Isaiah 60:12

Isa 60:12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted.

Ver. 12. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish.] They are utterly out then, who hold that men may be saved in what religion soever, so be it they lead an honest life. And Pope Julius III is justly accused of sacrilege for stamping money with his own image and this inscription, "The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish."

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Isa_60:12

For the nation and kingdom that will not serve Thee shall perish

The character and doom of a corrupt nation

I.

THE CHARACTER OF A CORRUPT NATION. The text implies--

1. That there is a certain course of human life which the Bible recognizes as serving the Lord.

2. That nations as well as individuals are bound to pursue that course. There is no sentiment more common, none more philosophically absurd, none more morally pernicious than this: that communities of men are relieved from obligations which are binding upon individuals.

II. THE DOOM OF A CORRUPT NATION. They shall perish, yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.

1. The doom is most calamitous. It shall perish.

(1) Perish as to their national existence. Their commerce shall waste away; their government shall be dissolved; all the institutions they glory in shall die out. The whole land shall be desolate as an old castle, Many great nations have thus died. Where are the empires of the Pharaohs, the Belshazzars, the Alexanders and the Caesars? They have perished, they have utterly wasted.

(2) But there is a more solemn sense still in which nations perish, that is, in a spiritual sense. They shall lose their souls. Not their existence, not their consciousness, not their memories; but their mercies, their friendships, their hopes, their heaven, their God.

2. The doom is most certain. It is here threatened with emphasis--they shall perish, yea, etc. All analogy indicates its certainty. Our subject explains--

(1) National convulsions.

(2) The true method of promoting national stability. (Homilist.)

The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

NECESSITY OF RELIGION TO THE WELL-BEING OF A NATION

Isa_60:12. The nation and kingdom that will not serve Thee shall perish, &c.

I. True religion is essential to the welfare of a nation. But what is human welfare? What is that state to which we can, with full satisfaction, attach the idea of well-being? In a word—what is happiness, that object which all desire, and seek and strive to obtain, &c.? Legislation, &c., will not affect the solid welfare of a nation. Facts confirm what reason had anticipated, that true religion is the only foundation of a nation’s welfare. The reasons of the fact arise from the very nature of the case in the operation of moral causes. What the religion of the Gospel teaches and does, &c.

II. By what means may we most effectively endeavour to realise the welfare of our country, and that as the fruit of its religion? All Christians are called to promote the conversion of sinners, the more expansive holiness of believers, and the universal glory of their Lord: in a word, to make the nation Christian, by making the persons who compose the nation such. Respecting the selection and applica-of the particular methods for this purpose, the new Testament allows very great latitude provided that grand principles be preserved—

(1) Spirituality;

(2) simplicity;

(3) liberty.—J. P. Smith, D.D., LL.D.: Pulpit Memorials, pp. 59–75.

The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.

60:12 In the coming age, nations that refuse to obey God will be destroyed.

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

He showeth that God hath given all power and authority here in earth for the use of his Church, and that they which will not serve and profit the same, shall be destroyed.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

For--the reason which will lead Gentile kings and people to submit themselves; fear of the God in Israel (Zac 14:17).

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

12. Comp. Zec_14:17-18. The verse is objected to by Duhm and Cheyne on account of its prosaic character and unrhythmical structure, and also because it violates the strophic arrangement which these writers find in the chapter. It certainly seems to intrude awkwardly between Isa_60:11 and Isa_60:13.

shall be utterly wasted] The verb applies strictly to the lands rather than to the peoples (see the notes on ch. Isa_37:18).

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish,.... That will not serve the Lord Christ, and worship him with his church and people; that will not be obedient to the laws and ordinances of his house; but appoint another head over them, the pope of Rome; and make other laws, and set up other ordinances, rejecting the authority of Christ, the rule of his word, and the order of his churches:

yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted; even all the antichristian states, when the vials of God's wrath will be poured out upon them; see Zac 14:17.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

For the nation and kingdom - Perhaps this is given as a reason for What is said in the previous verse - that kings and their subjects should come to Zion and embrace the true religion, because if it were not done they would perish. This is certainly one reason why sinners hasten to embrace the Saviour; and when this truth becomes deeply impressed on a community, it is one of the means of a revival of religion. An apprehension of danger; a certain anticipation of ruin if the gospel is not embraced; a conviction that ‘there is salvation in no other,’ is often a means of leading people to seek the Saviour.

