Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 17. For brass I will bring gold, and for iron will I bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron. I will also make thy government peace, and thine exactors righteousness.

Vers. 17. For brasse I will bring gold, and for iron will I bring siluer, and for wood brasse, and for stones iron. I will also make thy gouernment peace, and thine exactors righteousnesse.

¹The Prophet alludes to the building of the old and ancient Temple, and compares it with the spiritual and heavenly. As if he should say, When you shall be carried away captive, then you will bewail the ruin of the Temple: but I will so work, that you shall build it after a more excellent manner. In stead of brass then, I will bring gold, and in stead of iron, silver; for wood, brass, and for stones, iron. As if he had said, All shall be full of magnificence and glory in that second Temple which shall succeed the first. Now we know that this prophecy was never accomplished in the external restoration of this people. Nay, it is certain that the beauty of the second Temple was far inferior to the first: Ezra. 3.12.13. It follows then, that the Prophet who in spirit, saw the true redemption, recites not only that which should fall out presently after the return of the people; but publisheth the excellency of the spiritual Temple, which is the Church of Christ: we must therefore come by a direct line, as it were unto Christ, if we will attain the true meaning of this prophecy. In his kingdom these things were fully accomplished, and the dignity of the first Temple was much surpassed: For the Lord shed abroad the gifts of his holy spirit, which far excelled either gold, silver, or precious stones. We may now then see the Temple built of precious stones, as it was in Chapter 54.11.12.

¹THe Prophet alludes to the building of the old and ancient Temple, and compares it with the spirituall and heauenly. As if hee should say, When you shall bee carried away captiue, then you will bewaile the ruine of the Temple: but I will so worke, that you shall build it after a more excellent manner. In stead of brasse then, I will bring gold, and in stead of iron, siluer; for wood, brasse, and for stones, iron. As if he had said, All shall bee full of magnificence and glorie in that second Temple which shall succeed the first. Now we know that this prophesie was neuer accomplished in the externall restauration of this people. Nay, it is certaine that the beautie of the second Temple was farre inferior to the first: