's glorious presence on earth. The phrase "the place of my feet glorious" further emphasizes God's intimate, personal presence and ownership over this sacred space, making the very ground He treads radiant with His divine splendor. Ultimately, this vision points to a spiritual reality where God's dwelling is fully established among His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 60:13, with its vibrant imagery of nations bringing their finest resources to beautify God's sanctuary, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a physical temple of stone, but in the person of Jesus Christ and His spiritual body, the Church. Christ Himself is the true "glory" of God, the radiance of the Father's glory and the exact representation of His being (Hebrews 1:3). He is the ultimate "sanctuary," the place where God fully dwells among humanity (John 1:14). Through His atoning work, believers are brought into this divine dwelling, becoming living stones in a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, built upon Christ the cornerstone (1 Peter 2:5 and Ephesians 2:20-22). The "glory of Lebanon" and the choicest trees coming to beautify the sanctuary are thus fulfilled in the diverse gifts, talents, and lives of believers from every nation, who are brought into Christ and consecrated to God, adorning His spiritual temple—the Church—with the beauty of holiness and the riches of His grace (Romans 12:4-8). Ultimately, the promise that God "will make the place of my feet glorious" points to the New Heavens and New Earth, where God's dwelling is explicitly with humanity, and the Lamb is its lamp, radiating divine glory for all eternity (Revelation 21:22-24).