That will not serve thee - That will not become the servant of the church of God: that is, that will not promote its interests, obey its laws, and maintain the true religion.

Shall perish - This is applied particularly here to a ‘nation’ and a ‘kingdom.’ The idea is, that no nation can flourish that does not obey the law of God, or where the worship of the true God is not maintained. History is full of affecting illustrations of this. The ancient republics and kingdoms fell because they had not the true religion. The kingdoms of Babylon, Assyria, Macedonia, and Egypt; the Roman empire, and all the ancient monarchies and republics, soon fell to ruin because they had not the salutary restraints of the true religion, and lacked the protection of the true God. France east off the government of God in the Revolution, and was drenched in blood. It is a maxim of universal truth, that the nation which does not admit the influence of the laws and the government of God must be destroyed. No empire is strong enough to wage successful war with the great Yahweh; and sooner or later, notwithstanding all that human policy can do, corruption, sensuality, luxury, pride, and far-spreading vice, will expose a nation to his displeasure, and bring down the heavy arm of his vengeance.

There is no truth of more vital interest to this nation (America) than this; no declaration in any ancient writing expressive of the course of events in this world, that hangs with note portentous interest over this republic, than that ‘the nation that will not serve god shall perish.’ As a nation, we have nothing else to depend on but our pubic virtue, our intelligence, our respect for the laws of heaven. Our defense is not to be in standing armies - but in God, as our living and everwatchful protector and friend. Our hope is not in a vast navy, in strong ramparts, in frowning battlements, but in the favor of the Most High. No martial array, no strong fortresses, no line-of-battle-ships, can save a nation that has cast off the government of God, and that is distinguished for the violation of treaties and for oppression, bribery, and corruption. The nation that violates the Sabbath; that tramples on the rights of unoffending men and women; that disregards the most solemn compacts; and that voluntarily opens upon itself the floodgates of infidelity and vice, must expect to meet with the displeasure of the Almighty. And it is as true of an individual as it is of a nation. Of any human or angelic being; of any association or combination of human beings or angels that does not obey God, it is true that they shall be utterly destroyed.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Desolation. Though the Machabees conquered several nations, this can only be verified in the Church of Christ, to which God has subjected all; so that out of his faith none can be saved, Hebrews ii. 8.

George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).

That will not serve thee; do offices of kindness; so is the word used, Isa 19:23; or rather, that will not submit to Christ’s sceptre.

Shall perish; shall be no more sui juris, but subdued to thee; and as refusing subjection to Christ, shall perish everlastingly; as they all perished in the deluge that were not in the ark: they that should be saved were added to the church, Act 2:47; Rev 21:24.

Utterly wasted, Heb. wasting be wasted, viz. by the sword: accordingly we read of many victories in Josephus that the Jews obtained, and in the Book of the Maccabees, as a fulfilling of this prophecy; but this doth principally relate to the spiritual Jerusalem, and this seems to anticipate an objection, If the gates stand continually open, we shall be in danger of enemies. Not so, saith he, for they shall either serve thee or perish.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

12. Nation and kingdom — Even at the height of Messianic triumphs it would seem resistance was occasionally made. So in the New Testament, at the so-called millennial periods, the conquests of the true religion will not fully prevail till after long unsuccessful struggles.

Shall perish — Final resistance will end disastrously. This is the providential law, till the last enemy shall be conquered. Absolute peril awaits all who resist God.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

The nation... that will not serve thee shall perish. God"s curse shall be upon them; they shall wither and decay for lack of the Divine favour and of the graces which God dispenses to mankind through his Church. (comp. Zec_14:17-19)

The condition of national prosperity.

"Every nation shall fall unless it serves the Lord, the righteous God, the God of Israel, through whom alone is salvation. The figure of serving Israel means serving the God of Israel" (Matthew Arnold). Foerster remarks that "the Roman pontiffs abuse this oracle of the prophet to establish their tyranny over monarchs. In particular, it is recorded of Pius IV, that at the time of his election he caused a coin to be struck, on one side of which was his own image, adorned with a triple crown, and on the other these words of the prophet were inscribed." Barnes gives suggestions for the historical illustration of the passage: "The idea of the verse is that no nation can flourish and long continue that does not obey the Law of God, or where the true religion does not prevail, and the worship of the true God is not maintained. History is full of affecting illustrations of this. The ancient republics and kingdoms fell because they had not the true religion. The kingdoms of Babylon, Assyria, Macedonia, and Egypt; the Roman empire, and all the ancient monarchies and republics, soon fell to ruin because they had not the salutary restraints of the true religion, and because they lacked the protection of the true God. France cast off the government of God in the first Revolution, and was drenched in blood. It is a maxim of universal truth that the nation which does not admit the influence of the laws and the government of God must be destroyed. No empire is strong enough to wage successful war with the great Jehovah; and, sooner or later, notwithstanding all that human policy can do, corruption, sensuality, luxury, pride, and far-spreading vice will expose a nation to the displeasure of God, and bring down the heavy arm of his vengeance." The precise form in which this subject is dealt with must depend on the standpoint of the preacher. It is better, therefore, only to give the lines in which thoughts, arguments, and persuasions may run. The conditions of national prosperity are

I BELIEF IN GOD. Atheism never has built up, and never can build up, a stable nation. An atheistic nation is like a wall of loose stones. There is nothing to bind it into a unity of strength.

II ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GOD. From different points of view the absolute necessity for some public and authorized testimony of the national faith may be urged.

III OBEDIENCE TO GOD. By the recognition of his Law as the absolute standard of national righteousness, the final court of appeal.

IV REFERENCE TO GOD. In all times of national perplexity or peril. "Righteousness exalteth a nation," but righteousness is this trying to know God"s will, and trying to do it. R.T.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Serve - That will not submit to Christ's scepter.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

“For the nation and the kingdom which will not serve thee shall perish, and the nations shall be desolated, desolated.” Similar threatenings are found in Zec 12:2-3, and Zec 4:1-7, in the last of which places there is a specific threat of drought, as the appointed punishment. This has led some writers to explain the last verb here as meaning to be utterly dried up or parched. But in Isa 37:18, above, it is applied to nations in the general sense of desolation. The ‘for’ at the beginning of the verse is commonly explained as introducing a reason for the confluence of strangers just before predicted, namely, the desire of escaping this destruction; but it may as well be understood to give a reason for the promise of increase in general. The gates of Zion shall be crowded because all shall enter into them but those who are to perish. The nations in the last clause may mean the nations just described, or, as the common version expresses it, those nations. But it may also mean, perhaps more naturally, those who still continue to be Gentiles, heathen, by refusing to unite themselves with Israel. The threatening in this verse is a very serious one, however understood; but it is also very strange and unaccountable if understood as meaning that all nations shall be utterly destroyed which will not serve the Jews when restored to their own country. Even if we give to serve the mitigated sense of showing favor and assisting, there is still something almost revolting in the penalty annexed to the omission; how much more if we understand it as denoting actual subjection and hard bondage. The whole is rendered clear by the assumption that the threatening was intended to apply, in its most obvious and strongest sense, to all those nations which refuse to be connected with the Church or Israel of God.

Joseph Addison Alexander, The Prophecies of Isaiah (1846–1847; New York: Scribner, 1870–1878) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.

those nations will be completely destroyed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "I will completely destroy the people of those nations" (See: Active or Passive)

The glory of Lebanon

This refers to Lebanon being famous for its beautiful trees, especially cypress and cedar. The exact identification of all the trees is not known.

the place of my feet

This refers to Yahweh's temple. (See: Metonymy)

translationWords

nation

kingdom

servant

perish

Lebanon

cypress

fir

sanctuary

glory

unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.

חרב יחרבו They will be slain. This verb is derived from חרב sword; comp. החרב נחרבו they are surely slain. (2 Kgs. 3:23). Some explain it they shall be utterly wasted, and compare it with חרבן destruction. I prefer the first explanation.

Ibn Ezra on the Tanakh — English translations: “Sefaria Community Translation” (CC0 1.0 (public-domain dedication)); “Yalkut, Sifsei Chachomim Chumash, Metsudah Publications, 2009” (CC BY 4.0); and “Commentary of Ibn Ezra on Isaiah - trans. by M. Friedlander, 1873” (public domain). Text via Sefaria.