Isaiah 60:17

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

תַּ֣חַת H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 1 of 19
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
נְחֹ֔שֶׁת For brass H5178
נְחֹ֔שֶׁת For brass
Strong's: H5178
Word #: 2 of 19
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
אָ֣בִיא I will bring H935
אָ֣בִיא I will bring
Strong's: H935
Word #: 3 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
זָהָ֗ב gold H2091
זָהָ֗ב gold
Strong's: H2091
Word #: 4 of 19
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וְתַ֤חַת H8478
וְתַ֤חַת
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 5 of 19
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
בַּרְזֶ֑ל and for iron H1270
בַּרְזֶ֑ל and for iron
Strong's: H1270
Word #: 6 of 19
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
אָ֣בִיא I will bring H935
אָ֣בִיא I will bring
Strong's: H935
Word #: 7 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
כֶ֔סֶף silver H3701
כֶ֔סֶף silver
Strong's: H3701
Word #: 8 of 19
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
וְתַ֤חַת H8478
וְתַ֤חַת
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 9 of 19
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הָֽעֵצִים֙ and for wood H6086
הָֽעֵצִים֙ and for wood
Strong's: H6086
Word #: 10 of 19
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
נְחֹ֔שֶׁת For brass H5178
נְחֹ֔שֶׁת For brass
Strong's: H5178
Word #: 11 of 19
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
וְתַ֥חַת H8478
וְתַ֥חַת
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 12 of 19
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הָאֲבָנִ֖ים and for stones H68
הָאֲבָנִ֖ים and for stones
Strong's: H68
Word #: 13 of 19
a stone
בַּרְזֶ֑ל and for iron H1270
בַּרְזֶ֑ל and for iron
Strong's: H1270
Word #: 14 of 19
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י I will also make H7760
וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י I will also make
Strong's: H7760
Word #: 15 of 19
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
פְקֻדָּתֵךְ֙ thy officers H6486
פְקֻדָּתֵךְ֙ thy officers
Strong's: H6486
Word #: 16 of 19
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
שָׁל֔וֹם peace H7965
שָׁל֔וֹם peace
Strong's: H7965
Word #: 17 of 19
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וְנֹגְשַׂ֖יִךְ and thine exactors H5065
וְנֹגְשַׂ֖יִךְ and thine exactors
Strong's: H5065
Word #: 18 of 19
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
צְדָקָֽה׃ righteousness H6666
צְדָקָֽה׃ righteousness
Strong's: H6666
Word #: 19 of 19
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

Analysis & Commentary

God promises comprehensive upgrade: "For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for brass bronze, and for stones iron." Each element is replaced with something superior. This escalation emphasizes dramatic improvement—what was adequate (brass, iron) becomes excellent (gold, silver). The pattern continues: "I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness." Leaders (peqidut—officers/overseers) will embody shalom (peace/wholeness). Tax collectors (noges—exactors/oppressors) will exemplify tsedaqah (righteousness/justice). This transformation of corrupt systems into just ones reflects kingdom reality. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates sanctification—God replacing our base materials with precious ones, transforming our character progressively. It also pictures the consummated kingdom where all leadership perfectly reflects God's character (Revelation 21:18-21 describes the New Jerusalem's precious materials). The emphasis on peace and righteousness echoes messianic prophecies (Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1-5)—Christ the Prince of Peace who rules in righteousness, transforming His people to reflect His character.

Historical Context

Solomon's temple used fine materials, but subsequent periods saw degradation and impoverishment. The second temple was inferior architecturally (Ezra 3:12). More significantly, Judah's leadership was often corrupt—officers oppressive, tax collectors exploitative (Isaiah 1:23, 3:14-15, Jeremiah 22:13-17). The prophecy promised not just better materials but transformed leadership characterized by peace and righteousness. This began fulfillment in Christ's inauguration of the kingdom and continues as the gospel transforms leaders to serve rather than exploit (Matthew 20:25-28, 1 Peter 5:2-3).

Questions for Reflection

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