Isaiah 60:17

KJV

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

For brass {H5178} I will bring {H935} gold {H2091}, and for iron {H1270} I will bring {H935} silver {H3701}, and for wood {H6086} brass {H5178}, and for stones {H68} iron {H1270}: I will also make {H7760} thy officers {H6486} peace {H7965}, and thine exactors {H5065} righteousness {H6666}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For bronze I will bring you gold, for iron I will bring you silver, bronze in place of wood, and iron in place of stones. I will make shalom your governor and righteousness your taskmaster.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead of bronze I will bring you gold; I will bring silver in place of iron, bronze instead of wood, and iron instead of stones. I will appoint peace as your governor and righteousness as your ruler.

American Standard Version

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron. I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:17 presents a magnificent prophetic vision of Zion's future glory, depicting a radical transformation from lesser to greater value in material resources and, more profoundly, in the character of its leadership. This verse, nestled within a broader prophecy of divine restoration and light, promises that God Himself will replace inferior materials like brass, iron, wood, and stones with superior ones such as gold, silver, brass, and iron, signifying unparalleled prosperity and an elevation in status. Crucially, it declares a spiritual and ethical revolution in governance, where those in authority will embody peace and righteousness, reflecting God's perfect rule over His redeemed people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60 stands as a radiant beacon of hope and restoration, following chapters that detail Israel's sin, judgment, and subsequent exile (e.g., [Isaiah 58](/isaiah/58 "Isaiah 58 - True Fasting and Sabbath Keeping") and [Isaiah 59](/isaiah/59 "Isaiah 59 - Sin and Redemption")). The chapter opens with a call for Jerusalem to "Arise, shine, for your light has come!" ([Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Arise, Shine!")) and proceeds to describe a future era where the glory of the Lord will be manifest upon her, drawing nations and their wealth as tribute. Verse 17 specifically builds upon this theme of divine blessing and transformation, moving from the general influx of material riches (e.g., [Isaiah 60:5-7](/isaiah/60-5 "Isaiah 60:5-7 - Nations Bringing Wealth")) to a qualitative improvement of existing structures and, most significantly, the moral character of leadership. It is a promise of a complete spiritual and material renewal, where every aspect of Zion's life is elevated by God's direct intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 60 is set against the backdrop of Israel's exile and subsequent return, a period marked by desolation and the lingering effects of judgment. The imagery of replacing common materials with precious ones would have resonated deeply with a people who had experienced the destruction of their temple and city, and the plundering of their wealth. Gold, silver, brass, and iron were not merely commodities; they symbolized strength, value, and divine presence (e.g., in the construction of the tabernacle and temple, as seen in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple")). The mention of "officers" and "exactors" (tax collectors or taskmasters) speaks to the common experience of oppressive or corrupt governance, both from foreign powers (like Assyria or Babylon) and sometimes from within Israel itself (e.g., [1 Samuel 8:11-18](/1_samuel/8-11 "1 Samuel 8:11-18 - Warning Against a King")). The promise of peace and righteousness in leadership would have been a profound aspiration for a people weary of injustice and strife, envisioning a society governed according to God's perfect standards.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Transformation and Restoration**, where God actively intervenes to reverse the effects of sin and judgment, bringing about a new and elevated reality. The progression from lesser to greater value in materials (brass to gold, iron to silver, wood to brass, stones to iron) is a vivid metaphor for this radical upgrade, reflecting God's ability to create something far superior out of what was ordinary or even damaged, a concept echoed in the promise of a [new heavens and new earth](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Righteous and Peaceful Governance**. The promise to make "officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness" is a profound theological statement about the nature of God's ideal kingdom. It signifies a shift from potentially oppressive or self-serving rule to leadership characterized by divine attributes of justice and harmony, a vision consistent with the Messianic prophecies of a king who will rule with [righteousness and equity](/isaiah/11-4 "Isaiah 11:4 - The Righteous Rule of the Messiah"). Finally, the repeated "I will bring" and "I will make" emphasizes **God's Sovereign Initiative and Action**. This transformation is not achieved by human effort or political reform but is a direct, unilateral act of God, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **brass (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** This word (H5178) refers to copper or something made of that metal, often translated as "brass." Figuratively, it can denote something of lesser value when compared to gold or silver. In this context, its replacement by gold signifies a dramatic increase in material worth and status, moving from a common, utilitarian metal to the most precious.
* **exactors (Hebrew, _nâgas'_):** The root word (H5065) means "to drive," implying to drive an animal, a workman, or a debtor. It carries connotations of being a taskmaster, oppressor, or one who taxes harshly. The transformation of "exactors" into "righteousness" (H6666) is a powerful reversal, indicating a shift from coercive, burdensome authority to leadership characterized by integrity, fairness, and moral uprightness, reflecting God's own character.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** This rich Hebrew word (H7965) encompasses far more than just the absence of conflict. It signifies completeness, wholeness, welfare, health, prosperity, and harmony. When officers are made "peace," it means their very essence and function will embody and facilitate this comprehensive well-being for the people, ensuring a flourishing society under their care.
* **righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** This term (H6666) denotes rightness, justice, moral virtue, and even prosperity as a result of right living. For exactors to become "righteousness" means that their actions, particularly in collecting dues or administering justice, will be characterized by absolute fairness, equity, and adherence to God's moral standards, eradicating any form of exploitation or corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron":** This initial clause establishes a profound material and qualitative upgrade. God promises to replace common, less valuable materials with increasingly precious ones. This signifies an era of unprecedented prosperity, abundance, and elevation of status for Zion. It's not merely an addition of wealth but a complete transformation of existing foundations and resources, indicating a divine reversal of past scarcity or degradation.
* **"I will also make thy officers peace":** This marks a pivotal shift from material transformation to moral and ethical governance. "Officers" refers to those in positions of authority or oversight. The promise is that their very nature or the outcome of their leadership will be "peace" (shalom). This implies that their rule will foster holistic well-being, harmony, security, and prosperity for the community, rather than oppression or discord.
* **"and thine exactors righteousness":** "Exactors" refers to those who collect taxes or demand tribute, often associated with harshness or injustice. The promise that they will become "righteousness" signifies a radical ethical transformation. Their actions will be characterized by justice, fairness, and moral integrity, ensuring that all dealings are equitable and aligned with divine standards, thereby eradicating corruption and exploitation from the highest levels of governance.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of radical transformation. The most prominent is **Metonymy** and **Symbolism**, where the materials (brass, gold, iron, silver, wood, stones) symbolize the qualitative state of the city's resources and infrastructure. The progression from lesser to greater value (brass to gold, iron to silver, wood to brass, stones to iron) serves as a powerful **Climax** or **Ascension**, illustrating an unparalleled upgrade. This also functions as an **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, setting the glorious future against the humble or degraded past. Furthermore, the final clauses, "I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness," use **Personification** and **Metaphor**. Officers and exactors do not literally become the abstract qualities of "peace" and "righteousness," but rather their very character and function will embody these virtues, transforming governance into an expression of divine order. The repeated phrase "I will bring" and "I will make" emphasizes **Divine Agency** and **Sovereignty**, highlighting that this transformation is solely God's work, not human achievement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:17 is a profound declaration of God's redemptive power, showcasing His commitment to not only restore but also elevate His people beyond their former glory. The transformation from common materials to precious ones speaks to the abundance and divine favor that will characterize the eschatological age, where God's presence brings unparalleled blessing. More significantly, the promise of peace and righteousness in leadership signifies the establishment of God's perfect kingdom, where justice and harmony prevail, reflecting His own character. This vision moves beyond mere material prosperity to encompass a holistic societal renewal, where governance itself becomes an instrument of divine blessing, ensuring the well-being and moral integrity of the community. It foreshadows a time when all earthly structures will align with heavenly principles.

* [Psalm 72:3](/psalm/72-3 "Psalm 72:3 - The Mountains Bring Peace")
* [Zechariah 8:3](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3 - Jerusalem, the City of Truth")
* [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - No Need for Sun or Moon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:17 offers a breathtaking vision of divine transformation that extends far beyond mere material upgrade; it speaks to a profound spiritual and ethical renewal orchestrated by God Himself. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's redemptive capacity to take what is ordinary, damaged, or even oppressive, and transform it into something of immense value, peace, and righteousness. It calls us to hope in a future where God's perfect will is fully realized, not just in grand cosmic events but in the very fabric of society and leadership. This should inspire us to pray for and work towards righteous governance in our own contexts, understanding that true societal flourishing is rooted in leaders who embody peace and justice. Furthermore, it encourages personal reflection: just as God transforms materials and leaders, He desires to transform our own hearts and lives, replacing our "brass" with "gold," our "iron" with "silver," and making us instruments of His peace and righteousness in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community do I see "brass, iron, wood, or stones" that need God's transformative touch to become "gold, silver, or brass"?**
* **How does the promise of "officers peace, and exactors righteousness" challenge my understanding of leadership and authority today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to embody peace and righteousness in my own sphere of influence, reflecting God's desired transformation?**
* **How does this prophecy of future glory strengthen my hope and trust in God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Isaiah 60:17?**

Answer: The primary message of Isaiah 60:17 is God's promise of radical transformation and elevation for Zion (Jerusalem), encompassing both unparalleled material prosperity and, more significantly, a complete ethical and moral renewal of its leadership. God Himself will replace lesser materials with more precious ones, and corrupt or oppressive governance with leadership characterized by peace and righteousness, ushering in an era of divine order and flourishing.

**How does this verse relate to the broader themes of Isaiah?**

Answer: This verse is deeply embedded in Isaiah's overarching themes of judgment, restoration, and the future glory of God's kingdom. It follows prophecies of Israel's exile and suffering, serving as a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It connects to the theme of divine sovereignty, as God is the active agent ("I will bring," "I will make") in this transformation. It also foreshadows the Messianic age, where a righteous king will rule with justice and peace, bringing about a new creation where God's perfect standards prevail, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 11:1-5](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1-5 - The Branch from Jesse").

**Does this prophecy have a literal or spiritual fulfillment?**

Answer: Like many Old Testament prophecies, Isaiah 60:17 can be understood to have both literal and spiritual dimensions, with an ultimate eschatological fulfillment. Historically, there was a degree of restoration for Jerusalem after the exile, but the grandeur described here far exceeds any historical reality. The material transformation points to God's abundant provision, while the ethical transformation of leadership points to the ideal kingdom of God. Ultimately, it finds its most complete fulfillment in the spiritual reality of the New Jerusalem and the reign of Christ, where perfect peace and righteousness are fully established, as described in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His kingdom. The prophecy of replacing lesser materials with greater ones, and more importantly, transforming oppressive leadership into instruments of peace and righteousness, points directly to the reign of the Messiah. Jesus is the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace") who establishes a kingdom not of this world, but one characterized by divine justice and harmony. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His sacrifice, He inaugurates a new covenant where believers are made new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The promise that "officers peace, and exactors righteousness" is perfectly embodied in Christ's rule, where all authority is exercised with perfect love, justice, and truth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His Church, as the spiritual Zion, is called to reflect this transformed reality, with leaders who shepherd God's flock in righteousness and peace ([1 Peter 5:2-4](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2-4 - Shepherds of God's Flock")). Ultimately, the vision culminates in the New Jerusalem, where God Himself dwells with His people, and there is no more curse, only perfect peace and righteousness under the eternal reign of Christ ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 11:40

God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Isaiah 1:26

And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

Zechariah 12:8

In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David [shall be] as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.

Isaiah 30:26

Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.

1 Kings 10:21

And all king Solomon's drinking vessels [were of] gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold; none [were of] silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

1 Kings 10:27

And the king made silver [to be] in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he [to be] as the sycomore trees that [are] in the vale, for abundance.

2 Peter 3:13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.